Maintenance Tips to Help Prevent Roof Leaks

Published on June 15, 2020

Owning a home comes with both responsibilities and challenges. With general upkeep, the smart approach is to ensure ongoing maintenance. But – wear and tear does take a toll over the years. Roof leaks, for example, are a very common problem, and roof leak repair is a common need.

Unfortunately, roof leak repair is also one of the more costly issues to deal with, especially with the physical damage that can be caused. As it is, roof leaks can affect the physical structure of the home in a number of ways. That’s why it’s so important to annually inspect the roof and attic.

Preventing Roof Leaks and Potential Damage

The worst part of roof leakage is that signs and symptoms are only evident after the fact. In other words, the source and scope of the leakage is detected only when damage is observed. As such, it’s highly recommended to take a preventive approach and keep the roof and attic in good shape.

Regular Roof Inspection

Roof leaks are often elusive and difficult to diagnose. That’s why it requires an experienced roof professional to detect the “water path” and locate the actual source of leakage. Here, an annual roof inspection is recommended to identify weak points and potential leaks that need attention.

Roof Maintenance Plan

Problems in the roof and attic can be easily averted with a comprehensive maintenance plan. The smartest approach is to have a professional maintenance check once every year. This will provide an overview of all types of issues – from insulation, to water leaks, to air sealing, to ventilation.

Attic Ventilation Check

High levels of moisture in the attic and roof cavity can pose problems similar to a roof leak. This is where ventilation comes into play – and when the installed components are inadequate, then changes should be made. Appropriate attic ventilation is just as important as attic insulation.

Roof Flashing Checkup

Roof flashing is quite a common source of water leaks. Flashing (usually metal) is used to connect various roof components – like skylights, air vents, chimneys, and other roof “junctions”. Roofing professionals can determine if and where water may be seeping in and around the roof flashing.

Gutter System Cleaning

Downspouts and gutters are a very important part of the roof system and play an essential part in preventing water leaks. Gutter cleaning should be part of regular roof maintenance and good annual inspection should be undertaken in order to check for potential structural problems.

EcoComfort – The Attic and Roofing Experts

Depending on the problem, roof leak repair can be expensive, especially when damage has been done. With professional roof inspection, water leaks and water damage can be averted at far less cost than roof leak repair.

Homeowners replacing attic insulation in Toronto would also do well to inspect the attic and roof for potential problems. This will ensure that new insulation material is well protected from water leaks and moisture issues.

At EcoComfort Insulation & Contracting, our in-house professionals do it all – from inspections, to attic repairs, to insulation removal, to installing new material. We also provide expert air sealing and ventilation systems.

Find out more by calling 416-333-4554 or visiting our website at www.ecocomfortinsulators.ca. With COVID-19, our people are taking extra precautions when entering homes and maintaining a safe physical distance.