Regular roof maintenance helps prevent major problems

Madison, Wis. – Roof and gutter problems can lead to bigger trouble inside your house. These tips for basic roof maintenance can help keep the inside of your house dry and can prevent future roof problems.

Inspect your roof twice a year

Every fall and spring, inspect your roof for cracked or curling shingles. You can do this from the ground using binoculars. If necessary, contact a local roofing specialist to take a closer look at the roof. Have the specialist take photos of any problem areas and make repairs as soon as possible.

Check the attic for moisture

Problems with insulation and ventilation inside your attic can lead to trouble on the outside. Look for signs of water damage or wet insulation to find out if water has been entering your attic or if there is excess moisture in your home. This could lead to warped roofing, ice dams or mold.

Keep water away from your foundation

Clear leaves and other debris from gutters and downspouts at least once a year to keep water flowing. Look for low spots around the foundation where water may collect and eliminate low areas by making sure the ground around the foundation slopes away from the home. Consider installing splash blocks at the base of downspouts to disperse water more evenly and prevent erosion. Downspout extenders can also help move water away from your home’s foundation.

Check out amfam.com for more tips on roof maintenance. Customers can also tour through the Interactive Home for other preventative maintenance ideas.

Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, health insurance, business and farm/ranch insurance in 19 states. American Family insurance is the nation’s third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 373rd on the Fortune 500 list. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam; Google+: plus.google.com/+amfam/; YouTube: www.youtube.com/amfam.

ws media contact:
Sandra Spann
Media Relations
American Family Insurance
(608) 242-4100, ext. 32881
Twitter: @AmFamNews