The roof is the crowning glory of your home and the first line of defense against harsh weather. Regular roofing maintenance prevents minor issues from escalating to costly damages.
Check for shingles that are missing, buckling, or fading. Look for damage to the soffit and fascia boards as well. Also, inspect the flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights for leaks. Contact Roofing Baton Rouge for professional help.
Being a homeowner is a big deal, and comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s up to you to keep your home safe and healthy, and one of the biggest parts of that is keeping your shingle roof in good shape. Unfortunately, severe summer weather can cause damage that’s hard to see, so it’s important to check for signs of roof problems on a regular basis, especially after a storm. If you spot any of these issues, it’s time to call in a professional to inspect the damage.
Besides the obvious dents, missing shingles and cracked shingle tabs, you should also look for curled or buckled shingles. When a shingle curls or buckles it loses its ability to repel water, which can lead to leaks and other problems. If you notice any shingles that are curling or buckling, have them replaced as soon as possible to prevent future problems.
Another common maintenance task for shingle roofs is cleaning them of debris on a regular basis. This includes things like leaves, branches and other natural materials that can damage shingles. It’s also a good idea to check the gutters on a routine basis for any blockages. Clean gutters allow rainwater to flow freely off your roof and away from your home, helping to prevent water damage.
A damaged shingle roof can also allow moisture to get into the attic, which can cause rot and mold. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that your attic has proper ventilation. If you see any signs of attic moisture, a sagging roof or other signs of problems, call in a professional to inspect and make repairs.
Another common area of the roof that’s often neglected is the flashing, which channels water from your roof to the gutters. You should also check the flashing around chimneys and other roof penetrations on a regular basis. If the flashing is rusty, it can cause leaks, and should be replaced as soon as possible. Also, it’s a good idea to make sure that all the caulking is still in place and intact.
Check the Gutters
Gutters are important to protect the home from foundation damage, soil erosion and roof leaks. Installed along the roof’s edge, gutters channel water off the roof and into downspouts for drainage. A clogged or damaged gutter system can cause severe and costly water damage, so it’s important to inspect them regularly and keep them clean.
Gutter debris can block the flow of water, leading to overflows and foundation problems. Inspect the gutters to make sure they are clear of leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris that can build up over time. Clean or replace any gutters that are clogged or damaged.
Inspect the gutter downspouts for signs of leakage or rust. If the downspout is leaking, check the splash blocks (rectangular pieces of concrete or plastic) to ensure they are in place and properly directing water flow. A missing splash block could allow water to pour directly onto the fascia board, causing water damage.
Look for rust spots and other signs of corrosion on the gutter system, including the soffit boards and fascia board. Leaks and rust are often the result of poor workmanship during the initial installation or of inadequate roofing materials. Repairing these areas and replacing old, worn or damaged gutter components can prevent further damage to the soffit and fascia boards and the home.
If you see puddles of water pooling around the base of the house during rainy weather, it may indicate that the gutter system is clogged or damaged. If left unchecked, this can lead to serious water damage to the basement and foundation.
Examine the gutter system for any areas where biological growth is present, such as moss, lichen and fungus. These areas should be wiped or scraped down with a soft brush and a solution of water and liquid bleach to sanitize the gutter system.
Check the downspouts for proper slope and positioning. A downspout that is positioned too low or has a slow slope can cause water to spill over the gutter end and cause overflow. It’s also a good idea to have the downspouts repositioned to better direct water flow away from the home, to avoid soil erosion and foundation problems.
Check the Flashing
Flashing is the metal strips that seal areas of the roof where different installations like chimneys, vents and skylights are installed. These are also known as roof penetrations and they are particularly prone to leakage when the flashing is damaged. It is important to inspect roof flashing on a regular basis to see that it’s doing its job and protecting your home.
Ideally, you should be conducting this inspection with the help of a ladder and mirrors to get a full view of the entire roof surface. You’ll also want a caulking gun and roofing cement to make any necessary repairs.
You should be looking for cracks in the flashing, as well as rust on the metal. Any of these could allow water to enter the roof and cause damage, including structural dampness in your home.
The flashing is designed to channel water away from vulnerable areas, such as the points where two roof planes meet or the valleys. Chimney structures, skylights and roof protrusions are prone to problems with the flashing because they penetrate the roof, so it is important to check these areas thoroughly for signs of trouble.
Look for holes in the flashing, which should be sealed immediately. Holes are usually caused by the buildup of debris under the shingles, but could be caused by small animals as well. Cracks and dents in metal flashing should also be repaired immediately as these can break the galvanized coating on steel and leave it susceptible to corrosion.
Another sign of failing flashing is a wrinkling in the material, which can occur due to dramatic temperature changes and the contraction and expansion of the roof structure beneath it. This will eventually allow water to penetrate the roof and damage it.
Loose or missing flashing should be replaced immediately, as this can leave the roof exposed to leakage and damage. The flashing is a critical element in the defense system against water damage and it’s crucial to protect your investment by keeping up with maintenance and repair. A professional roofer will be able to identify any issues with the flashing and fix them before they turn into major problems.
Check the Attic
The attic is often neglected, but it’s an important part of the roof system. It houses critical components such as insulation, ventilation and the HVAC system. It’s a good idea to have an attic inspection during every roof maintenance visit. It will catch problems that can’t be detected from the living spaces of the home, such as long-standing leaks and excessive condensation, which may damage the insulation or the rafters.
The first thing to look for is signs of leaks, such as water stains or discolouration on the ceiling, dark spots in the insulation and the presence of mold or mildew. In addition, if you have a shingled roof, look for dents and discolouration on the shingle underside. If you see any rot or decay, the shingles will probably need to be replaced.
Another area to check is the ductwork and vent stacks. They should run seamlessly through the attic, but if they don’t there could be an issue with air flow and moisture control. It’s also a good idea to check for pests, such as mice, squirrels and raccoons, which can cause serious damage to electrical components, ductwork and insulation. Odours, such as must or mildew, are also a sign that pests are present.
You should also check for spliced wires that are not in covered junction boxes, which can pose a fire hazard. It’s best to do a visual inspection of the attic on a rainy day, as it will be easier to see active leaks.
It’s also a good idea to look at the trusses and rafters, which are used to frame your home. If you spot any deterioration such as cracking, rotting or excessive moisture, it’s a good idea to consult with a structural engineer, as these are engineered components and may need repair or replacement. Finally, make sure you check for tree limbs that hang over the roof and are too close to the house. This can lead to debris accumulation, which can cause damage during a storm. It’s a good idea to trim any branches that are overhanging the roof on an annual basis.