Part of caring for your roof is knowing its vulnerabilities. If you’re aware of the most problematic places on your roof, you can better assess the condition of your system from the ground, identify red flags, and address problems. As the Westminster region’s authority in roof repair, The Thomas Roofing Company sheds light on your roof’s weakest spots.
Gutters
A faulty gutter system is always a major concern. Clogged gutters and downspouts can’t drain water away from your property, putting your home at risk of water damage. A gutter clog can also ruin your landscaping, dampen your home’s foundation and wreak havoc on your siding. In the winter, gutter clogging leads to ice dam formation, which can cause a host of problems.
Apart from cleaning your gutters and downspouts regularly, investing in seamless gutter installation is also beneficial. Seamless gutters naturally minimize leaks because they don’t have vulnerable seams between each section that can wear down and lead to leaks.
Valleys
These are the areas where two adjoining sloped roof planes meet. They are typically V-shaped depressions where water collects. Any water that penetrates the small gaps between your shingles can get into your home through the valleys. This is why you need to apply leak barriers to provide an effective layer of defense.
Penetrations
A penetration is anything that protrudes through the plane of your roof. To waterproof these penetrations, flashing is applied with sealant to cover the hole properly. Sealants and pieces of flashing deteriorate with time so routine inspections are necessary to spot problems early on. If you’re planning to add skylights, hire installers who are also experienced roofers to avoid compromising your roof’s structural integrity during installation.
Contact Westminster’s Leading Roof Repair Service
The Thomas Roofing Company family has maintained roofs since 1924. We know what it takes to evaluate an entire roofing system, overcome structural challenges, and fix problems safely and efficiently. To discuss your needs and get a free, no-obligation estimate in Ellicott City or Columbia, MD, call us at (410) 928-1873 today.