Regular roofing maintenance, performed by professional roofers, prevents small problems from becoming major ones. This involves inspecting the shingles, flashing, attic, chimney, vent pipes and gutters.
It also includes trimming tree branches that hang too close to the roof; even when they don’t fall during a storm, their rustling and shading can cause damage. It also includes cleaning the gutters to ensure proper water drainage. Contact Roofing Louisiana for professional help.
The flashing is those strips of metal (usually aluminum, galvanized metal, or lead) that run along roof edges or joints. They are important because they help to divert water or keep it out of tricky areas that shingles can’t cover, like the spaces around pipes or vents that protrude through the roof. Flashing can also be found near chimneys, skylights, or walls. Unfortunately, because it is exposed to the elements, flashing can become damaged or cause leaks.
For this reason, it’s important to regularly check the flashing for damage and signs of leakage. This is typically done when the roof is inspected for damage, but can also be performed as part of an annual maintenance routine. A light cleaning is all that is usually needed, but if the flashing appears to be damaged or not sealed properly it should be repaired.
Most flashing is installed with either nails or screws, and both of these can wiggle loose over time. If you are comfortable on a ladder or have access to one, it is easy to check the flashing for looseness and tighten these components. However, this is a job that is best left to the professionals for safety reasons, especially if you are not familiar with roofing.
The metal flashing can also rust or break over time, so it’s important to look for signs of these problems as well. If you notice a dark stain or rust around the flashing, this means that it is time to replace it.
If you are seeing mold in the attic, this is another sign that it’s time to replace the flashing. Leaking around chimneys and at the corners of your roof are also indications that the flashing is in need of replacement.
A final thing to check for is missing pieces of flashing. Oftentimes, these will appear as a hole in the roof or will start to leak. It’s a good idea to replace any pieces that are missing as soon as you notice them to prevent further water intrusion or structural issues with your home.
Inspect the Shingles
The shingles on your roof are the part that gets the most wear and tear, so they need to be looked at carefully. This needs to be done from the ground and using a pair of binoculars if necessary, so that you can spot any areas that might be trouble spots.
Whether they are asphalt or wood-shingled, any loose, cracked, or broken shingles need to be replaced right away. These problems aren’t just unsightly, they can lead to leaks and even structural damage in your home.
Inspect the shingles on your roof before and after any stormy weather. Hail damage will look like pock marks scattered across the shingle, while wind damage may be harder to detect, since it can cause a shingle to stretch and tear, which isn’t as noticeable as a pock mark.
Look for stains and blistering on the shingles, which could indicate moisture has made its way to the inside of the shingle. Moisture in the shingle can lead to leaks, so it is important to replace these shingles as soon as possible.
A roofing contractor will also check the shingles for any signs of damage to the underlayment or underlying materials. They will also check the vents to ensure they can release air appropriately and aren’t blocked or clogged. In addition, they will inspect the gable, soffit, and ridge vents to make sure they aren’t pulling out the fasteners.
Moss, lichen, and algae can cause a lot of damage to your shingle roof. They thrive in moist environments, which can cause the shingles to degrade over time. Fortunately, these growths can be prevented by having your roof cleaned regularly with a chemical treatment that will kill them and prevent them from growing back.
Keeping the trees around your roof trimmed will also help reduce damage to your shingles, by eliminating the risk of branches falling onto the roof during a storm. It will also keep the leaves from accumulating on the roof and trapping moisture that can lead to shingle deterioration. Lastly, a regular cleaning of your roof with a soft-bristle broom will keep the shingle surfaces clean and free from debris that can cause problems.
Trim Tree Branches
Trees add beauty to a yard and provide shade but they can be dangerous if their branches hang too close to the roof. Branches that overhang the roof can cause damage to the shingles, gutters, and even the structure of the house. Overhanging limbs can also be a fire hazard, especially in areas that are prone to wildfires. Regular pruning of tree limbs that overhang a roof helps prevent these problems and can prolong the life of the roofing system.
If you have a large tree that is growing too close to your home, it may be time to hire an arborist to trim the branches. Large, thick branches can be tricky to handle and can cause serious injury if they fall. However, if you neglect to trim the tree, it will eventually become unstable and fall over.
When a tree branch extends over your roof, it can rip off shingles and gutters, and it can block the sun from reaching the roof, which can promote the growth of mold and fungus. If left unattended, these issues can result in costly repairs and replacements.
A professional arborist will be able to properly trim the tree so that it does not pose a threat to your roof. They will inspect the tree and make sure that all of the branches are trimmed to a safe distance from your home without jeopardizing the health of the tree.
If you have a neighbor’s tree that is extending over your property line, you have the legal right to trim any branches that extend over your home. However, it is important to check with your local city bylaws and an arborist before attempting to cut any trees that overhang the house. Some species of trees are protected and cannot be removed, and some areas have regulations that prohibit removing trees within a certain radius of the home.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters on a roof are designed to prevent damage to the structure and flooding around the foundation. They direct the flow of rainwater or snow melt away from a home, often into downspouts. If a gutter becomes clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris, it can prevent water from draining properly. This can lead to overflow and water puddles, which may cause structural damage or staining on the siding and walls of a home. It can also create a breeding ground for insects and rodents that will find their way inside the home.
A homeowner can usually clean their own gutters, though it’s a dangerous task to undertake without proper safety equipment and training. It’s important to wear work gloves and a long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sharp edges of shingles and other debris. Eye protection is also important, as it can protect the eyes from any shards of glass or other objects that may be released during the cleaning process.
It’s important to clean the gutters at least once a year and after any large storm that may have dislodged a significant amount of debris. A gutter that’s cleaned regularly can last longer than a gutter that isn’t. During the winter, it’s especially important to keep gutters clear of debris, as clogged gutters can make it difficult for melting snow and ice to drain. This can cause ice dams to form, which can be hazardous to the roof and other parts of the house.
The soffits and fascia on a roof can be made from vinyl, aluminum, galvanized steel, UPVC, or wood. They are an important part of the roofing system because they provide ventilation and insulation, keeping a roof warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They are also a protective barrier against the elements, helping to prevent moisture and pests from damaging a roof.
In addition to protecting the underlying structures, they can enhance a home’s curb appeal by blending it with the surrounding landscape and creating a smooth transition between the roof and the rest of the house. The soffit and fascia are usually made from the same materials as the gutters, but they can be made in different styles and colors to complement the style of a home.