Your roof protects your home from the elements. So, when it’s in need of repair, you don’t want to get it wrong.
Inspect your roof regularly to catch problems before they become major issues that require expensive repairs or a full replacement. Learn about The Basics of Roof Repair and Maintenance to keep your roof in good shape.
Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is a protective barrier that directs water away from roof areas that are susceptible to leaks. This is important for protecting homes from damage caused by rain, snow and other weather elements.
These protective barriers can be made from a variety of materials, including metals like copper and lead. These materials tend to last longer than cheaper alternatives, such as rubber and plastic.
Another type of flashing that is popular with homeowners is galvanized steel. It is also durable and has a zinc coating that helps protect it from corrosion.
It is typically used around chimneys, skylights and vents. It also is installed in valleys (the inward creases in a roof where two slopes meet) and at the rake edges of the roof.
When a flashing leaks, it can cause serious problems in a home. Moisture can seep into the interior of the home and cause structural damage, mold and drywall that needs to be replaced.
One way to prevent leaks from occurring in the first place is to check your roof and roof flashing at least once a year. This will allow you to spot any minor issues that require repair before they turn into bigger ones. Otherwise, you might have to resort to professional roofing services if you leave the problem alone for too long.
The flashing on a roof should always be sealed using roofing cement to make sure that water cannot seep through it. If it is not, it may start to deteriorate and even fall off the roof.
It’s also common for the screws that anchor the flashing to pull out and become loose over time. If this happens, it’s easy to fix by simply replacing the screw with a new one of the same material.
Most people do not realize it, but roof flashing is one of the most crucial components to a roofing system. It is essential to make sure it is in good condition at all times, so that the entire roof system can do its job properly.
If you’re not sure about the maintenance of your flashing, ask a professional for advice. This can save you from having to pay for costly repairs and replacements in the future.
Shingles
Shingles are a roofing material that is layered in courses above the underlayment, sheathing, and trusses of your roof to protect it from the elements. They are available in various shapes, sizes, and styles and can be used on any type of roof.
The most common types of shingles on the market are asphalt, fiberglass, and organic mat-based. Each of these materials goes through a rigorous manufacturing process that involves quality control measures. During this process, the shingles are checked for proper color, thickness, weight, and consistency of granules.
Asphalt shingle roofs are very durable, but they can be damaged by wind and other factors over time. For that reason, it’s important to keep your shingles maintained and repair them as necessary.
In addition to regular inspections, you can extend the lifespan of your shingles by ensuring your roof is properly ventilated and insulated. This will help to prevent ice dams and rotted shingles.
Another good way to extend the life of your shingles is by trimming branches that sit over your roof. These branches can easily break off during a storm and come flying down onto your shingles, damaging them.
Branches can also cause damage by clogging vents, plumbing pipes, and other components of your roof. Trimming these trees will not only remove the limbs, but will also strengthen them, ensuring they don’t break again.
Finally, if you live in an area that receives a lot of rain, it is a good idea to use a water-resistant underlayment between your roof and the shingles. This will not only prevent water from getting under your shingles, but it will also provide a barrier to protect them from the sun’s UV rays.
A final shingle maintenance tip is to regularly clean your shingles. Over time, dust, debris, and algae accumulate on the surface of your shingles.
This build-up can make your shingles look dirty and unattractive, which is why it’s important to clean your shingles at least once a year. A soft wash or a fresh water rinse can work well for most shingle roofs.
Gutters
Gutters are the key element of a roof’s water-flow system. They direct rainwater away from the foundation, preventing it from causing foundation damage and helping to avoid mold growth and other issues.
Gutters can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic and concrete. They can be designed to fit specific roof styles and are available in a range of colors.
In general, gutters are installed at the end of a roof, near the downspout, to collect and divert water runoff from the roof. They are a vital part of the roofing system, and should be regularly maintained to ensure they continue to function properly.
Once gutters are installed, they need to be kept clean and free of debris. Debris can clog the downspout, which prevents water from flowing properly.
A gutter that is clogged can also cause moisture to build up in different parts of the exterior, which can result in rotting siding and other problems. To prevent this, gutters must be cleaned periodically and should be inspected by a professional.
Before removing a section of gutter, use a ladder and a tarp to spread under the section that you’re cleaning. Hook a bucket of tools and an empty bucket to the top of the ladder and begin by removing large items such as leaves, twigs and other debris with gloved hands.
Work from one side of the gutter to the other and back again, systematically moving around the entire roof until all gutters have been cleaned. Once the entire roof has been swept, rinse the gutter with a garden hose to clear any remaining debris and flush out any residual moisture.
Next, install fascia brackets using 1/4-inch stainless steel lag screws long enough to penetrate rafter tails 2 inches (as shown). Make chalk marks on the gutter at each rafter tail to guide the placement of the brackets.
Apply a bead of silicone glue along the seam to waterproof it. Connect the cap with rivets or screws, making sure they are located in the sides of the gutter and not on the bottom. Then, seal the end-cap seam and the rivets with a high-quality siliconized caulk.
Flashing Inspection
One of the best ways to avoid costly roof repairs and maintenance is to have your contractor inspect flashings as part of an annual inspection. This inspection will allow your roofer to make sure that the flashings on your home are doing their job and their metal is in good condition.
A flashing is a thin piece of metal used to secure joints and places where water is likely to enter a home. This includes areas that are prone to leaks, like valleys between slopes and around chimneys.
Flashing is a critical part of any roof, as it helps to keep the elements from entering the house and causing damage inside. It also protects the sealant that is used to create a waterproof barrier.
During a flashing inspection, a home inspector will carefully look at all the areas of the roof where there are penetrations. These include chimneys and vents, as well as skylights.
If a home inspector notices any signs of problems with the flashing, such as peeling away from the wall or corrosion that shows up in paint, it may be time to have the flashing repaired. Fortunately, this is usually an easy fix.
The most common material for flashing is copper, although lead and aluminum are also used. Copper has a high tensile strength, making it a very durable metal.
Most metal flashing is used on homes with tile roofs, but it can also be used on shingle roofs. Some other materials, such as rubber and plastic, are also in use, but they degrade over time and don’t offer the same protection.
Another common area for flashing is where the sides of a house meet, like corners and windows. Flashing diverts rainwater and melted snow from these openings to prevent them from being a major source of damage.
In addition to securing all the joints and points where water is most likely to find its way into the home, flashing can also help to prevent a buildup of mold or mildew inside the home. This can cause a lot of damage if not addressed promptly.
