Whenever it rains hard or for a prolonged time, there is the potential for significant damage to homes when a solid roof doesn’t protect you. Here are some effects of heavy rainfall on your roof and what you can do to avoid them.
Heavy rainfall effects
If heavy storms are frequent in your area, heavy rains will wear down shingles and other elements of a roof. High winds and rainfall after a storm’s wake can involve lost shingles and moisture penetration in the underlayment. This water damage can penetrate the roof deck. The water could eventually compromise the structural integrity of the home. Excessive moisture may also lead to rot and mold inside your home, which will not be suitable for the structure and health of your house AND family.
Homes with sloping roofs can present unique challenges when trying to protect from rain damage. Unfortunately, water collects where parts of the roof connect. The good news! Roofers can install waterproofing for roofs of this type to protect against moisture damage. However, if not appropriately installed, problems may also arise, especially if gutters are clogged. Furthermore, anywhere there are holes for rainwater to collect mixed with backed-up gutters, you have the potential for severe roof damage.
Protecting your roof
Knowing a roof’s weak spots is the best way to protect against the effects of heavy rainfall and high winds on your roof. We highly recommend you check on your home’s condition after a significant rainstorm. A professional inspection once a year is necessary to assess possible damage and develop action plans to prevent more or worse damage.
Furthermore, we highly recommend you consider preparing your home for hurricanes and other intense storms for the year. Gabled roofs are the most vulnerable to heavy rains and wind. Still, any roof with missing shingles, damaged flashing, or a lack of weatherproofing will take a beating from storms throughout the year. A small problem could turn into a more significant issue later. Preventive maintenance is the best way to prolong the life of your roof. Check out our roof checklist to help prepare your roof for A LOT of rain and WIND!
Quick Checklist
- Check your gutters –Make sure your gutters are free of debris to avoid water backing up. Also, check your downspouts for blockage and clogs and make sure water can flow smoothly through. Make sure all drains are free from impediments.
- Check for and remove and roof debris. Also, inspect the roof for cracks on the roof’s ridges and cracked or damaged shingles.
- Make sure the flashing does not have any holes, cracks, or rusted spots. Ensure the flashing is properly sealed and has no holes.
- Inspect skylights to make sure they are sealed and secured
- Check flat roofs for standing water, deterioration, and discoloration. Inspect tile roofs for missing tile and shingle roofs for missing or cracked shingles.
- Trim nearby trees and bushes – Dead trees and overhanging branches can damage a roof if they fall on it. Make sure any overhanging tree limbs are trimmed before the rainy season begins.
- Prevent leaks before they start – Many large roof issues could have been avoided by fixing small leaks and defects before they worsened. Fix the minor issues to prevent more significant problems later!
TSpark Enterprises offers a wide range of roofing services, including work such as roof maintenance, gutter maintenance, roof replacements, leak diagnoses, roof repairs, roof tiles, metal roof, asphalt shingles, and more. Visit our website or call (850) 766-1340 to get a free estimate and embark on your roof maintaining journey today!