The new year has just begun, and if you want it to start on a good note for your home, you should start thinking about weather-proofing your roof. The upcoming rainy season is still a few months away, and in the next few months, you’ll be glad that you made this choice. But before you Google “roofers near me,” there are a few things about getting a roofer to weather-proof your roof that you should know.
Why Weather-proof Your Roof?
You might think that your roof is weather-proof already. In some aspects, you’re correct. The roof over your head is supposed to keep you safe and dry and sheltered from the elements. Because of its primary function, you would expect your roof to be weather-proof. However, most roofs are only resistant to harsh weather, and can still be affected by severe storms. They also need to be maintained regularly.
A roof that has not been maintained correctly will not last its intended lifespan. Not only will it age prematurely, but you’ll also have to deal with the effects of an ageing roof. An old roof will present broken, cracked, or missing roof tiles, and recurring leaks. And if your roof is leaking, then it isn’t resistant to weather damage. All roofs need drainage systems, insulation, and flashing to prevent leaks. However, even with the most expensive or high-quality roofs, inclement weather can affect its ability to keep you dry.
Why Should I Start Planning Now?
Because you assumed that your roof was weather-resistant, you might have also assumed that this kind of job is not extensive at all. However, not only is weather-proofing a big task to get done on your home or office, but it’s also costly. If you want to get ahead of the wet seasons and get the work done before more severe weather patterns arrive, you should start getting your affairs in order now.
Better yet, if you’re already planning extensive work for your roof this year, talk to roofers near you about weather-proofing your roof at the same time. They can perform services of the following nature, to ensure that you are dry during the upcoming rainy season.
Inspect the Insulation And Attic
The insulation in your roof is one of the most necessary materials within its construction that contribute to you staying warm and dry during harsh weather. Although the primary purpose is to insulate your home – regulating temperatures and preventing heated or cooled air from dissipating outside the house – it also plays a part in weather-proofing. Inspecting the insulation in your home and having it replaced if need be would be a smart investment in your roof.
Many buildings in New Zealand also still have asbestos in the insulation, so you have a few good reasons to look into it. With new insulation, your home will have comfortable temperatures throughout every season, and it’ll assist in keeping your roof weather-proof.
Install Roof Underlayment
Roof underlayment is a type of water-proof sheeting that is installed in your roof before the shingles or roof tiles are. It provides an extra layer of protection against the weather and ensures a smaller chance of getting leaks. However, it does need to be installed correctly so that if your roof does leak, the water won’t go through gaps.
Roof underlayment is imperative for most buildings, whether you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall, or not. It also helps your roof last longer, as well as keeping the interior of your roof and your attic and ceilings dry and free of water damage.
Inspect And Maintain The Roof Plumbing
Another aspect of the construction of a roof is the gutters and downpipes. Also known as roof plumbing, gutters and downpipes assist in water drainage, especially when it rains heavily. Rain can pool up on your roof, causing damage, rust, mould growth, and leaks, which is why it’s so important to have sufficient drainage. If your gutters are effective, they should be redirecting the flow of water away from your roof, through the downpipes and to the ground. They can get clogged, rusted, or old, so it’s essential to keep them maintained if you want a fully weather-proofed roof.
Insulation, roof underlayment, and gutters are vital parts of a roof’s construction that allow it to remain dry and unaffected by even the most severe storms. When the rainy seasons start arriving, you’ll be glad that you Googled “roofers near me” in preparation. However, don’t forget that regular maintenance and repairs are needed to get the most out of your roof and your investment. Get ahead of the curb, and start looking into weather-proofing your roof today.
