Skip to Content Area

Cosmos Roofing: Prepare for the rainy season!

ROOF & GUTTER MAINTENANCE FOR THE RAINY SEASON

All roofs and gutters should be checked each September/October before the rainy season. With trees growing around many houses, the house movement we experience on the adobe soil is this area of the country, and the general wear and hardening of sealants due to much sun suggest a general inspection of the roof before the rains. Gutters and different roof types require vary of roof maintenance.

ROOF SURFACES, VALLEYS AND FLASHINGS

PITCHED ROOFING SURFACES

Most pitched roofing surfaces will shed tree debris and are readily visible for roof wear. Most tree debris will collect in the valleys near the bottom of the roof, however, some debris will also collect in back of chimneys, skylights and other large protrusions on the roof. Tree debris can easily cause water backup in these areas resulting in leaking in the interior of the house and dry rotted wood damage, especially with tile and wood shake roofs. If the roof is not too steep, these areas can be relatively easy to clean.

FLAT/LOW PITCHED ROOFS

Flat/low pitched roofing surfaces are the most problematic for any king of debris buildup, however, they are the easiest type to get on top and clean. Any accumulation of debris both on the roof and in the drains can cause immediate leaking and extensive roof and house damage. We have observed over the years with flat roofs that have extensive tree debris have weed gardens growing on their roofs in the raining season! This is obviously not good. Different roof types fair differently with respect to tree debris problems. With sprayed on foam roofs and roofs the elastomeric coating can erode quickly due to the acid formed with tree debris and rain water.

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Tree debris is the major cause of downspout failure. Tree debris blocking the water flow, either in the gutters or the downspouts will cause damage by rotting out the roof in back of the gutter. Additionally, with steel gutters the tree debris will create an acid with the water (this will also happen with wood roofs due to the tannic acid leached from the fire retardancy chemicals used) and erode the steel. Aluminum gutters will not erode but have a tendency to sag since aluminum gutters are not as strong as steel. Most 1st story gutters can be easily checked and cleaned. A garden hose can be used from the top, inside the gutter to clear out clogged downspouts. In extreme cases, a metal snake can be used. Seams and corners should be observed/checked during the first rains to leakage. Leaks can be fixed or retarded with caulking, however, long term you may need to call a professional for repair.

GARDENERS CAN BE INVALUABLE

Depending on your gardener and roof type, paying your gardener a little more to keep your roof and gutters clean can be of great help to you.

COSMOS ROOFING

  • 40+ Years of service with three generations providing the highest quality installations and service with a Commitment to Excellence
  • 18,000+ Roofing installations of all roof types including 6,000+ Eichler/flat/low-pitched installations.
  • 20 year guarantee on residential roofing installations and 10 year guarantees on commercial installations.
  • Award Winning Products and Service, A+ consumer ratings with membership of several state and national roofing organizations.

Thanks for reading,

Rich Cosmos

Contact

This field is required.
This field is required.
Interested in Selling My Home
Interested in Buying a Home
$
$
Send
Reset Form

Phone

John Kavanaugh: 415.377.2924 Joe Kavanaugh: 650.400.5312 Ginny Kavanaugh: 650.400.8076