Preparing Your Roof for the Rain

With any luck, Mother Nature will send us an El Niño winter. Is your home ready? Preparation and basic maintenance is the best prevention for any major home issue. So when gearing up for heavy rain, start with an inspection, a task diligent homeowners carry out throughout the year.

Look now, before the rains, for shrinking and curling shingles. Clean gutters and downspouts, checking for areas where water can pool up around the roof or foundation, causing often expensive damage. Survey the inside of the home as well, looking for signs of roof or other leakage.

Ideally all repairs and upgrades should be made before the first set of heavy storms. If all looks good, trim back any trees or branches that could fall on the home. In some areas, leaning or unhealthy trees may need to be removed all together. Once the big branches are gone, clear all debris from the roof. This may need to be done a few times throughout the winter, as leaves and pine needles hold moisture which can lead to mold or rot.