Tag: roof inspection

Roofing Installation – The Pieces of the Puzzle

Alexis Hardy Roofing , , , , , , , ,

A quality roofing installation starts with choosing the right materials for your home. An expert team can walk you through the options that best fit your goals, architecture and budget.

Roofing

After removing the old roof, the contractor will install underlayment and flashing to protect against moisture infiltration. They’ll also inspect the decking and make any necessary repairs. Contact Cedar Park Roofing Pro for professional help.

The underlayment acts as a barrier that protects the roof decking from moisture and other potential damage. It’s installed under the primary roofing material, and it may be made from materials like felt paper or a synthetic product. Choosing the right underlayment for your roofing project is essential, as it needs to provide a waterproof seal and be compatible with your chosen flooring material.

Contractors also install a drip edge along the eaves and rakes, and they use metal flashing to prevent water from seeping into these areas. In addition, they may use a leak barrier in critical areas where water tends to collect, such as valleys and around roof penetrations (like chimneys and vents).

These barriers prevent moisture from working its way under the shingles and into the roof decking. However, it’s important to use proper installation techniques, including overlapping methods and sealing around protrusions, to ensure that these barriers work effectively.

Once the underlayment is in place, contractors can lay down the shingles or other roofing materials. This transforms the look of your home and brings the choices you made in Step 1 to fruition.

Once the new shingles or other materials are in place, contractors conduct a final inspection and make any necessary repairs. They also check to make sure that they follow manufacturer guidelines and industry standards, as well as local building codes. They will also sweep the area, removing any staples, nails, or other debris that could pose a safety hazard to residents and pets.

Shingles

The shingles are the element of your roof that will be visible to all who visit. They provide a stunning visual contrast and excellent weather protection for the building materials below. A top-tier roofing contractor will carefully set and secure these shingles to keep your home well-protected.

Many factors will influence your shingle choice, including the climate where you live and the appearance you desire for the exterior of your home. A skilled roofing team can walk you through all the options that make sense for your goals, architecture and budget.

For example, wood shingles have a rich texture and enduring appeal. However, they can be more expensive than asphalt shingles and may need regular maintenance to maintain their durability. They also require a stronger roof structure to support their weight. And, if your home is located in a wildfire-prone region, wood shingles can be restricted by local fire codes.

If you want a more environmentally friendly roofing option, there are many composite shingle choices. These shingles are made from recycled materials, which cuts down on waste and lessens your carbon footprint. However, their lifespan typically doesn’t match that of natural materials like slate or wood shakes.

Another consideration is that some roofing materials may not be appropriate for certain architectural styles or home color schemes. For example, some asphalt shingles are designed to replicate the appearance of natural slate. These shingles often have an earthy or reddish brown hue and a textured finish that pairs well with homes with brick or stone facing.

There are even shingles that meet California Title 24 cool roof requirements, which can help reduce your energy costs. These shingles are darker in color and reflect the sun’s heat.

When securing the shingles, your roofer will leave a small amount of overhang to protect roof edges and sides from water damage. In general, the shingles should extend 1/2″ to 3/4″ past the edge of the roof to ensure proper overhang and avoid wind uplift.

In addition, your roofer will install flashing around chimneys, roof vents, joints and other areas where leaks might occur. This is a metal material that keeps rain and other elements from sneaking in these vulnerable spots. Some cheap contractors will skip this step, which can lead to a number of serious problems.

Flashing

While shingles may be the most visible part of a roof, flashing is the silent defender that protects the vulnerable spots of your building. This thin protective layer is installed around structures like vents, skylights, chimneys and dormers to keep water from seeping into these crevices, where it can cause rotting wood, mold and structural weakening. Flashing is often made of metal, and comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes to address the challenges of different areas of your roof.

The main function of roof flashing is to ensure that any gaps or joints at key junctions are fully sealed and water-resistant. It is commonly used in areas prone to leaks, such as around roof penetrations (vents, skylights, chimneys and pipes), roof valleys and the points where the roof meets vertical surfaces like walls or dormers.

A variety of roof flashings are available to tackle these critical areas, including step flashing, sill flashing, base flashing, drip edge flashing and more. Each uses a unique combination of materials and installation methods to address the specific challenges of different roofing features. For example, step flashing combines overlapping metal sheets that directs water away from walls and windows. It is especially useful for dormer windows, which jut out from a roof and are more prone to leaks.

