It is a good idea to inspect your roof regularly. Check for leaks, water stains, sagging and dampness.
Flashing is the metal that seals the intersections of the roof, like around chimneys and vents. Flashing can be nailed or sealed with roofing cement.
Another indication of a aging roof is the loss of shingle granules in gutters and downspouts.
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a popular roof system that’s been around for 100-plus years. It’s known for its sturdy construction, and its multiple layers provide protection in various climates. However, BUR systems do require maintenance to keep them in good condition. A building owner should be vigilant to signs of trouble, like bubbling, cracking, and rippling, and make repairs as soon as possible to prevent the issue from getting worse.
A few of the benefits of a BUR roof include its resistance to a range of environmental threats, including rain and hail, as well as fire. Additionally, it’s an insulator, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs. A BUR system can also last 40 years or more, depending on the location and other factors.
The disadvantage of a BUR system is that the installation process takes longer than other roofing types. Additionally, the many layers of a BUR system can lead to cracks due to imperfections in the materials or regular weathering.
Another problem with a BUR roof is that it doesn’t offer much design flexibility. Its traditional tar and gravel look may not suit the aesthetic preferences of some building owners or architects. In addition, it can be difficult to install solar panels on a built-up roof.
A specialized roofing contractor should be used to perform BUR roof repair. This will help to ensure that the repair is done correctly and with the proper materials. The repairs should also be completed in a timely manner to prevent water damage and other issues.
Whether you have a BUR roof or another type of commercial roofing, a proactive approach to roof repair is essential. This includes regular inspections, cleaning gutters and drains to ensure optimal flow, inspecting protruding elements, removing unwanted vegetation, and making immediate repairs for identified problems. By taking these measures, you can extend the lifespan of your roof and avoid costly repairs.
Shingles
Shingles come in a wide range of materials, from asphalt and fiberglass to clay and wood. They’re designed to be durable, long-lasting and relatively easy to repair. However, shingles can be vulnerable to damage from hail, wind, tree branches and insects. Regular inspections and quick repairs can help minimize the impact of such damage on your roof structure. If a shingle is blown off or lost, it will need to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid water and heat loss.
Look for dark spots or streaks, extensive moss growth and the presence of granules in your gutters as early indicators that your shingles are starting to degrade and need to be replaced. Persistent leaks can also be a sign of deteriorating shingles. If you see stains on your ceiling or walls and musty odors in your home, these are further indications of leaks from deteriorating shingles that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you live in a climate with heavy snowfall, ice dams can form and cause moisture to back up under shingles, potentially damaging your roof decking and insulation. If you notice water stains on your ceilings or walls, or damp beams in your attic, these are further evidence that your roof is leaking and needs to be repaired.
Aside from shingles, it’s important to remember that your roof is essentially a protective covering over an inner structure that supports your entire house. If you don’t pay attention to the condition of your roof, it can lead to serious structural problems that can cost a lot of money to repair.
Some homeowners are tempted to take on roof repair themselves, especially for small jobs like replacing a missing shingle or patching a hole. But unless you have some construction or roofing experience, it’s generally best to let professionals do the work to ensure that your roof repairs are done correctly and to your satisfaction. Incorrect or incomplete roof repairs can result in a host of problems, from rotting sheathing to interior water damage and mold. If you’re considering a do-it-yourself roofing project, always follow strict safety protocols and be sure to use proper equipment for the job at hand.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin layer of impervious material, usually metal, that’s installed to prevent water penetration at critical points where the roof meets other structures or features. Without effective flashing, water can seep into the joints and cause rot and structural damage. Flashing is essential to the health of any roof, and it should be inspected regularly for signs of damage or wear.
A roofing professional can inspect the flashing during a routine roof inspection and address any issues they find. In addition, it’s a good idea to schedule a yearly maintenance appointment with a professional to ensure all components are functioning properly.
Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, including modern composite substances and metals like copper and aluminum. However, most professionals use galvanized sheet metal for flashing because it resists corrosion and is durable. Flashing can be shaped and sized to fit the specific needs of each project, and it is often installed using an adhesive or sealant.
Different types of flashing include step, valley, base, and counter flashing. Step flashing is typically used around sloped areas such as chimneys, dormers, and vent pipes. It consists of small L-shaped pieces installed in a stepped fashion to create a protective barrier against water intrusion. Valley flashing covers the seam where two sections of a roof meet to direct water away from the structure and prevent leaks.
Counter flashing is a narrow strip of metal that’s placed at the intersection of a roof and wall to prevent water from seeping in through this vulnerable area. This type of flashing is common at doors and windows.
If you notice rust spots or other signs of damage to your roof’s flashing, call a roofing contractor immediately. They can safely remove shingles and other materials to expose the damaged flashing and repair it. A roofing professional can also repair cracks and gaps in flashing, and they can help ensure that the flashing is properly sealed to the roof and other components. The longer you wait to address any issues with your roof’s flashing, the more costly a repair will be.
Gutters
Gutters work in tandem with shingles to direct rainwater away from the roof, keeping it from pushing under the shingle edge and causing leaks. It also helps prevent soil erosion that can weaken the foundation of your home or business.
Gutter cleaning is typically a twice-annual chore, and is important to your roofing system. If you neglect it, you may find yourself in need of a roof replacement sooner than you would have otherwise expected.
In addition to preventing water damage, gutters can help extend the life of your roof by reducing mold and mildew growth and by preserving the fascia and soffit boards. The fascia is a long wooden board that protects the lower edges of your roof. Without gutters, the water drained from the roof will saturate the fascia and soffit boards, leading to rot and decay. This will expose the underlying wall boards to moisture and make them susceptible to mold, woodpecker holes, fungus, and aggressive termite infestation.
A gutter system consists of several troughs that are attached to the roofline to collect and discharge water. They are angled away from the building’s structure and connect to downspouts that direct water into the ground or into a waste system or rainwater collection system. Downspouts are also secured to the eave with downspout brackets and sealed with gutter sealant.
If you’re considering hiring a contractor to clean your gutters, consider the following:
Gather your equipment: This can be messy work, so it’s recommended that you wear safety goggles, a hat, and rubber gloves. You’ll need to set up a ladder and secure it with stabilizers, as well as having a bucket of water to rinse away any gunk that you can’t scoop up with your gloved hands. Start at one end of the gutter and move your way around.