Roofing maintenance is an important part of keeping your home safe from the elements. Keeping up with regular maintenance inspections will ensure that minor issues do not escalation into larger problems that require more expensive repair services.
A leaky roof can cause structural damage, rot, mold and compromise indoor air quality. Leaks are most likely to occur around chimneys, skylights and flashing, as well as in the field of the roof. For professional help, contact Sun City Roofing Pros.
Soffits and fascia boards are two essential parts of your roofline that help to protect the rest of your home from moisture build-up and a whole host of problems that can occur when these areas become damaged. In addition, they provide ventilation to attics and the area surrounding your roof, which is a vital function in an extreme weather climate like ours.
One telltale sign that it is time to have soffit and fascia repaired is if you notice that the paint is starting to crack and flake. This can indicate that moisture is getting into these structures, which can lead to damage to the roof decking, rafters and trusses below. If you notice this kind of damage, it is important to contact a home exterior specialist right away.
In addition to this, if you have noticed that the soffit and fascia are starting to sag or droop, this is another indication that they need repair. This is usually a sign that moisture has gotten into the wood and caused rot. This is a major problem that will cause further issues for your roof if it goes untreated.
Lastly, it is important to check your soffits and fascia for signs of pest infestation. Rodents such as rats, squirrels and mice love to nest in these structures due to the sheltered space they offer. When left untreated, these pests will continue to chew and nest in your soffits and fascia, which can result in significant damage and even structural failure.
The soffit is also an important part of your roofline as it helps to drain water from the shingles and gutters into the downspouts and out away from the structure of your home. If your soffit is damaged, it will not be able to do this and could lead to moisture problems in your attic and throughout your home.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters serve a vital function by collecting rainwater from the roof and diverting it through downspouts away from the home. They can become full of debris such as leaves, twigs, pine needles, and dead limbs. The accumulation of this debris causes the downspout to clog and overflow. This water can cause damage to fascia boards, soffits, windows, walls, and insulation as well as encouraging the growth of toxic mold.
Ideally gutters should be cleaned twice per year, once in the fall and again in the spring. This will remove any debris that accumulated throughout the winter, prevent clogs and allow rainwater to flow freely. In the fall, cleaning the gutters also allows them to be inspected for any wear and tear that may have occurred throughout the winter.
Gutter cleaning is an easy and fairly safe job to perform yourself provided you have a ladder that is on solid ground. It is also important to use a pair of work gloves during the cleaning process as there are often sharp materials in the gutters. It is a good idea to spray the gutters with water prior to cleaning as this will help to loosen up the material and make it easier to scoop out of the gutter.
After you have cleaned out the gutters, a simple test is to place a hose into the downspout and check that water flows easily. If you can’t get the hose to go all the way into the downspout or the water is dirty then it is time to clean them again. This will prevent the clogging of the downspout which can lead to water overflow and flooding.
Inspect the Flashing
The flashing is a layer of metal that prevents water from entering the roof and causing damage. It is installed around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and other roof penetrations. It should be inspected periodically for signs of damage or wear, especially after severe weather.
The most common flashing issue is rust or corrosion, which can be caused by exposure to the elements. This can lead to leaks and other problems. Flashing should also be inspected for cracks or gaps, which can allow water to seep into the roof and cause damage. Gaps and cracks can also be the source of moisture infiltration and mold growth inside the home.
Inspecting the flashing is a simple task that can be done as part of a larger roof inspection or on its own. It is important to have the proper tools for this job, including non-slip shoes and a pair of roofing gloves. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be necessary to remove and replace the flashing. Roofing caulk is typically used to seal the gap between the flashing and the roof, but this can degrade over time. It is a good idea to remove the old caulk and apply a fresh bead of caulking.
It is also a good idea to inspect the flashing during each season of the year, as each season brings different types of weather that can affect the condition of the roof and the flashing. Check the flashing for rust or corrosion, and look for gaps, cracks, and looseness. Also, be sure to inspect the caulking around chimneys, vents, and skylights. If you notice that the caulking is beginning to degrade or is lifting, it should be replaced immediately.
Check for Debris
Debris left behind after a storm can be dangerous for people on the roof, particularly if it’s light or loose. It can be blown around and bash into units, hatches, lights, or the roof itself. It can also cause damage that requires costly repairs or even a shutdown of the entire facility. Taking the time to clear debris regularly is an important part of maintaining a safe work environment at any facility.
If it obstructs the flow of water to gutters or drainage systems, it can cause localized ponding. This can rot the roof and lead to leaks into other areas of the facility.
Regularly check the roof and gutters for a build-up of debris, especially after heavy rains. Make sure to remove any moss or vegetation that is growing on the sheathing. If the problem isn’t dealt with quickly, it can lift the sheathing and allow water to seep in.
In addition to removing debris, make sure that the gutters are clean. Annual cleaning of the gutters is important to ensure that water is diverted away from the home, rather than pooling on the roof and causing damage.
Look for any shingle damage, especially in the valleys of the roof. In severe storms, it’s common for shingles to be separated from the sheathing. Look for cracks in the shingles as well as any signs of water seepage into the attic or rooms below the roof. If you notice any of these problems, call a professional for roofing repair right away. They can replace the shingle or re-secure it to the sheathing. They can also trim any tree branches that hang over the roof.
Inspect the Roof
Your roof is the barrier that stands between you and the elements. It protects not only your furniture, walls and possessions from damage, but also the supporting beams and rafters of the house itself. Inspecting the shingles and structure of the roof is one way you can keep your home safe.
During roof maintenance, a professional roof contractor will examine the roof for damage and potential leaks. They will also determine the general health of your roof and help you understand how much time it has left before a replacement is needed.
If your roof has a chimney, vent pipes or skylights, they will inspect these as well. These areas are subject to different problems and may need a more detailed inspection. Chimneys, for example, are often covered with a soot-like substance called creosote which can cause fire hazards. They can be swept clean and sealed with water-repellent products to prevent the buildup of more creosote.
Leaks often start at flashing, so a roofing contractor will inspect these areas on the roof to ensure they are properly secured. This includes re-flashing holes in wall and penetration base flashing as well as inspections of the roof’s field to look for surface wear, lap integrity and overall degradation.
The roof inspector will look for any signs of moss or lichen growth. These can lead to roof rot, water damage and mold problems. They will also check the caulking around pipe boot flashing to make sure it is in good condition to prevent water leaks. This is one of the most important steps in any roof maintenance.