Roof leaks are very common problems in residential homes, but homeowners can avoid them in the first place by taking the right preventative measures beforehand.

Roof leakage can cause major damage to your property, but with the right preparation, you can avoid this common household hazard altogether. These tips for preventing roof leaks will help you keep your home safe the next time heavy rainfall occurs so you won’t have to make major repairs.  

Have the Roof Regularly Inspected

Having a professional roof contractor come out to the property for an annual inspection will help you stay up to date on the condition of your roof. Without an inspection, if a leak occurs on your roof, you won’t know about it until it’s dripping into your house. To prevent this from happening, seek out a reputable contractor to look at your roof. Components of the roof such as the drip edge and the flashing direct water away from the house, but without the proper care, they can cause a leak instead. 

Inspect the Gutters, Too

Your gutters should also direct water away from your property. However, debris such as twigs, leaves, and ice can get stuck inside the gutter. If water can’t escape, it will overflow and seep into your home. A gutter inspection is just like a roof inspection—you’ll only need one or two during the year, but how you do it depends on your personal preference. 

Some homeowners like to take the DIY approach and clean the gutters themselves, but you can try to find a roof inspection plan that includes gutter inspections as well if that’s what you prefer. At the end of the day, as long as the gutters receive regular inspection and cleaning, you can keep them from causing leaks in your home.

Use a Durable Roofing Material

One of the most effective tips for preventing roof leaks, if not the most effective, is investing in a high-quality roofing material. Asphalt shingles are a common form of roofing, but whether or not they’re a great form of roofing is another question entirely. High winds and heavy rain can make a mess out of asphalt shingles, but if you use more durable protection such as metal roofing, you won’t need to worry about a leaky roof. Aside from its durability, there are quite a few reasons to choose metal roofing that put it miles ahead of asphalt shingles in terms of quality. If you hire a reputable contractor to install metal roofing when moving into your home or the next time you decide to replace your asphalt shingles, you’ll have a strong, long-lasting defense against the elements.