Just like health enthusiasts preach routine checkups, roof maintenance helps catch issues before they become more significant problems. This prevents the occurrence of mold, structural damage, and leaks and saves thousands on costly repairs.
Promptly addressing issues prevents extreme weather damage, keeps a house aesthetically pleasing, and increases the value of a home. It also helps ensure manufacturer warranty compliance. Contact Boston Roofing CO for professional help.
Debris removal is often a requirement when repairing roof damage. It is also an important part of routine maintenance. It involves removing all debris that has accumulated on the roof. This includes things like twigs, leaves and other organic material that can trap moisture on the roof or promote algae growth. This can lead to surface degradation and shingle failure over time.
When debris is removed, it allows water to flow freely through the gutters and away from the roof. Debris can also clog vents and prevent proper airflow from the attic to the roof. This can cause moisture to build up inside the home and cause other issues.
A roof inspection should also include looking for any shingles that are missing or damaged. It is a good idea to have a ladder available so that you can get up close to the roof to look for problems. If you are comfortable doing this, you can even brush the roof to remove any dirt and moss that has built up. However, be careful not to brush off too many granules, as they are designed to reflect sunlight and make the shingles fire resistant.
After a storm, flood or other disaster, it is a good idea to inspect the property for debris that needs to be removed. If you have debris removal coverage in your insurance policy, this can help with the expense. However, be sure to discuss this with your insurance agent because it is generally not in addition to the physical loss coverage, and it may be counted against it.
Some communities offer community-wide debris removal programs to help homeowners with the cost of removing debris after disasters. These programs are run by the city or county and usually require homeowners to complete paperwork and work with their insurer to arrange payment. They may also provide background checks on roster personnel if requested by the homeowner. The program can be a great way to save money on cleanup costs and keep neighborhoods safe and clean.
Shingle Replacement
Shingles are a critical part of any home’s roof and provide a protective barrier against the elements. Like all materials, shingles wear out over time and must be replaced. Regular maintenance and routine inspections help to catch problems before they escalate, saving homeowners the expense of extensive and expensive repairs down the road.
During a routine roof inspection, look for shingle damage. If a shingle is sagging, curling or missing it should be replaced immediately. Loose shingles allow water to penetrate the roof, causing structural damage and leading to leaks and mold growth inside the home.
In addition to damaged shingles, check for granule loss. Roofing granules are small, opaque rock particles that are pressed into asphalt shingles to protect the roof from UV rays and make them fire-resistant. They may start to erode or become dislodged from the shingle, allowing UV rays to reach the asphalt layer and shortening the shingle lifespan. If a large amount of granules are found in the gutters, it may be a sign that a new roof is needed.
Also, when inspecting your roof, be sure to look at the flashing. Flashing is strips of metal used to seal the seams between sections of the roof, such as around chimneys, skylights, vents and soffit areas. Inspect for rust, dents or gaps that need to be repaired.
Another thing to watch for is moss or algae on the roof. These organisms don’t cause any immediate damage, but they can lead to rot and leaks later on. To keep these spores at bay, spray the roof with a 50 percent mixture of bleach and water. You can also install zinc or copper control strips along the edge of your roof, which will kill the organisms when it rains.
When deciding between repair and replacement, keep in mind that roof repairs only address the damaged area and can leave other parts of the roof vulnerable to moisture damage or further decay. A new roof will restore the full integrity of the structure and ensure your home’s safety and comfort for years to come.
Flashing Repairs
Roof flashing is an important component of your roof, protecting areas that tend to leak. It’s a thin material, usually galvanized steel, that helps prevent water penetration in places like chimneys, skylights, dormers, and roof valleys. But flashing doesn’t last forever, and it needs regular repairs to keep your home safe from leaks.
In the same way shingles do, flashing keeps water from seeping through gaps on the roof. However, unlike shingles, flashing is made of a stronger and more durable material. You can find it around any opening in the roof, such as skylights, dormers, vent pipes, and chimneys. It’s also used to cover the joints between deck boards in roof valleys.
Flashing is designed to direct water away from these structures and toward the gutters. That’s why it’s so important to keep it well-maintained and in good condition. However, flashing is not impervious to damage and aging, and it’s vital that you look for signs of issues like rust or corrosion, looseness, and broken sealants.
If you notice any of these signs in your home, it’s time to call for a roof inspection and flashing repair. A professional will check the flashing for damage and aging, and then carefully remove the old material. The area will then be prepped and ready for the new flashing, which is then installed using the right materials and sealants to keep water out of your home.
A professional can easily spot any underlying issues that need attention, and they’ll be able to perform the necessary repairs quickly and efficiently. This will help protect your property from further damage and save you money in the long run by preventing costly water damage.
It’s important to note that working at heights can be dangerous, so if you’re not comfortable performing these types of maintenance tasks on your own, it’s best to hire a professional. Professionals can ensure that the job is done correctly and may be covered by warranty if something goes wrong. Plus, they’ll have access to the proper equipment and tools for the job.
Gutters
Gutters are an underappreciated part of the roof, but one that’s vital to keeping a building’s foundation and basement or crawl space dry. They collect the rainwater that runs off the roof and direct it away from the house’s perimeter. They also protect landscaping and flowerbeds from erosion and the foundation from damage. Without gutters, water settles immediately around the foundation, which can cause cracks and rot, or wick up through tiny pores in the concrete and freeze in winter, expanding the cracks over time. Without gutters, water can also seep into the attic or basement, damaging the structure and promoting mold growth and wood rot. Gutters prevent water damage by directing excess runoff into downspouts or other drainage areas.
Gutter cleaning is a crucial part of the roof maintenance process. Cleaning the gutters prevents clogs and helps the system function properly. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, preferably in the fall and spring.
If you’re comfortable climbing a ladder and using a garden hose to clean the gutters, you can do this yourself. If not, you can hire a professional to do the work for you.
When doing your own roof gutter cleaning, start at the downspouts to give standing water a way out. Then move to the corners, if any, and then the face of the gutter. Check for sagging, looseness or corrosion and fix as needed.
The type of gutter you choose depends on a few factors, such as the slope of your roof and your climate. Some houses need gutters at every eave edge while others may be able to get by with gutters nearer the foundation. Make sure to clean leaves, twigs and other organic debris out of the gutters on a regular basis to keep them functioning correctly.
Gutters are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes and materials. The most popular are K-style, half-round and faceted U gutters. K-style gutters are inexpensive, easy to install and can be installed with or without a fascia. They are available in 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-inch widths and come in either aluminum or vinyl. Half-round gutters have curved sides, which allow them to handle more water than rectangular gutters of the same size. They’re available in 5-, 6- and 7-inch widths and are available with or without a fascia.