A comprehensive roofing maintenance program helps identify problems early and reduces repair costs. Most roof manufacturers’ warranties include a disclaimer that the warranty is void if the roof is not maintained properly.
Check shingle seams and ridge caps for cracking, looseness, or damage. Gutter areas should be clean and free of debris. Ventilation in the attic is important. For professional help, contact Roofing Montana.
Whether they are wood or composition asphalt, shingles protect your roof from rain, snow, debris and pests. A well-maintained shingle roof is an investment that will add value to your home and prevent costly repairs.
During a routine inspection of your roof, look for missing shingles. This can be a sign of an older roof that is nearing the end of its useful life. In addition, missing shingles expose your roof to damage from wind and sunlight. Missing shingles can also allow moisture, insects and even pests to enter your home through gaps in the roofing material.
It is also important to inspect your roof for shingles that are curling or lifting. These may indicate a need to replace the shingle or the entire roof. If you are unsure of the problem, have a professional take a look at it and recommend the appropriate repair.
When it comes to shingle maintenance, a thorough inspection should be done each season. During summer, look for excessive sun damage and possible water leaks, while winter brings potential problems caused by melting ice and snow. A proper inspection includes looking at the condition of shingles, checking the caulking around chimneys and vent pipes, and examining any areas with moss or lichen to make sure the roofing materials are not decaying.
Keeping overhanging branches trimmed is another important component of shingle maintenance. These branches can pose a hazard during a storm and can cause extensive damage to your roof. In addition, they can block the ventilation of your soffit and eave vents, leading to moisture, mold and pests in your attic space.
Finally, it is important to check that the shingle nails are not loose. When a nail is loose it can be pulled out of the shingle, allowing moisture to seep into the attic space and cause rot.
Gutters
Gutters are more than a cosmetic addition to the exterior of your home, they provide valuable drainage and protection. They guide rainwater from the roof into downspouts that drain water away from your house. Without gutters, rainwater would supersaturate the soil around your house and possibly jeopardize the foundation. It could also wash mud onto the siding, cause window sills to rot and expose your interior walls to mold and mildew. Additionally, a lack of gutters would lead to erosion and basement flooding.
While there are several types of gutters available, most accomplish the same goal. Depending on the type and slope of your home, you may need gutters that are custom-made to match your roof size and pitch. Gutters can be constructed from aluminum, copper or vinyl. They are most often paired with rectangular downspouts to facilitate proper runoff.
Your gutters need to be regularly cleaned to function properly. This is important because the gutters can become clogged with leaves, branches and other debris. Clogged gutters will not properly divert rainwater and can lead to overflow, back up and other problems.
Gutter cleaning is a project that can be performed by a handy homeowner, however, there are many times when it’s best to call in an expert. If you are uncomfortable working at heights, if you notice extensive damage or if you suspect a leak, it’s best to leave the job to a professional.
It’s a good idea to plan on a gutter cleaning twice per year – once in the spring and once in fall. Using a ladder and gloves, you’ll need to remove all plant material and gunk from the troughs. You can then use a hose to flush the troughs and downspouts. You can also consider installing gutter guards that will help prevent clogs and reduce the frequency of cleanings. An expert can inspect your gutters for signs of rust, corrosion and other issues that might necessitate repairs or replacements. The expert will also look for areas where the gutters may need to be reinforced or redirected. It’s best to catch these problems early on to prevent further damage and costly interior repair.
Skylights
Skylights are light-transmitting structures that are installed into the roofline to allow natural light to enter rooms and spaces. They can also provide ventilation, depending on the design of the skylight and its required function. Skylights add a visual element to a building and enhance its appeal. But they also have some unique maintenance needs and installation cautions to consider.
Like windows, skylights need regular cleaning to keep them looking their best and functioning properly. A squeegee or window cleaner with a soft cloth should be used to wipe down the glass on the interior and exterior of the skylight, taking care not to scratch the surface. If there are stubborn marks or stains, vinegar can often be used to remove them. The cladding (also known as the trim) around the skylight should be regularly checked to ensure it is still in good condition and free from damage or scratches, especially in rainy weather. The trim should be repainted as needed.
Since skylights are located in the ceiling, they can be more prone to leaks than other windows. This is because the caulking can crack or dry out over time, leading to water seepage. During skylight cleaning and any time moisture appears, it should be inspected and replaced as necessary.
Leaks can occur from a number of different sources, including worn out seals, damaged or cracked glass, and even poor quality roofing materials. Keeping the roof and gutters clean is a key step in preventing skylight leaks. It is also important to replace the flashing as needed, and check for and repair any areas of the roof that have deteriorated or are missing.
In the winter, skylights can help keep a home warm by letting in sunlight from the sun. This can reduce heating bills by reducing the amount of energy that is used to heat the home during the day. But it is also important to have the home insulated properly to prevent cold air from entering during the winter.
Adding skylights and other roof improvements to your OKC home or commercial property can add both beauty and functionality to your space. Following a routine maintenance schedule, promptly addressing issues, and hiring trusted professionals for repairs and cleaning can help you enjoy the benefits of your new roof for many years to come.
Chimneys
Chimneys are one of the marvels of human engineering, serving to safely and efficiently manage fire inside a structure. The chimney stack itself is comprised of a series of walls that surround a central flue, responsible for directing smoke and other gases outside the house. These structures sit atop the roof and are constructed from masonry, such as brick or stone, that is affixed to concrete foundations. They are topped with a chimney cap that serves multiple safety purposes. It protects the chimney from rain, snow and debris that can cause deterioration. It also contains a mesh screen that prevents stray sparks or embers from escaping and igniting the roof or other combustible surfaces.
The top of the chimney is also home to a chimney crown, a thick layer of mortar that sits atop the entire structure. It is sloped to direct water away from the chimney structure and flue, reducing the risk of moisture damage. It is important that this surface remains intact and in good condition, as it is an essential part of keeping a fireplace working properly.
Whenever possible, you should do your best to keep the chimney free from bird nests and other animal intrusions. These obstructions can interfere with the chimney’s drafting ability, increase its fire danger and decrease its efficiency. It is also a good idea to regularly inspect the chimney and remove any deposits of creosote, an acidic compound that forms on the interior walls of the flue when wood is burned.
A chimney’s exterior is constantly exposed to extreme weather conditions, which can erode the brick and mortar structure. This is why it’s crucial to use a penetrating waterproofing sealant on the chimney to keep water from seeping in and damaging it. You should also make sure to inspect the flashing, which is a sheet metal installation at the point where the chimney meets the roof. It creates a waterproof seal to prevent water from entering the chimney and causing moisture problems. These issues can become more costly to repair as time passes by, so it is important to catch and address them promptly.
