You don’t have to live in South Florida very long before you understand that the rain can be a bit unpredictable. Especially in the summer months, you can be soaking up the rays on the beach one moment, and caught in a torrential downpour the next.

Those rains, which fall in the Sarasota area for much of the year, can dump gallons of water in a short period of time. And while water can be quite beautiful, it can also cause quite a bit of damage. Keeping your roof ready to sustain the onslaught is a sure way to keep your home protected as well. Here are 4 ideas as to how you can proactively prepare for the rainy season.

1. Make Sure You Have Gutters/Downspouts Installed: Gutters were not installed on each new home in this area, and not having them can cause more trouble than you might think. Without directing the water away from your home, you run the risk of rainwater pouring off your roof – flooding flowerbeds, saturating portions of your lawn, or even doing damage to the foundation of the home. Gutters will go a long way to your channeling all the water to where you want it, allowing you to mitigate damage it may cause over the years and through repeated storms.
2. Be Sure Your Gutters Are Clear: Once gutters are in place, they will need to be kept clear of debris. Gutters clogged with wet leaves, branches, or even birds nests can become very heavy and sag, doing damage to the gutter and the fascia. Also, if the water cannot flow freely, it will likely spill over exactly where you don’t want it to – or worse yet, back up onto the roof. Pooling or backed up water on your roof may cause damage and erosion which can eventually result in a roof leak. A clear gutter and downspout will funnel the water as it is supposed to, away from the roof and the home.
3. Check Regularly for Any Damage: Once water finds a way under a tile or through a cracked shingle, it will continue to flow through. The longer water is allowed to intrude, the more harm is likely to be done – causing damaged or missing tiles, roof leaks, and even structural damage as the problem persists. On a regular basis (and after every major storm), eyeball your roof for any signs of damage. If you have access to the attic, check for any telltale signs of water intrusion, such as dampness, wet stains, or areas of mold. Because heavy rain is a way of life here in Sarasota, getting into the habit of performing an annual roof inspection is a prudent strategy.
4. Assess the Sealant on Your Windows and Skylights: Windows, skylights, and even chimneys can represent a point of water intrusion after many heavy rains. Not only can water start seeping into the home, causing damage and mold, but your windows may exhibit condensation between the panes. A routine check of these areas to be sure that there is no water getting through should be conducted. You will also want to re-seal as necessary around these elements.

   If you aren’t sure if you need to reseal your windows and skylights, just ask the roofing contractor for advice when they are on premise for your roof inspection.

There are so many reasons we love living here on the Gulf Coast – don’t let our seasonal rains be cause for any distress or damage. With a little preparation and occasional checks, you should be able to keep your roof in its best shape for many years to come. Have questions? Just ask the team at Avery Roof Services. We are happy to help.