Roof Maintenance Tips for Rainy Climates

In some cities, the rainy season is essentially year-long. With the exception of a few clear, summer months, homeowners can expect more than 150 days of rain every year. Unfortunately, this kind of rainy climate can be destructive when it comes to roofs as constant rain is one of the most common causes of roof damage and decay in rainy climates. The following maintenance tips for rainy climates will help you keep your roof in optimal condition so that you can protect your home and belongings.

Regular Inspections

Nothing compares to regular, professional roof inspections with respect to maintaining your roof. A qualified roofer should inspect your roof at least once a year, but in rainy climates, regular spring and fall inspections are recommended. Your roofer will look for torn shingles, signs of leaks and decay, and damage to fixtures, gutters, and flashing.

Cleaning and Treating

In addition to inspections, you should have your roof cleaned and treated every three to five years. Again, it's best to hire a professional roofer not only for safety reasons, but to ensure the job is done right. In fact, many roofers will offer cleaning and treatment services along with inspections.

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation is also important for maintaining a roof in a rainy climate. Poor ventilation is one of the leading causes of premature decay. You should carefully monitor indoor temperature changes during the winter and summer months as unusually hot or cold internal temperatures during summer and winter respectively are a sign of poor ventilation. Your roofing professional should be contacted to correct ventilation problems.

Environmental Maintenance

During the fall and winter months in rainy climates, trees can pose a significant risk to your roof. Not only do falling leaves collect on your roof and rot, but rain, snow and wind storms can also cause overhanging limbs to crack, break and fall on your roof. Tree debris should be removed from your roof and overhanging limbs should be pruned to prevent damage.

Reality Check

While taking care to ensure proper roof maintenance throughout the year will protect your roof and extend its lifespan, the reality is that roofs in rainy climates tend to require more repairs. Furthermore, roofs in rainy climates will likely need to be replaced sooner than those found in regions with less inclement weather. Fortunately, roofing professionals can suggest the best materials for your climate so that repair and replacement can be prevented as long as possible. Still, you should be in regular contact with your roofer so that you know your home and belongings are protected throughout the worst weather months.

By Alex Pupkin