A neglected roof invites mould and mildew growth. The spores then infiltrate the interior of your home, creating health concerns for your family and potentially destroying your valuables.
Before proceeding with any roof repair, ensure you are properly dressed for the job. You’ll need to wear long pants like jeans and a t-shirt, as well as rubber soled shoes with good traction to avoid falling off the roof. For professional assistance, contact Red Stick Roofing Of Louisiana.
There are many different materials that can be used for roof repair, but choosing the right material is important because it will determine how long the repair lasts. Different roof materials require different types of patches and sealants, and it is essential to know what type of patch or sealant to use for each specific roofing material. The proper selection and application of these essential roof repair materials will prevent future damage to the roof membrane and prolong the life of the building.
The roofing material chosen should be durable, energy efficient and fit the needs of the building owner. Cost considerations may play a role in the decision-making process, but the overall lifespan of the roof should be a primary factor. Energy efficiency is particularly important for commercial facilities, as is resistance to corrosion and mold growth. Other factors that may influence the choice of roofing material include aesthetics, maintenance requirements and warranty length.
When conducting roof repair, it is imperative to have the proper tools and safety equipment on hand. This includes safety harnesses and hard hats, as well as ladders that are appropriately sized to ensure easy access to the roof surface. In addition, all safety equipment should be properly inspected and maintained on a regular basis to minimize risk of injury.
Flat roof repair requires special techniques to maintain the integrity of the roofing membrane. These procedures typically involve cleaning the damaged area and applying a primer before applying a patch or sealant. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for application of the product, including recommended drying times.
Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) can be used to replace damaged wood decking. If the underside of the decking is exposed, a vapor barrier can be installed to help prevent moisture intrusion.
EPDM membrane is a common flat-roof material that comes in large sheets, which reduces the number of seams and the potential for leaks. It is mechanically fastened to the decking and insulation boards and typically lasts 10-15 years. TPO membrane is another common option for commercial flat roofs. It is welded to the roof deck and insulation boards using heat from a hot-air gun and generally lasts 7-20 years.
Shingles
Shingles are the outermost layer of your roof and serve as a protection against rain, snow, UV radiation, heat, and winds. They are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes and colors. Some shingle types are more durable than others, and some are better for particular climates.
The typical lifespan of shingles is between 15 and 30 years, though it’s important to evaluate their condition on a regular basis. If you notice any shingle signs of wear, it’s time for repairs that can range from minor individual shingle replacement to a complete roof replacement.
Wood shingles are made from a variety of tree species, including cypress and redwood. They have a unique, textured appearance with each piece looking different from the rest. They require frequent maintenance to avoid rot and mold growth. Wooden shakes and shingles should be cleaned with a preservative at least every two to five years to maintain their integrity.
Asphalt shingles have an asphalt layer that provides water resistance and fire resistance. They may develop cracks as they expand and contract in hot and cold temperatures. If a shingle is cracked, it can expose the underlayment or plywood and lead to leaks. It’s also common for shingles to lose their granules over time. Look for excessive granule accumulation in your gutters and on your lawn to determine when it’s time for a new roof.
If you choose a dark color for your shingles, check with your neighborhood association to ensure that it’s allowed. In warmer climates, dark shingles can raise your attic temperature significantly, which forces air conditioners to work harder to keep your home cool.
Concrete shingles have an attractive, natural look, and they’re less likely to deteriorate over time compared with other roofing materials. They also provide more insulation value than asphalt shingles. This shingle type is best for homeowners who want to lower their energy costs and minimize their environmental impact.
Metal shingles are comprised of aluminum or copper and installed in overlapping rows. They are highly resistant to fire and heavy wind, but they’re more susceptible to rust and corrosion over time. Metal shingles can be coated with zinc or copper to prevent oxidation and reduce the risk of corrosion.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin, impervious metal material that roofers install to reinforce and protect the most vulnerable parts of a roof system. It’s typically made of galvanized steel and helps keep water from penetrating into a home through seams, joints, cracks, and openings. Without flashing, roofs would leak and experience significant damage.
During the course of a typical roof repair, your roofing professional may need to replace or repair the flashing. This is especially true if the flashing has been exposed to significant weathering or has become compromised. Flashing can also be prone to failure due to improper installation, which is why it’s best left to experienced roofing professionals.
There are many different types of flashing, each designed to fit a specific roof feature. For example, chimney flashing is fit alongside a chimney while skylight flashing is designed to accommodate a particular type of roof skylight. Vent flashing is likewise designed to fit a specific roof vent. Regardless of the type of flashing used, each is shaped to help direct water away from critical areas where the roof meets a wall or other vertical surface.
The most common type of flashing is step flashing, which is fitted to a crevice where a wall and the roof meet. It’s often affixed with sealant and then covered with shingles. Another common type of flashing is apron flashing, which acts much like step flashing but is longer and has built-in expansion joints to allow it to expand and contract as the home does with changing seasons.
If you have a plumbing vent in the middle of your roof, your roofing professional will likely need to install flashing around it. To do so, they’ll place the flashing or boot on the roof so that it’s resting on a shingle and then apply the necessary amount of sealant to hold it in place. Then they’ll install the next course of shingles and then cover the flashing with a ridge shingle, which will ensure that water can’t get underneath it. Depending on the age and quality of your roof, you may be able to reuse the existing flashing in these situations.
Gutters
Gutters work in tandem with the roof to shed water and prevent a host of expensive problems. When properly sized and installed, gutters help to direct water away from the face of your house, the soffits, fascia and the foundation. Without gutters, water tends to pool near the structure and can eventually rot the woodwork underneath your shingles or cause cracks in the foundation itself. A simple gutter system can save you thousands of dollars in damage repairs.
Whether you need repairs to your existing gutters or would like to install new ones, it’s important to hire a contractor who offers high quality products that are made from durable materials. This ensures your gutters will last longer and perform their job well. It’s also a good idea to ask your roofing contractor if they offer gutter guards, which will help keep your gutters from getting clogged in the first place.
Many homeowners get their gutters replaced at the same time as their roof, and for good reason. It’s more cost-effective to do it this way, especially if you’re using financing, your tax refund or a home equity loan for the project. A professional roofing company will be able to assess the condition of both your roof and gutters and recommend any necessary services, including a complete replacement.
It’s important to have your gutters cleaned regularly, and it’s a good idea to do this in the fall as well as the spring. A regular cleaning will help to avoid the formation of icicles, which can pull off gutter screws and loosen or break the downspout connector brackets or wall plugs on PVC gutters. It’s also important to note any areas where the gutters are sagging or leaking, as this may require replacement sections or even a whole new system.
Keeping your gutters in good working order is essential, and it’s a good idea for most homeowners to have them cleaned on a regular basis to avoid overflows. If you notice that the gutters are sagging or have leaks, have your contractor check them out right away.