Every homeowner knows that owning a home requires ongoing maintenance. Whether it’s yard work, painting, or changing A/C filters, routine maintenance ensures your house stays in top condition.
Roof maintenance is one of the most important tasks homeowners can do to prevent costly repairs. A roofing contractor can identify minor issues and fix them before they become big problems. Contact Red Stick Roofing Of Louisiana for professional help.
Getting your roof inspected on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your home is in good condition. During a roof inspection, a professional can look for damaged or missing shingles, leaks, structural problems and other issues that could lead to serious damage down the road.
A roof inspector should be able to evaluate your roof from several angles, including the ground and from the inside of your home. A thorough inspection will also include looking at the surrounding areas, such as the gutters and downspouts. In some cases, if the inspector can’t safely get on the roof due to weather or structural issues, they may choose to use a drone to take pictures and videos of the exterior of your home and its roofing system.
When a roof is in good condition, it should be able to keep heat and cool air in the house and prevent water from entering. During the inspection, a roofer will check for gaps in insulation or damage to seals that can cause energy loss. Addressing these issues early can save you money on heating and cooling costs.
Your roof’s shingle color and texture are important, as well as the amount of granules remaining on each shingle. A roofer will be able to detect signs of hail damage and the presence of water stains or algae on your shingles. They will also inspect the roof decking and joists for any damage or moisture problems, such as mold or rot.
High-quality roof materials are important, but they won’t be able to perform as intended if they’re not installed correctly. During an inspection, a roofer will check for workmanship problems, such as improper flashing installation or nail pops, that can cause further damage to your roof down the line.
A roof inspection can also reveal if your attic is properly ventilated to maintain a comfortable temperature and regulate humidity. An attic without ventilation can cause mold, rot and other health and safety issues. In addition to evaluating the condition of your attic, a roofer will examine soffit vents, gable vents and other ventilation systems to make sure they’re working as they should.
Shingle Replacement
Just as you change the oil in your car or brush and floss your teeth, shingle roof maintenance keeps your roof functional for its lifespan. Repairing and replacing damaged shingles is a good example of this maintenance. This includes examining every replacement for proper fit and applying sealants. The last prevents water from entering a shingle and shortening its lifespan, as well as keeping it from leaking or blowing away in harsh weather conditions.
To replace a shingle, you’ll need a sturdy ladder and a pair of work gloves to protect yourself. The roof itself should be clear of debris and other materials that could interfere with your shingle installation.
The first step is to identify the shingle that’s missing. You should be able to spot the tear and discoloration easily enough, but you’ll need to break through the asphalt sealant bond that attaches it to its neighbors in order to remove it. To do this, slide a flat pry bar under the shingle in a radius around its edge. You should be able to shear off the sealant with ease using this method, although it’s best done in cool weather when the asphalt is easier to shear through.
If you’re a savvy DIYer, you might be tempted to try repairing the existing shingle rather than replacing it. But Shirley cautions against this. “I don’t usually recommend repairing a shingle unless it is completely worn out,” he says. He adds that tar sealant might fix the shingle for a little while, but it’s not a long-term solution and doesn’t address the larger problem.
A shingle roof requires ventilation to avoid overheating, which can damage the material and cause leaks. Proper attic ventilation also helps keep the shingles from absorbing excess moisture, which can lead to algae growth and mold. This is why it’s important to regularly check for blocked vents and other obstructions that block airflow through the attic and into the home.
You’ll also want to inspect the fascia and soffit for cracks and rot, which could allow water or invasive animals into the attic. If you find any problems, it’s a good idea to call in a professional roofer to repair them before the issue escalates.
Flashing Replacement
Roof flashing is a critical component that helps shed water from high-flow areas, prevent leaks and reduce dry-rot issues. This is especially important in areas where a roof meets other surfaces such as walls, valleys and protrusions like chimneys.
Flashing is made of a variety of materials such as copper, aluminum and steel. The flashing is positioned between the shingles and the roofing material and serves to direct rainwater off of the roof and into a gutter system. The flashing is designed to prevent moisture from seeping into the roof’s wooden sheathing and underlayment and causing costly damage.
Leaks caused by damaged flashing can be difficult to diagnose because the flashing itself is often hidden from view, but if you can see dents or indentations on the roof surface it’s time to call a roofer. In many cases if the flashing is damaged it can be repaired by removing the shingle that covers it and then re-installing a new piece of flashing. A professional will ensure the flashing is installed correctly to avoid leaking.
A good roofing contractor will replace the flashing at the same time as replacing the shingles. They will also take care to reinstall the shingles over the new flashing to avoid any future leaks.
Having the flashing replaced at the same time as the shingles is a cost-effective option that saves you the hassle of scheduling two separate repair jobs. A HUD-insured Title I Property Improvement loan may help defray the costs of having a chimney flashing replacement done.
We have heard countless stories of homeowners whose new roofs were replaced with old re-used flashing components. Although building departments check clearances around hot pipes and the presence of nosing flashing on roof edges they don’t require roofing companies to replace plumbing, vent, skylight and chimney flashing if they are still in good condition when they are re-roofing. This is why it’s important to choose a roofer who takes the time to inspect all flashings during a roof replacement project and will only re-use new flashing where necessary.
Gutters
Gutters are more than just appendages to the roof; they help ensure that rainwater doesn’t flood basements, cause structural rot, and wreak havoc on landscaping. They are also crucial for the health of the roofing materials, and a properly functioning gutter system can save homeowners thousands in water damage repairs. Taking care of your gutters with regular cleanings and inspections is the best way to keep them in good condition.
A gutter is a pipe that extends from the fascia and runs parallel to your roof to collect rainfall and channel it to a downspout. It’s commonly made from metal, although other options exist. It’s important to keep your gutters clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris, which can block water flow and render them useless. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling around your foundation or leaking into the home, which can cause mold and rot. Regular gutter cleaning helps to prevent these issues and keeps your home in top condition.
Without functional gutters, water would simply cascade directly off the roof, eroding soil and damaging landscaping features on the property. Gutters also protect the fascia and soffit by directing excess water away from these exposed wood areas, preventing rot and other problems. Gutters also help to preserve the appearance of your home, and are often a key component in improving curb appeal and increasing property value.
Guttering has been around for centuries and is a common feature on homes in many regions across the world. Originally, gutters consisted of lined wooden or stone troughs. Later, they were manufactured from cast iron and galvanized steel, but today’s gutters are generally made from aluminum, vinyl, copper, or zinc. These are much more durable than their predecessors and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a sound investment for your home.
Keeping your gutters clean is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain your roof. However, it’s important to recognize the signs that indicate it’s time for a repair or replacement, so you can take proactive steps to address the problem before it gets out of hand.