Pay Special Attention to Roof, Drains in Rain

If your roof has survived January’s monsoons without a leak thus far, count your blessings, but don’t consider yourself out of the woods yet. With the high winds we have had blowing leaves and debris onto the roof and causing damage to some roof surfaces, it is important to take a few preventive steps now before the next big storm to keep your luck going.

Needless to say, repairing a roof during a heavy rain is usually impossible and getting a good roofer out to help you during peak rainy season is like pulling teeth.

Here is an overview of important roof maintenance items:

1--Keep tree limbs or vines from contacting the roof or eaves or growing above a roof area. During high winds tree limbs can damage the roof surface and vines can grow under roof materials, causing leaks to develop.

2--Keep leaves and debris off the roof. Debris lodged in areas that water would drain through can cause “damming,” which may result in a leak. Sweep debris out of “valleys,” from behind chimneys, and especially away from drains on any flat roof. Check the roof every three to four weeks or after a major storm for further accumulation during the rainy season. Also, clean your gutters.

3--If you have a flat roof with drain holes, install quarter-inch “hardware cloth” mesh--available from building suppliers--over the drains to keep debris from clogging them. Form a dome with the material over the drain opening and wedge it into place.

4--Inspect the roof at least once yearly, preferably in the late summer or early fall for cracks. Focus on places where vents or flashings come through the roof surface or where joints exist, as these are places where leaks are most likely to occur. Small cracks are sealed most easily and for the greatest duration with a product called “silicone sealant,” available in cartridges for a caulking gun at most hardware or paint dealers. Larger gaps can be taken care of with roofing cement such as Henry’s No. 204, 208 or their equivalent. Follow the instructions on the containers.

5--When inspecting the roof, check for missing or damaged shingles or tile. Missing shingles or tiles can be replaced by carefully sliding a new one into place, being diligent not to tear the roof paper below in the process. Cracks in tiles can sometimes be sealed with clear silicone sealant or roofing cement to protect the waterproof membrane below them from weathering.

6--Check for cracks or breaks in vertical wall surfaces or painted trim above the roof-line (such as a second-story wall above a first-story roof). Leaks from these areas are often mistaken for roof leaks. Repaint or seal any cracks you locate with caulking material.

Generally, taking care of a roof is a matter of common sense. Keep your roof and gutters clean and if you see an area on the surface that looks as though water could penetrate, take care of it before a problem arises and you will not only gain many more years of life from your roof system, but will help avoid the agony of dealing with a leaky roof when help is unavailable.

Keep Drains Open

Even if your roof is in top shape, you could still find yourself in trouble during a storm if any of the area drains around your home do not work properly.

With all the debris being washed into area drains by the rain, a problem could develop suddenly, leading to flooding of your home or basement even though you may have been OK thus far.

Between storms it is important to check the plastic or metal grid covering the drains for any blockage. Also, look behind the grid for a mesh screen with finer openings that is not immediately visible but could be getting clogged with junk. Pry the grid off the drain opening with a screwdriver to clean any screen below.

If you have an electric sump pump on your property, make sure the sump pit is clean as well to prevent clogging and burnout of the pump motor.

Finally, help prevent clogging of drains in planters or lawn areas by spreading a layer of pea gravel or river rock over or around the drain. The gravel and rock acts as a filter to keep mud and leaves out of the drain pipe.

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Questions or comments can be sent to P.O. Box 711, Thousands Oaks, Calif. 91319.