The roof protects the inside of your home, and, like any part of a building, it needs maintenance. Skipping these tasks puts your home at risk of damage and can lead to expensive repair bills.
The most important thing to remember is that roofing maintenance keeps your home safe. This includes more obvious protections from weather events, such as falling branches, and less apparent protections, like adequate attic ventilation. Contact Red Stick Roofing Of Louisiana for professional help.
Roof flashing is the metal pieces that seal around protrusions like chimneys, skylights and vents on a roof. This prevents moisture intrusion that would otherwise cause problems like drywall mold, wood damage and ceiling leaks. Inspecting the flashing regularly can help you spot problems before they become major roofing repairs.
Flashing is typically made from aluminum or copper to protect it from corrosion. It is often a continuous piece that runs from the top of the roof to the gutters to keep water from seeping into these areas. It’s also installed in other places that have gaps or openings such as chimneys, walls, dormers and valleys.
A lot of the time, if you notice a roof leak it’s because something has gone wrong with your flashing. This can be due to wear and tear or simply because it has been damaged by a storm. However, this is a problem that can be easily fixed with a little bit of effort and a new flashing installation.
You can check the flashing on a roof by walking or crawling around the building and gazing up at it from safe areas that are visible. Look for spots that have rust or corrosion. You can also look for gaps, waviness or areas where the flashing isn’t fastened properly. It is also important to note any lifting of shingles around the flashing, which could indicate that it is no longer doing its job of keeping moisture out.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to call a roofing professional to come out and take a closer look at the flashing. They can replace the old flashing and seal any other areas where it may be leaking. It’s important to fix these problems quickly before the problem becomes much worse. A simple patch of flashing can save you a lot of money in roofing repairs and possible interior damage. A professional will be able to tell you if your flashing is damaged and whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Inspect the Shingles
If your roof is made of shingles, regular inspections can identify problems and help you determine whether the problem is minor or serious. Look for stains, moss or algae growth on the shingles; curling, cracked and missing shingles; and mineral granules/buildup in the gutters. If you see any of these signs, it is time to call in a professional.
A professional inspector will also check the shingle flashing and caulk to ensure they are in good condition. He will inspect the areas around any roof penetrations, such as skylights, chimneys and vent pipes, for leaks. He will also check for rust on the thin metal flashing that lines penetrations to prevent water from flowing into the interior of the house. He will also examine the fascia and soffit boards, which are horizontal boards that run along the edge of a roof overhang, for rot and warping.
Shingles can become damaged due to weather conditions, such as sun, wind and snow. Damaged shingles can lead to water leaks into the home, which may cause interior damage and other issues. An experienced professional can spot even small problems with a roof, such as a single curled shingle, that could need replacing.
The roof inspection will also include a close examination of the chimney mortar, to make sure it is in good condition and not cracking or leaning. He will also check that the rubber strips, which seal the joints of a roof, are still in good condition and not deteriorating. He will check the ventilation fans and chimney to make sure they are working properly and that they release air unobstructed.
He will also check for overhanging trees and any branches that are extending too close to the roof. He will recommend that these branches be trimmed so they aren’t scraping the shingles during severe storms. He will also inspect the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are in good condition and not clogged or blocked. He will also examine any shingle-lined eaves for rot and decay, as well as check the wood soffit board on the underside of the roof overhangs to make sure it isn’t rotting.
Check the Gutters
Gutter systems are a crucial element of a roof system. They help ensure that rainwater is directed away from the foundation of a house, so it doesn’t cause water damage and mold problems. They also provide a place for snow to melt and flow, so it doesn’t build up on the roof. Home inspectors should emphasize the importance of a good gutter system to their clients and advise them to have it inspected regularly by a professional.
If you have gutters, it’s important to examine them regularly for clogs and other problems. It’s also a good idea to clean them regularly, especially during fall and winter. It’s important to do so before the leaves fall and before winter arrives, since ice dams can be caused by blocked gutters and can damage your roof.
Before climbing a ladder to inspect your gutters, it’s a good idea to have all of the proper tools ready. This includes gloves, a ladder and buckets for carrying your equipment. You should also observe common-sense safety precautions and enlist a spotter if you’re using a ladder for the inspection.
The first thing to do is to check how the water is moving. If it’s flowing slowly or pooling, this could indicate that the slope isn’t steep enough. The gutters’ hangers or spikes might need to be repositioned up or down in order to improve the slope and create better drainage.
Another important thing to look for is erosion. If the soil beneath the gutters is eroding, you may need to install splash blocks, which are rectangular pieces of concrete or plastic placed under each downspout to absorb the impact of dripping water and help direct its flow.
Gutters are a necessary part of a roof system, and they can contribute significantly to your home’s value and its ability to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year. With proper maintenance, they can serve you for many years and protect your home’s structure from moisture-related issues. By observing the tips above, you can keep your gutters functioning properly and keep your home looking great!
Trim Trees
Trees can add a lot to the beauty of your property, but they can also cause damage to your roof. Tree roots can damage your foundation and tree limbs can overhang your roof, damaging the shingles. In order to prevent these problems, it’s important to have regular tree trimming done by professional arborists and roofers.
In the long run, this will save you a great deal of money and time. When trees are trimmed regularly, they can prevent the need for costly repairs and prevent your roof from having to be replaced early.
The ideal distance between your house and the end of a tree is about 6 feet. This is to make sure that if the tree were to fall, it wouldn’t hit your house. However, this is only a good rule of thumb. Ideally, the distance should be based on the size of the tree and its canopy.
Branches that overhang your roof should be trimmed to avoid touching or abrading the shingles when the wind blows. If they aren’t trimmed, the branches could become detached and fall onto your roof during a storm. These limbs can cause major damage, including exposing the shingles to water and creating mold.
In addition, the branches may poke into your roof and slowly strip away the granules from the shingles. This can lead to a roof leak that will need to be repaired and, ultimately, can result in the need for a roof replacement.
One of the most common reasons for having a new roof installed is that a tree has fallen on it. While a tree falling on a roof sounds dramatic, it is far from uncommon. In fact, the average home is impacted by a tree falling on it at least once in its lifetime.
In order to avoid this, it is best to hire a professional to trim the trees that are closest to your home. The professionals will be able to do this safely without putting anyone in danger. They will also be able to help you determine how often you should have your trees trimmed.