Most manufacture’s roof warranties require that the roofing system be maintained on a regular basis in order to maintain their validity. A well-managed preventive maintenance program will help minimize future or unexpected costs.
General roof inspections at Roofing Rochester NY will catch many issues that aren’t obvious until they become major problems like water stains in the ceiling.
When debris builds up on a roof, it can affect the integrity of the materials and lead to leaks. Debris can also block vents, reducing their functionality. Cleaning the roof on a regular basis is a good way to help prevent debris accumulation and other problems.
Before starting, it’s important to make sure the area is clear of all loose debris, like branches and leaves. Then you can start to clean the rest of the roof, using a broom or a rake to sweep away the dirt and other items. When you’re done, it’s important to inspect the condition of the shingles to make sure they aren’t damaged. If you see any shingle damage, it’s a good idea to have the repairs done immediately.
You should also take the opportunity to clean out the gutters. Having these fully functional can keep water from flowing into areas it shouldn’t or into the side of your home where it can cause deterioration of siding and other components. Clogged gutters can also harbor ice dams in the winter, which is dangerous and damaging to your roof.
If you have clay tiles, you should inspect them for moss and mildew as well. These can crack and damage the tiles if left unchecked. You can clean the tiles with a garden house or a pressure washer. Just remember to use a low setting and test the cleaner on a small area before applying it to the entire surface of your roof.
A thorough roof maintenance survey should be conducted monthly. This will allow you to detect small isolated conditions early, before they develop into more serious problems. These surveys will also help to ensure that the drainage system is functioning properly. You can conduct these surveys yourself or hire a professional. Either way, these surveys will ensure that your roof is in a healthy state and extend the life-cycle of the materials.
Check Flashings
Flashing is the protective material that connects different installations on your roof like chimneys, vents and skylights. It eliminates the possibility of water leaking into your home and protects your walls from damage. Flashing is usually made of aluminum, because it does not rust, but it can also be galvanized steel or copper. Examine the flashing for cracks, dents or any other signs of deterioration.
One of the most common signs that roof flashing is faulty is a leak at the point where it meets your wall. This is often caused by shoddy construction, and it’s important to fix the problem before it worsens.
Another common problem is a caulk seal that has degraded over time. Roof flashing is often exposed to weather, which exacerbates the rate of deterioration, so it’s important to replace the caulk regularly. This will help prevent water leaks and make your roof stronger.
Lastly, examine the flashing for any signs of moss or algae. This can also lead to leaks, so it’s important to remove any spores or clumps of moss that you find and reseal the area. You may also want to consider adding zinc or lead control strips, which you can purchase from most roofing supply stores, to your roof.
You should also check the flashing for any bends or dents, as these are a sign that it is weakening. Flashing is prone to warping due to dramatic temperature changes, which can cause it to bend and become wrinkled. This is a significant problem, because it can break the galvanized coating on steel and cause other metals to become weakened.
Inspecting your roof for damage is a task that’s easy to neglect, but it’s important to do so frequently. Performing regular roof maintenance will prolong the life of your shingles, and it can help you avoid costly leaks. If you do notice damage to your shingles, it’s important to contact a professional roofer so that they can repair or replace them as needed. Contact IKO’s Contractor Locator to find a roofing specialist in your area.
Check Shingles
The roof is the primary defense your home has against water damage, mold and mildew. As such, it must be in top condition to perform its job of keeping water out. A leaky roof can lead to costly interior damage that you will want to avoid at all costs. This is why it’s important to regularly inspect your home and roof for signs of wear and tear. These signs can include dingy-looking shingles, dark stains or moss, and rotting sheathing or decking. Luckily, most of these problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and routine inspections of your roof.
First, you will want to look for signs of shingle damage. If you have asphalt shingles, check for cracks or dents in the surface. You will also want to look for any shingle pieces that are missing. Even if the missing pieces are only small, this can allow water to penetrate the roof and cause damage to other areas of your home.
If you are comfortable climbing a ladder, you should also check for any shingles that appear loose or lifting. Loose or lifting shingles can be a sign of roof damage and should be addressed immediately. It’s also possible that the underlying underlayment or flashing is deteriorated, which could lead to a leaky roof.
Finally, if you notice a dark tinge or stain on your shingles, this is a sign of damage to the shingle material itself. This is typically caused by poor ventilation and can result in the accumulation of moisture inside the roof, which can then seep through to the interior of your home.
If you see any rotted or stained sheathing or decking, it’s time to schedule a professional roof inspection and repairs. This can be a major sign of a leaky or damaged roof and can lead to further damage, including sagging ceilings, wood rot and black mold. The good news is that a new roof can be installed quickly and easily once the problem has been caught. In addition, this type of repair can save you the cost of a full roof replacement down the line.
Check Edge Metal
A roof’s edge metal is a vital part of the roofing system, and it also plays an important role in keeping water away from the building envelope. However, it is often neglected because of its location and its inaccessibility during routine maintenance, leaving these areas at high risk for water intrusion.
Perimeter edge metal is a component of low-slope (flat) roof systems that helps secure the perimeter edges of the roof membrane. This prevents catastrophic roof blow-off during high wind events.
It is installed at the intersection of roof surfaces and other structures or additions to the roof, such as equipment curbs, skylights and windows. This type of flashing is prone to damage due to the physical damage it experiences, such as being kicked or caught on ladders, and to weathering. Additionally, if the flashing is not correctly installed, then moisture may leak into the roof.
Typically, these flashings are pre-fabricated and sold by the roof system manufacturer. They are usually a steel or aluminum material, with some companies specializing in producing this type of flashing. During the roof survey, the edge metal should be examined for cracks, chips or any other damage that needs to be repaired.
In some cases, a dent in the edge metal is not a serious issue, but it does need to be addressed as soon as possible. During the inspection, it should be determined whether the edge metal is a “type C” or “type E” edge metal. This is an important distinction because a different style can be much more susceptible to corrosion.
Other minor things to check include the condition of the ridge vents to ensure that they are not blocked by snow or other debris; and a thorough examination for signs of moss, mildew and mold. While this can be done from the ground using binoculars or a safe ladder, most inspectors will recommend having a professional roofer perform this task. This way, any problem can be quickly identified and repaired by a trained professional. A regular roof maintenance program can help extend the life of the roofing system, and it will also keep the owner in compliance with the terms of any manufacture’s warranty.
