Roofing maintenance is a vital component to protecting the value of your home. It ensures that small problems don’t turn into big ones and can save you thousands.
Maintenance tasks include trimming tree limbs, checking seals around roof penetrations like skylights and vents, and making sure the fascia and soffits are free of damage. Contact Roofing for professional help.
Flashings are important because they prevent water from entering the roof assembly at joints and seams. They are metal sheets that connect the underlayment and shingles and are installed at the intersections of other components in a roof structure. They may be concealed or exposed. They are typically shaped to direct water away from the area they are protecting. Flashings are often made of copper, stainless steel, or aluminum. They are also available in plastic and composite materials.
Roof flashing is necessary in areas where a roof meets walls or other structures, low points and valleys of the roof where slopes adjoin, and around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and any roof protrusions. There are many types of flashing, including step, shingle, and flat flashings.
Step flashing is a long strip of metal that is cut and folded into place. It is a good choice for flashing between shingles where there is a change of slope. A shingle is cut to size and placed over the flashing, then it is secured with bituminous mastic at the bottom edge and up the side to the flange of the flashing. This is a critical area to inspect for leaks after a storm, and it should be inspected every time a roof is reshingled.
Another type of flashing is a single piece of metal that is bent into place and tucked under the shingles at the point of penetration. This is common for dormers, where a sloped portion of the roof extends outward from a wall. Flat flashings are used for areas of the roof where a flat section intersects with the main portion of the roofing.
Roof flashing can be damaged by a variety of factors, including improper installation. A professional roofer will install it properly to ensure its longevity. Other factors that can affect the performance of flashings include insufficient attic ventilation, climate extremes (e.g., intense heat in summer and below freezing in winter), and a lack of routine maintenance.
Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation balances the flow of air from outside, keeps cool air in your home during the summer, and reduces excess moisture buildup that can damage shingles, shortening their lifespan. It also helps prevent ice dams in winter and reduces energy bills by keeping the home cooler.
Proper attic venting involves a combination of intake and exhaust vents. Intake vents (also called soffit vents) are installed on the underside of your attic’s eaves, while exhaust vents are located near your roof’s peak. The system uses the natural tendency for warm air to rise and cool air to flow downward. Intake and exhaust vents should be evenly distributed throughout your attic space, and they should be well-sized to promote healthy air movement.
When attic ventilation is inadequate, it can cause many problems. Excessive heat in the attic can force hot air through your ceilings and into your living spaces, which will increase your cooling costs. The heat may also shorten the life of your shingles, and it can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew inside your home. Poor attic ventilation can also lead to the formation of ice dams, which can wreak havoc on your roof and gutters.
Ventilation systems can be natural or mechanical. Natural ventilation relies on the stack effect and wind to provide air movement within your attic space, while mechanical ventilation relies on a power source. The building code requires a minimum of 1 square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space, and the vents must be evenly distributed.
During a reroofing project, it’s common to install a new continuous ridge vent, especially in a newer home, but that vent may not be connected to a soffit vent, so it isn’t doing anything for your attic or house. It’s also possible that your attic is adequately vented, but you have bath and kitchen vents that are throwing off the ventilation equation. If this is the case, a qualified roofing contractor can correct the problem by installing the necessary vents. They can even replace your current vents with new ones that meet building code requirements.
Gutters
Gutters are a vital component of any roof system. They help to channel rainwater away from the house and prevent several costly and damaging issues, such as soil erosion, foundation problems, water damage, and mold growth. However, gutters are only effective when they’re free of debris. If they are clogged, then rainwater will overflow, which can cause serious water damage and even flooding.
Gutter maintenance includes cleaning the gutters to prevent clogs, as well as checking for any leaks or damage. In addition, gutter maintenance may include replacing or repairing damaged gutters, downspouts, and gutter covers. It also involves ensuring that the gutters and downspouts are secure to the fascia boards, soffit, and the roof. The type of gutter you choose will depend on the style of your home and your budget. There are a variety of different gutters available, including aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and vinyl.
When choosing gutters, consider the weather where you live. Aluminum and galvanized metal are durable, but they can rust in cold climates. Copper is more expensive, but it stands up to all types of weather and has a greenish patina that adds visual appeal to your home.
If you decide to do your own gutter maintenance, be sure to use a tall ladder with sturdy supports and wear rubber gloves when removing gunk from the troughs. In addition, be careful not to overfill the gutters, as this can lead to overflow and water damage to your home and landscaping.
It’s important to hire professional contractors for gutter maintenance. They have the tools and expertise necessary to ensure that your gutters are clean, functional, and safe. In addition to cleaning and inspecting your gutters, a professional contractor can repair any leaks or signs of damage. By taking care of your roof and gutters, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy a comfortable, worry-free home for years to come.
Shingles
While shingles aren’t the only material that protects your home, they’re one of the most important components. When properly installed, roof shingles can resist extreme temperatures, winds and snow. In most areas, asphalt shingle roofs can last 20 years or more, especially if they’re regularly inspected and cleaned.
The most common type of shingle is the three-tab variety, but you’re also likely to see architectural shingles on many homes. Known for their attractive multi-dimensional appearance, these shingles are thicker than three-tab shingles and offer improved performance. They also come in a wide range of colors, which means you can match them to the overall look of your home.
As part of your shingle roof maintenance routine, it’s a good idea to get up on the ladder to inspect the condition of your shingles. This inspection will allow you to spot problems like shingle blow-offs, leaks or unwanted visitors such as critters.
In addition to assessing the condition of the shingles themselves, you should check that the attic ventilation system is working properly. When the attic is not ventilated, humidity can build up, causing damage to wood decking and plywood sheeting. This can lead to the formation of mold and rot. In addition, if the attic is not properly insulated, condensation can develop in the attic. This can dissolve the adhesives in the plywood decking, causing the layers to separate from each other. This can result in shingle blow-offs and the need for plywood replacement.
If you have skylights, it’s a good idea to clean them on a regular basis during your shingle roof maintenance. It is particularly important to do this after a heavy storm or during the summer, when debris tends to accumulate faster.
Keeping the attic and gutters clear of leaves and sticks is also important. If left to accumulate, these items can clog downspouts, which can cause water to back up under shingles and into the attic or home. In addition, moss growth is another problem that can significantly reduce the lifespan of your roof if allowed to develop. To prevent moss, sprinkle the shingles with a product like Moss B Ware every six months during your shingle roof maintenance routine.
