Give Your Home Routine Inspections
Since it’s not common to regularly access our roof it’s important that we at least give it routine inspections. The best time to do these is before the colder weather months hit and after any major storms. By doing a routine inspection of your roofing you will be able to stay on top of damaged areas before they become a major problem. Patching a damaged section of the roof is a lot more cost-effective than having to replace a roof altogether so routine inspections are key when it comes to home maintenance. This is also a time when you’ll be able to clean out those gutters before the heavy rainfall. Backed-up gutters often result in leaky roofs when not taken care of promptly. Making sure that the downspout is cleared is also essential in preventing leaking from your roof.
While you’re taking the time to inspect your roofing you might as well check the windows of your home. Windows provide our home with access to the outside world, bringing in all the beauty of nature and good lighting. However, if they are not properly sealed they can be the cause of water damage and/or mold and mildew growth. Ensuring that your windows do not have any cracks in the seals and are completely air-tight will not only keep your heating bill down but prevent rain from entering your home and causing you problems.
Cutting Back The Overgrowth
Not only is the Northwest a region of heavy rainfall, it’s also known for its picturesque landscaping. Pine, Fir, Cedar, and Maple are just some of the trees that add to the beautiful landscape the Pacific Northwest is known for and it’s not uncommon for some of these trees to be rooted in your backyard. Trees and large bushes that grow close to your home can cause a handful of problems. Broken limbs, for instance, can damage roofing without you knowing it making your roof vulnerable to leaks. Large bushes around your windows can mask problem areas like broken seals or chipped frames and debris from overhanging trees can quickly fill your gutters causing water to back up into your roofing. Cutting back the overgrowth around your home each year is an easy preventative measure you can take to waterproof your home.
Taping Your Roof
Have you ever heard of seam tape or heat tape for your roofing? Well, they exist and each provides extra protection for your roof to aid in waterproofing your house to prevent roof leaks. Seam tape provides a seal along all the seams of your roof decking. Sealing your roof decking before shingles or metal panels are placed is your first step in waterproofing prevention.
Heat tape, otherwise known as de-icing cables, is used on homes where heavy snowfall is expected. Their job is to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof by melting the snow at the edge of your roofing preventing gutters and downspouts from freezings so that water can easily flow off your roofing system. They also help prevent your gutters from buckling due to the weight of ice and snow. Heat tape should be installed before any snowfall.
An Extra Layer Of Protection
After you’ve taken all the steps to make sure that your roofing and windows are waterproof there is always the option of an extra layer of protection. By spraying or brushing an oil-based or water-based waterproofing compound you can add that extra layer of protection to your roofing system to prevent any leaks from occurring.
Windows can also be sealed by chalking around the joints of the window frame to the base wall creating an impermeable seal. Weatherstrips are a cost-effective method when taped along the seams of the window pane and frame without ruining the aesthetic of your windows or if you are simply looking for a quick fix until your windows can be professionally replaced, placing a window snake at the base of your window will temporarily resolve drafts and water issues.
The importance of waterproofing your house in the rainy Northwest is to keep your pocketbook from becoming empty. Roofing and window damage can lead to excessive costs if damages are not resolved quickly. A leaky roof or window can easily become a major issue once that water has entered your home and damaged other areas. Waterproofing your house this rainy season is well worth it!