Specialty flashings are also available for use with unique roofing features, such as an electrical mast that carries wires from the utility company to your building. These specialized flashings can be colored to match your trim and provide a polished, uniform appearance to the building’s exterior.

A professional roofer can properly install and repair all types of flashing, protecting these vulnerable areas from leaks, mold and other damage. In addition to ensuring the proper seal, they will also inspect the flashing and shingle work to ensure that it is in good condition. It is important to communicate with your roofing contractor throughout the project, so any questions or concerns can be addressed promptly. This will help the project stay on schedule and allow any issues to be addressed quickly before they worsen.

Ridge Cap

The ridge cap of a roof is the final piece of the puzzle, situated along the peak or ridge of the roof. It is crafted from durable materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal panels, or clay tiles, and is designed to protect the underlying roofing system from water infiltration, deflect wind-driven rain and snow, and prevent leaks and damage.

Most roofs, including gable and hipped roofs, need ridge caps to provide adequate coverage along the ridge line and prevent water leaks, mold, algae, rotting of the rafters, and other issues. Regular shingle material won’t be able to adequately cover the ridge, and it can be blown away by the wind or break due to hail impacts.

Many ridge caps are crafted with ventilation channels or openings to allow for airflow through the attic space. This ventilation reduces moisture, regulates temperature, and mitigates rot and mildew. Ventilated ridge caps also improve energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat that rises into the attic.

Inspecting the ridge cap for damage is crucial to the health of your roof. Visible cracks or breaks in the ridge cap indicate structural problems, while missing shingles leave the underlying roof exposed and vulnerable to water intrusion. Check for signs of mold, mildew, or rot on the ridge cap to determine whether it needs replacement or repair.

When replacing a damaged ridge cap, start with the edge closest to the existing ridge vent. Then, tuck the new cap under the preceding shingle and cover the roofing tacks with roof sealant. Continue overlapping the caps in this manner until you reach the end of the roof ridge, making sure each new shingle overlaps the one before it.

When hiring a roofing contractor to perform ridge capping on your home, research local roofing companies and read reviews from previous customers. Ask for quotes detailing the scope of work, materials to be used, and total cost. Choose a contractor that is licensed, bonded, insured, and certified to perform roofing work in your area. Also, ensure they have experience performing ridge cap installation and repair on various roof types.

5 Reasons to Hire a Roof Repair Professional

Lance Roofing , , , , , , , , ,

A damaged roof creates a host of problems for your home. Water stains, for example, signal leaks that can cause mold, rot and structural damage.

The severity of the damage plays a key role in whether your roof is repaired or replaced. Small, localized issues like a single leak or missing shingles can be addressed with repairs, while more extensive damage requires replacement.

Repairing Damaged Shingles

roofing

If your roof shingles are damaged, it’s important to repair them promptly. If you don’t, it could lead to leaks and other serious problems. Damaged shingle signs to look out for include granule piles on the ground, missing shingles, or cracked or curled shingles. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call in a professional for a roof repair.

Before you begin any shingle repairs, make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and safety gear. You’ll also need a ladder and some roofing materials, such as shingles in the same color and style as those on your roof. If possible, work in cool weather so you don’t overheat as you carry out the repairs.

Start by carefully assessing the damage from the ground using binoculars. This will help you see the extent of any damage without putting yourself in danger by climbing on your roof. You should also be on the lookout for any areas of the flashing (the thin sheet metal that encloses pipes, chimneys, vents, and other penetrations) that might need to be bent back into place or resealed.

Once you have identified the area with the most damage, climb a ladder to reach it and complete your inspection. Use a pry bar to lift the affected shingle and expose any roofing nails that hold it in place. Carefully pull out the nail and remove the shingle, being careful not to damage surrounding shingles.

If the shingle is only cracked and not missing, you can apply roofing sealant to the cracks to stop water from getting in. This will extend the life of the shingle and prevent water from penetrating the underlying layers, which can cause structural damage to your home.

If the shingle is missing, slide a new shingle into place. Make sure it overlaps the shingle above it and secure it with roofing nails. If the shingle is curling or lifting at its corners, you can reseal it with roofing cement. Be sure to seal the edges and any gaps, as well, to prevent further water infiltration.

Repairing Damaged Flashing

Designed to seal joints and vulnerable areas like chimneys, skylights, and intersections with vertical structures such as walls, roof flashing can become damaged over time. This can lead to costly water damage and serious structural issues. Timely flashing repair prevents this damage, extends the lifespan of your roof, and protects your home from rot and mold growth.

