A roofing professional at Sun City Roofing can inspect the entire structure of a roof to make sure it is functioning as intended. This inspection includes checking for water penetration points inside the home and other damage to rafters, walls, insulation, etc.
Check for accumulated debris and clogged drains, and look for signs of previous repairs that may be failing or need to be replaced.
Shingles are the outer layer of your roof and play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. As a result, it’s important to keep an eye out for damage and to perform regular maintenance.
If left unchecked, moss, lichen, and algae can grow on your shingles, causing them to crack and disintegrate. Additionally, they can create a dark spot on your roof and stain your gutters. During your roof inspection, look for these growths and have them removed by a professional. You can also prevent them from returning by having a protective product applied annually.
A damaged shingle can allow water to seep into your home, creating a host of issues including mold and wood rot. During your inspection, check for shingle damage like cracking, curling, or buckling. If you find any, have them repaired immediately to avoid leaks and other problems.
Your roofing contractor will be able to recommend the right solution for your shingle repair. For example, you may need to replace the entire shingle or simply apply a waterproof sealant. It is recommended that you use a high-quality sealant because it will last longer than the standard caulk.
You should also look for cracks in the flashing. Flashing is a thin metal material installed to direct water away from areas where the roof plane meets vertical surfaces like chimneys or dormers. It can become corroded or cracked over time and needs to be replaced as part of your shingle maintenance.
If you have skylights in your roof, make sure they are properly sealed and that the glass pane is not cracked. Checking for a broken or leaking skylight is a simple task that can be performed on a sunny day during your inspection. In addition, you should inspect the attic for signs of moisture such as water stains. This could indicate a leak or just that the attic space is not well ventilated. Also, check for duct work connections like fan vents, plumbing stacks, oven pipes, and furnace ducts. These can get loose and cause a buildup of moisture that can lead to wood rot, mold, and mildew.
Gutters
Gutters are a vital part of a roof’s structure. They direct rainwater away from the home to prevent water damage to walls, windows, foundations and more. However, when left neglected, they can clog with leaves, twigs and other debris. This can lead to overflowing gutters, which may erode the roof and cause damage to the house itself. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening by eliminating foreign material and allowing the gutter system to function properly.
The best way to clean gutters is to use a tall, stabilized ladder to access the troughs and soffits. Start by removing all plant life and debris that has collected in the gutters, and place it in a trash bag for disposal. Next, systematically work through the full length of the gutters, scooping, scrubbing, hosing and inspecting as you go. This will ensure no area is overlooked and the whole system receives proper end-to-end attention.
During the cleaning process, it’s also wise to trim back any trees or bushes that overhang the gutters. This will help minimize the amount of leaves and twigs that fall into the gutters during storms, which can result in clogs. If you want to take your maintenance a step further, consider installing gutter guards to prevent overflowing and blockages in the first place.
When a clog or other problem is encountered, it’s a good idea to call in a professional. If you’re not comfortable working at heights, or if there are serious and extensive clogs or underlying issues, professional expertise will be required to address them effectively.
Regular roofing and gutter maintenance can help you preserve your home’s structure, reduce energy costs, and protect the value of your property. It’s essential to remember that safety should always come first, especially when climbing a ladder or working at heights. If you’re unsure of how to perform these tasks, or are uncomfortable with the potential risks involved, please contact a Birdcreek roofing expert for professional advice and assistance.
Soffit and Fascia
The soffit and fascia are two roofline components that are often neglected but play an important role in your home’s protection. They provide ventilation to your attic space, protect the edges of your roofline from pests, and create a finished look for your home. These elements are also vital for preventing moisture infiltration and damage to the rest of your home.
Damaged soffits and fascia are not only unsightly, but they can lead to more serious problems like mold growth, rot, and structural damage. This is why it is so important to inspect your soffit and fascia regularly and to promptly address any damage.
If you notice cracked or rotting wood, loose or missing pieces, discoloration, or signs of pest infestation, you may need to replace your soffit and fascia. Replacing these components with high-quality, low-maintenance materials will help to protect your home from the elements and extend their lifespan.
Soffits and fascia are usually made of either aluminum, wood, or a composite material. The most popular option is UPVC which is more affordable than metals and offers better insulation properties. It is also more durable and will not rust or rot. It is available in a range of colors and styles so you can match them to your home’s aesthetic.
Whether you have an aluminum or wooden fascia, it is important to regularly clean it with a soft brush and a garden hose. This will remove any dirt and debris and prevent the build-up of mildew, fungus, and algae. It is also a good idea to keep the gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris so that water can flow freely.
A soffit is a board that spans the area between the edge of your roof and the bottom of your eaves. The soffit provides a surface for the installation of venting systems that will allow hot air to escape from your home and cool air to enter. Without proper ventilation, your attic can overheat and cause mold and mildew problems in the living spaces of your home, as well as wood rot to the fascia boards and soffits.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form along the eaves of your roof when snow melts and re-freezes. They prevent melting water from draining off your roof and cause leaks into the home. Moisture entering the home causes rot, mold and mildew in walls, ceilings and insulation. Even if there is no visible damage, the moisture will eventually eat through wood and drywall causing structural framing members to rot or metal fasteners to corrode.
The best way to prevent ice dams is to provide sufficient attic ventilation, ensure the attic is well insulated and use a roof covering that allows for thermal expansion and contraction. During cold temperatures, homeowners should regularly clear snow from the roof and gutters. Using a roof rake, carefully remove the snow to avoid damaging the roofing materials. Creating channels for water to flow off the roof is also helpful. Ideally, the channels should run down the center of the eaves and be well away from the roof covering and fascia.
When ice dams occur, the best action is to hire professionals to evaluate and repair the problem. They may recommend installing an ice dam barrier that prevents the buildup of ice. In addition, they can use a variety of tools to identify air leaks in the attic and roof and make recommendations for improving the existing insulation.
Homeowners should never attempt to peel, hack or chip ice dams off the roof. The process will almost certainly damage the shingles and create further problems. In addition, attempting to break up ice dams with a ladder can be dangerous as the ice may rip off gutters or fall onto windows or people.
Some homeowners have good luck with a home remedy that uses calcium chloride and pantyhose. They fill a leg of pantyhose or a sock with calcium chloride pellets, tie off the end and hang the sock vertically from the eaves. When it is warm enough, the ice melt socks lower the freezing temperature of the snow and ice dams and melt them away. However, the method is time consuming and is not foolproof.
