Homeowners Can Save Money By Protecting Their Roof

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Any family wishes to live in a decent home where they can feel comfortable and secure. As such, it is a homeowner's responsibility to maintain his house moving forward.

One vital component of a house that should not be taken for granted is the roof. Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to maintain this part and only take the time to check and repair it if they already sense that something's wrong.

As the winter season sets in, it's about time you take a look at your roof and make sure it's sturdy. Whether you're located in the colder regions or in the area where hurricanes often pass, you should always make it a point to check the topmost part of your house on a regular basis.

The roof involves several components. Keep in mind to inspect all of them to prevent problems.

The frame. The framing structure is very important. To check it, observe for uneven areas or parts that sag. If you see any area that's sagging, roof parts names a sign that the underlying plywood or the entire structure of the house has a problem. As this is a major issue, you need to call your carpenter to have a thorough checkup of this part.

The gutters. These are the parts that surround the edges of the roof. They need to be checked regularly for leaves, branches and debris to avoid clogging. Determine as well as if there are leaks in the seams area. If you see leaks, make sure to seal that part by using a caulking gun.

Try to fix this problem right away as much as possible as the water that leaks through from the gutter can cause a puddle outside your home. If this happens and if water seeps in the ground, your basement can be affected.

In addition to the leaking issue in the seams, make sure to check that the gutters are fastened securely to the fascia board.

This is to prevent overflow and buildup. Gutters that are not tight and fastened well may eventually fall off from the board.

Metal flashing. Flashing is the thin pieces of continuous sheet metal (aluminum, copper, painted galvanized steel or stainless steel) installed on the roof to prevent the passage and entry of water from an angle or joint. This component is essential particularly around the roof vents, pipes, skylights and chimneys. Chances are high for leaks if the flashing is inadequate.

Roof shingles. These refer to the roof covering made up of overlapping materials. Oftentimes, you will the flat rectangular shapes laid in rows on the roof to create a design. For this part, check for curling edges, cracks and missing granules. Make sure to keep branches away from them and clean them as well.