Inspect the flashing regularly for rust, corrosion, cracks, and gaps. Check the corners where flashing meets other materials and eaves, and look at any overlapping sections of flashing. Pay special attention to these areas as they are more likely to develop problems.

Visible rust or corrosion indicate the flashing is deteriorating, while cracks and gaps may allow water to seep in. Loose or missing flashing is a common problem caused by high winds and other weather events, leaving the area vulnerable to leaks. Water stains on ceilings and walls are also indicators that the flashing is leaking, causing rot, mold growth, and structural damage in your home.

Before attempting to repair the flashing yourself, make sure you have the right equipment, including a ladder that is sturdy and safe to use and non-slip shoes. It’s also important to be familiar with local building codes and regulations to ensure you’re using the correct materials, installation methods, and safety practices.

A roofing professional will be able to complete the repairs safely and effectively, protecting you from injury or further water damage to your roof or home. They’ll carefully remove any damaged material without damaging the surrounding shingles or roofing materials, and install new flashing to the highest standards.

There are many different types of flashing available, including aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. Consult with your roofing professional to determine which type is best for your roof, taking into consideration the specific conditions in your area.

After removing and replacing the damaged flashing, a roofing contractor will apply a high-quality sealant around the joint. Then they’ll cover the joint with a waterproof membrane to protect against leaks and other moisture infiltration. They’ll also install a caulking strip to prevent water from running under shingles and into the home.

Repairing Damaged Underlayment

The underlayment of a roof is the layer that goes beneath the exterior roof covering. It provides an additional barrier against moisture and enhances the roof’s insulation to protect the structure and the people inside it. It’s important to address any underlayment damage promptly. Ignoring leaks or other signs of trouble can lead to serious structural damage that threatens the safety of those inside the building.

Roofing professionals can perform a variety of tasks to repair damaged underlayment, including patching, reinforcing, and replacing. They may also install new flashing, which is a protective metal covering installed over the joints of a roof to prevent water and air from leaking into the sheathing. Roofing professionals may also adjust the slope of the roof to improve drainage and reduce future problems with ponding.

When a large area of the roof is affected by severe weather like hailstorms, high winds, or heavy snowfall, it’s often necessary to replace the entire surface rather than just the shingles/tiles and underlayment. This helps ensure a fresh, cohesive, and durable surface that maximizes protection against the elements.

Before any flat roof repair work begins, the contractor must thoroughly clean the affected area to ensure the best adhesion of the materials used in the repair. This will include removing any old flooring and ensuring that all fasteners are secure. Roofing contractors will also sweep and vacuum the area to make sure it’s free of debris and squeaks before proceeding with the repairs.

Repairing Damaged Gutters

Gutters are critical to keeping your home in good condition by diverting rainwater and melting snow away from the siding, foundation, and roof. But if they are damaged or in disrepair, water can infiltrate your home’s structures, causing rot and costly structural damage. Signs of gutter disrepair include rust, dents, and leaks.

Fortunately, most of these problems can be fixed with a bit of care and attention to detail. Start by clearing the gutters of all debris and leaves, ensuring they are free from obstruction. This will help ensure that the gutter repair process goes smoothly and will be cost-effective in the long run.

If the gutters are dented, try to straighten them out with a ladder and reposition any loose hangers. If the gutters are sagging, this is usually caused by a rotting fascia board behind them, which will need to be replaced.

For leaking gutters, find the source of the leak and repair it as necessary. Leaks at the gutter seams can often be patched with roofing cement. Just make sure the gutters are clean and dry before applying the caulking. For leaks at the ends of gutters, you can replace a section of gutter or add a “gutter apron,” which is L-shaped flashing that attaches to the roof and tucks under the drip edge to direct water into the gutter.

Another common gutter issue is the build-up of moss. If you notice that your gutters have a greenish hue, it’s time to remove the moss and re-caulk any areas of the gutter where the wood is deteriorating.

Finally, if the gutters are rusty, clean them thoroughly using a wire brush or a hose to get rid of any dirt or rust. If the rust is extensive, you might need to apply a coating of zinc primer to protect the metal from further corrosion. You can also patch rust holes with a piece of scrap wire screening, cut to about 1 inch bigger all around than the hole. Apply the screen patch with roof cement, again making sure to work on a warm day and using a putty knife to spread the cement generously.