It looks like we have a reprieve from the rain, at least for a few days. How did your roof withstand the big rainstorm last weekend? Sometimes it surprises homeowners when their roof starts to leak, something that can happen even to a relatively new roof that’s been taken for granted.

“Most people forget that roofs need maintenance,” says Mark Mallicoat, President of Lafayette Roofing Co., Inc.

That starts with reducing rooftop clutter – leaves, twigs, and more.

“Debris is probably one of the biggest causes of roof leaks,” explains Mallicoat.

Flat roofs are notorious for collecting debris that can turn soggy and impact the condition of a roof, but items can also collect in the valleys of a pitched roof. This includes tile roofs that some mistakenly believe are bulletproof. Keep in mind what is under those tiles.

Explains Mallicoat, “A tile roof has all the flashing, connections and valleys of a regular roof.”

Regardless of the materials used on your roof, it’s a good idea to do a visual inspection of your roof at least annually. Mallicoat recommends doing this in the fall, after the kids have gone back to school. You can do it yourself or call a roofing company. Lafayette Roofing, for example, does these maintenance checks for free.

If you haven’t taken a close look at the condition of your roof yet this year, we recommend you put it on your to-do list while the sun is shining again.