A well-maintained roof is a key component of any building. It keeps water out, insulation in, and prevents costly damage from animals. Roofing maintenance can also help reduce energy costs.
A roof’s maintenance includes inspections for signs of damage or deterioration. Correcting these minor issues before they become major ones saves money on future repair and replacement.
Roof flashing is an integral part of your roof that prevents leaks around penetrations like chimneys and vent pipes. The flashing is a thin sheet of metal that connects two other parts of the roof to eliminate a seam where leaks could occur. If there are any cracks, dislodged pieces, or rust on the flashing it’s important to have them repaired right away.
A professional roofer will examine the flashing during a maintenance inspection and make sure it’s in good shape. A majority of roof leaks originate at the flashing. In addition, the flashing should be checked for corrosion and general wear and tear, as well as any damage from wind or rain.
Flashing is usually made from water-proof materials such as copper, galvanized steel, or lead. It can also be made from a combination of materials. Most often, flashing is placed on areas of the roof that are prone to leaks, such as valleys and areas where sloping sections of the roof meet. Chimneys, skylights, and equipment curbs are other common areas that have flashing.
The flashing is usually caulked to prevent moisture from entering the home. However, the caulking can wear out or become corroded over time. As a result, it’s important to check the caulk regularly and replace it when needed.
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether the caulk has worn out or if there are cracks in the flashing. Having a professional roofer inspect the flashings on your roof will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Since the flashing covers vulnerable parts of a roof, it’s essential that it is inspected closely by a roofing professional on a regular basis. This may be done as part of a larger roof inspection or as a separate task depending on your specific needs. In either case, it’s vital to address problems with the flashing as soon as possible to avoid costly leaks. Even if the problem is small, addressing it quickly can prevent it from getting worse. For example, a leak around a flashing can cause unsightly water stains on ceilings or walls.
Inspect the Gutters
Gutters play a critical role in the overall health of a roof by channeling water away from the house. However, gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris and eventually deteriorate. Regular cleaning and inspections help ensure that your gutter system remains effective and free of rust, corrosion and leaks.
During a professional inspection, the expert examines each section of the gutter system for damage, wear and tear, and other signs of aging. The expert also checks for leaks in the gutter downspouts. If the downspouts are leaking, they should be cleaned and repositioned as needed to prevent water from pooling around the foundation of the house and causing structural problems.
The inspection also focuses on the condition of gutter and downspout connections, such as loose fasteners, rust spots or sagging sections. The gutters should be properly sloped and positioned to ensure proper drainage of rainwater. A gutter that is pitched correctly will keep water from running over the fascia board and into the home, minimizing the risk of wood rot and moisture damage.
When a gutter isn’t adequately positioned, the excess weight of accumulating debris can cause it to pull away from the roof or even detach from the gutters altogether. This can lead to a host of problems, including water overflow and pooling on the ground surrounding the foundation of the house, which can cause settling, cracks in the foundation and other serious structural issues.
During an inspection, the expert will also focus on other elements that attach to the roof, such as skylights, chimneys and vents, making sure they are intact and in good working order. He or she will also examine the roof penetrations for aging and damage, such as rust, paint peeling, stains, fungus and other signs of deterioration. Taking care of these small, easily repairable items can help prevent major problems down the road. Having a professional conduct a routine inspection is the best way to ensure that your roof stays in great shape for years to come. Contact Roof Inspection Reports today to learn more about our comprehensive roof inspection services.
Trim the Trees
Trees add beauty and value to a home. They also provide shade and reduce energy costs. In addition, they can help with drainage and prevent the buildup of debris on the roof. However, trees also need regular maintenance. This includes trimming tree limbs that overhang the roof. Overhanging branches can cause significant damage to the roof.
When a tree limb falls on the roof, it can puncture or tear shingles and create leaks. In addition, a tree that is too close to the house can block sunlight and make the roof more susceptible to heat and moisture damage. Keeping the trees on your property trimmed can save you money in repair bills, extend the lifespan of your roof and help to maintain the beauty and value of your home.
Another reason to regularly trim the trees on your property is to protect against pest infestations. Squirrels, raccoons and other pests can use overhanging limbs to access the roof. Trimming the limbs keeps them away from the roof and makes it harder for them to reach the gutters and get into the home.
It is important to hire a professional for tree trimming as they are experts in this field. In addition, they have the appropriate equipment to handle large jobs safely. Inexperienced homeowners can easily cut off too much and ruin the look of your roof. In addition, if the trees are in a state of disrepair, they can fall and damage your roof or even the entire house.
It is also important to note that many cities and municipalities have bylaws regulating the removal of specific trees. Therefore, before attempting to remove any tree that is in a dangerous state, be sure to consult with the city bylaws and your arborist to ensure that it is safe to do so. Additionally, if you are planning on planting a new tree near your home, it is best to avoid species that drop large nuts or fruits that could damage the roof. This includes pecan, walnut, hickory and Osage orange trees. These types of trees are best planted at least 20 feet away from a home.
Clear Debris
When debris is left on the roof, it can collect in and clog gutters. This will cause water to leak and overflow, damaging the roof itself. The debris can also trap and conceal pest infestations like rodents and ants which can nest in the crevices between shingles. Debris can also promote moss growth, which has a dark and unattractive appearance. Debris needs to be removed regularly to prevent these issues.
If debris is not cleared, it can blow around and injure people who are on the roof or those below. It can also damage equipment, structures and other materials. The debris can hit and dent a unit, hatch, light or the roof itself, which can lead to expensive repairs. The debris can also hit and damage fall protection systems, which could create a safety hazard for anyone working in the area.
The most important reason to remove the debris is to avoid damage to the roof. This may not be obvious, but even small debris like twigs and leaves can damage the roof over time. It can be difficult to notice this damage, but over time it will deteriorate the roof and require expensive repairs. The debris can also hide areas that are damaged, making them harder to spot and repair.
Cleaning the roof can be done with a variety of tools. A broom can be used for some debris, but a vacuum system is typically the preferred option. This is especially true for large projects and industrial buildings. The vacuum system can be attached to a ladder or directly to the roof, and it will blow the debris into a designated area. This method is safe and precise, minimizing the risk of injury to workers on the roof. The debris can then be collected into a trash bag, discarded or sent down a chute from the rooftop into a designated trash bin. A chute system is a great way to minimize the need for employees to be on the roof at all, but it does require proper fall protection to be safe.
