When a roof starts leaking it can cause serious interior damage. To avoid a major repair bill, inspect your roof at least once a year. Contact A. Parker Contracting for professional help.
First examine it from the ground and, if you have an attic, in that space too. Look for stains, especially around vents. Check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones.
When it comes to the exterior of a home, flashing is an important part of keeping water out. This is because if water seeps beneath shingles or other roofing materials, it can lead to issues like mold, mildew and pest infestations. It also leads to rot and structural damage over time. Flashing is a thin sheet of metal that prevents water penetration by covering openings and sealing the seams where they meet. It is a common element of shingled roofs, but can also be found on some metal ones.
There are several types of roof flashing, all designed to provide a strong seal against water intrusion in different situations. For example, vent pipe flashing is often used to seal around pipes that protrude from the roof, such as plumbing vents or a chimney flue. This type of flashing consists of a wide piece of metal that is bent at a corner and then cut down to the bottom edge where it meets up with a shingle or other roofing material. The top edge of the flashing is then nailed or sealed to the roof and the bottom edge is bent down over the pipe.
Other types of flashing include apron and valley. Apron flashing is generally installed at the base of a penetration through the roof, such as a chimney or dormer, and is usually L-shaped. This flashing is then nailed to the roof and up against the wall of the dormer or chimney to keep water from getting into the space between the roof and wall. Valley flashing is installed in the valleys between two sections of the roof to direct water away from the seam and prevent pooling, which can cause leaks.
If you suspect that your roof has flashing problems, it’s important to call a professional roofer to inspect and repair the problem. This is because roof flashing is difficult to install correctly, and if it isn’t done properly, it can leave your entire roof vulnerable to moisture damage and other problems.
Some signs that your roof flashing needs repair include gaps or separations where the flashing meets the shingles or other roofing materials, loose or missing sections of flashing, and water stains on the interior of your home near the areas where flashing is located. These can all indicate that the flashing is leaking or that the sealant has deteriorated.
Gutters
Gutters are a key component of the water management system that protects your roof and home from damage. During rainstorms, gutters channel water away from the house through downspouts, redirecting it to either your garden, waste system, or even a stormwater collection system—far from the foundation of your home. This ensures that your foundation remains intact, and helps protect against basement flooding, soil erosion and structural damage to the home.
A properly functioning gutter system also minimizes outdoor hazards, like slippery wet surfaces and pooling water that encourages the growth of mold and mildew. When left unattended, these conditions can lead to costly structural problems in the building or home. Gutter maintenance and repair, however, is less expensive than dealing with the long-term consequences of neglect.
In many homes, the term “gutter” is synonymous with the more specific eavestrough. The difference is subtle, but the word eavestrough is used for a longer section of gutter that extends down the wall and is typically connected to the soffit.
The importance of the gutters is that they catch the water and debris that would otherwise fall and wash over the roof, preventing it from causing staining or damaging the building’s exterior paint. Gutters are also important for reducing the risk of water damage to the interior of the building. Without gutters, pounding rainwater could flood the crawl space or basement and lead to serious issues with mold and mildew.
One of the most common reasons for needing gutter repair is that it becomes clogged. Without regular maintenance, a buildup of leaves and other debris can cause the gutter to become clogged. This can lead to overflowing and standing water that penetrates the roofing materials, causing leaks and promoting the growth of mold and mildew. In addition, a clogged gutter increases the chance of ice dams that can damage the gutters and building structure.
The best way to prevent this is through regular maintenance and cleaning. Over the Top Roofing & Restoration can perform regular cleaning and inspections to ensure that your gutter system is working as it should.
Fascia
A fascia is a long plank of wood that runs horizontally along the edge of your roof and connects the gutter system to the house frame. This is a vital part of your roof’s structure, and it helps to protect the house from moisture damage. Oftentimes, homeowners can’t see this board because it is covered with an aluminum or vinyl cover that matches the system of the gutters. Houses without fascia boards are rare and it is against construction codes to have them absent from a home.
Fascia is important because it prevents moisture from damaging the rafters and the attic of the house. It also protects against pest infestations such as carpenter ants and termites. It can be painted or stained to match the exterior color of a home and it can be made from a variety of materials such as plywood, fiber cement, and aluminum. Wood fascia is popular because it is easy to work with and it stands up to the elements well, but it must be sealed to prevent rot and wood damage.
Metal and PVC fascia is less prone to moisture damage, but it can still crack, warp, and detach from the house. Homeowners should regularly inspect the soffits and fascia for signs of damage like mildew, mold, rotted wood, and any other discrepancies that can compromise the integrity of the roof.
If you notice any of these issues with your roof, call a professional for immediate repair and replacement. If your roof isn’t properly protected, it can suffer from water damage that will affect the entire structure of the home.
A damaged fascia can cause other roofing problems such as leaking, mold growth and insect infestations. This is why it is so important to have a professional inspect the condition of your roof and perform repairs as needed. Call a local roofer to schedule a free estimate and ensure that your roof is in good shape. They will inspect your soffits and fascia, clean out any debris, and ensure that the gutters are functioning correctly. This will help to prevent the need for costly repairs down the road.
Shingles
Shingles are one of the most important components of a roof. They protect the house from water, cold, heat and other elements that could damage it. But shingles are not indestructible; they are expendable and require repair and maintenance to function properly and last longer.
During a visual inspection, look for cracked, curled or missing shingles. Loose shingles can cause leaks which may lead to further roof problems, so be sure to replace them promptly.
You can purchase replacement shingles from your local home improvement store, and shingle cement can help secure loose ones. You should always buy more shingles than you need to ensure that you have enough on hand, especially after a severe storm or in the event of a major wind. It is important to wear safety precautions when climbing on your roof, and you should only perform these repairs in good weather conditions and with a partner.
Signs that it is time to perform shingle repairs include a leaking roof, stains on the ceiling or walls, or shingles that are curled up at the ends. In addition, you should make sure that your attic has proper ventilation so hot air doesn’t linger and damage the shingles.
You should also check the gutters to make sure they are clean and not directing water into places where it shouldn’t be. A clogged gutter can direct water into your home, damaging the fascia and other parts of the roof.
Another thing to watch out for is shingles rash. This is a common condition caused by the herpes simplex virus, and it causes painful blisters on the torso and face.
You can usually spot this by a red rash that hurts, tingles or burns in a band around the center of your body. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir or famciclovir to treat the shingles.