Rain and Risk
Spring showers may be gentle, but they can reveal hidden roof vulnerabilities ranging from clogged gutters to faulty flashings. Careful, regular inspections now can help spare you headaches and costly repairs later.
Drainage and Gutters
Gutters direct water off your roof and away from your home. When they’re clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris, rainwater can pool on the roof, increasing the risk of seepage and structural strain. Regularly clearing debris ensures smooth drainage. CertainTeed recommends inspecting and cleaning gutters twice yearly—in spring and fall—to maintain optimal water flow and prevent overflow onto fascia or siding.
Flashing and Leaks
Thin metal or waterproof membranes known as flashing are applied around vulnerable areas such as chimneys, skylights, vents, and roof wall intersections to direct water away from seams. Compromised flashing is a common leak source, but it’s not always easy to see. Twice a year, inspect your roof from the ground with binoculars; only your contractor should ever set foot up there. Here are other potential leak sources to watch for:
- Damaged or missing shingles. Wind, hail, and debris can displace or break shingles, creating direct paths for water infiltration.
- Worn granules. Shed granules found in gutters or downspouts reduce UV protection and shingle lifespan.
- Roof dents or dings. Subtle impacts often lead to compromised protection beneath the surface.
- Sagging. An uneven roof deck can signal structural issues—address these immediately.
- Visible stains inside your home. Water in the attic or ceiling discoloration often originates from rooftop leaks.
Systems and Solutions
Underneath it all, underlayments help ensure roof water is properly redirected, resisted at structural weak points, and handled properly at control layers. Some options:
- WinterGuard® PRO: Underlayment used in vulnerable areas like eaves, valleys, and low-slope sections to form a secondary waterproof barrier—backed by warranties up to 50 years.
- RoofRunner®: A cost-effective, easily installed synthetic underlayment with a slip-resistant surface that resists tears.
- SmartFlash® ONE: Application-friendly liquid flashing, ideal for both installations and repairs around roof protrusions and irregularities.
The CertainTeed® Integrity Roof System® combines underlayments with shingles, waterproofing, flashing, and ventilation products engineered to perform as a unified system against extreme weather.
Home and Dry
Spring rain shouldn’t mean leaks springing up. For now: inspect, protect, and reject storms! By ensuring clean drainage, reliable flashing, and proactive leak detection, your roof will stay dry all season—and your home will offer comfortable security in every season.