Lancaster Roofing protects the interior of your home and supports its structure. It must be regularly inspected and maintained to keep it in good condition.
When shingles are damaged, your roof may leak. Identifying early warning signs of problems and calling in a professional can help prevent extensive and costly damage.
As more and more areas of the country experience severe storms, it’s important to have your roof inspected by a professional before and after each storm. Roofing contractors have the trained eye to spot problems you might miss, such as cracked or curling shingles, popped nails that need hammered back in place, and excessive moisture. In addition to a visual inspection of the shingles, a contractor will look at the flashing (the thin metal placed wherever your shingles butt up against something such as chimneys and skylights) and ensure it is in good shape, checking for rust or cracking. They will also inspect the gutters and downspouts for signs of damage or blockage.
Most shingle damage presents as either craters or dings in the shingles themselves, both of which can allow water to leak through and into your home. A roof inspector will also check for the presence of moss and algae, which can shorten the life of your shingles.
A roof inspector will also check the eaves and soffits for evidence of moisture or mold, which can be a sign that your roof is not properly ventilated and needs additional airflow. They will also check the vents and vent boots for rust, which indicates a need to replace the boot or that it is not sealing properly. Finally, they will examine the fascia and soffit boards to make sure that they are in good shape and free from rot, warping, or insect infestation.
One of the most important things that you can do for your shingle roof is to keep overhanging branches trimmed to prevent them from sagging onto your shingles or falling onto your house in a storm. You should also remove any debris, such as fallen leaves or twigs, that might rot on the surface of your roof. This step in your shingle roof maintenance is vital to protect your shingles and extend their lifespan. It can also help to reduce your energy costs by reducing the amount of sunlight that heats your shingles and enters your home. In addition, regular cleaning of your gutters and downspouts will help to direct water away from the shingles and into the rain or drainage system where it belongs.
Roof flashings are the metal pieces that seal any area where the roof meets a structure, such as chimneys, plumbing vents and skylights. They help prevent water from leaking into the home through those areas. In order to maintain the flashings, a homeowner should perform regular inspections to look for any signs of damage or wear. This will help to ensure that the flashings are functioning correctly and that they are providing a tight seal.
A professional roof inspector will check for any bare spots or cracks in the flashing that could allow water to seep through the shingles and into the home. They will also examine the condition of the caulking around the flashing, as it can deteriorate over time. In addition, the inspector will look for any rust or corrosion on the flashings as well.
It is important to inspect the flashings regularly because they are prone to damage from the elements, especially during stormy weather. Leaks in the roof are most often caused by faulty flashings, and it is essential that they are properly maintained. A homeowner can help to maintain their flashings by resealing them with caulking or roofing cement on a routine basis.
In addition, homeowners should trim any overhanging branches that could potentially cause problems with the flashing. They should also clean the gutters to make sure that water is not backing up and causing problems with the flashings. Finally, they should inspect the flashings every six months and after any severe weather events to ensure that they are in good condition.
A professional roof inspection is the best way to determine the condition of a roof and its flashings. An experienced roofer will be able to spot any signs of wear and tear and can repair them quickly to prevent leaks in the house. They will also be able to advise the homeowner on how to best maintain their flashings, such as resealing them and keeping the gutters clear. The roofer will also be able to tell the homeowner whether or not it is necessary to replace the flashings in conjunction with a new roof installation.
Clogged gutters lead to water overflow that can cause damage to the fascia and the foundation of your home. In addition, rainwater may leak onto the walls and saturate soil around your home. Regular cleaning and inspection is necessary for your roof and gutters to work properly.
It’s recommended to clean your gutters twice each year—once in the spring and once in the fall. This can prevent the buildup of leaves, twigs, and debris, which can lead to overflowing and clogging.
A ladder and cleaning supplies are needed to safely clean your gutters. If you’re planning to do the job yourself, make sure it is a clear day and that you have a spotter to help stabilize the ladder. It is also important to wear sturdy work gloves and safety glasses to protect your eyes from falling debris.
If you are uncomfortable climbing a ladder to inspect and clean your gutters, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor. These companies specialize in routine maintenance and can handle the entire project for you. They can even provide a roster of crew members that you can run background checks on so you know who will be working at your house.
Gutters without screens can clog from small debris such as leaf fragments, insect casings, and dirt. These materials can sift through the screen and collect in the gutters, causing them to clog over time. Many roofing contractors recommend installing plastic or metal screening leaf guards in the gutters to prevent this from happening. However, these should still be cleaned regularly and inspected for holes and clogs.
If your gutters are leaking, or have become detached from the fascia boards, repair them as soon as possible to keep water and insects out of your home. Depending on the severity of the problem, you can use roofing cement or flashing to patch the gap and repair the gutters to the fascia board. You can also replace the gutters if they are damaged or worn out.
Painting your roof is a great way to make it look new again and add value to the home. However, before you paint the roof, it’s important to check the condition of the tiles and fix any damage that needs to be repaired. It’s also a good idea to choose a high-quality roof paint that is designed for your type of roof.
Before you begin painting, clean the roof thoroughly with a pressure washer to remove any dirt and debris. This will help ensure that the paint adheres to the shingles and doesn’t flake or peel later on. You should also use this opportunity to inspect the shingles for any cracks or other damage that may need to be repaired. After cleaning, you should apply a primer to the surface of the roof and allow it to dry completely before starting to paint.
A quality roof paint will help to keep your shingles protected from the harsh UV rays of the sun and it’ll also help to prevent any moisture from penetrating and damaging the shingle. It’s important to choose a roofing paint that is designed for your type of roof and to apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. It’s also a good idea that you choose a week without any precipitation in the forecast so that your paint has time to dry and cure properly.
Many homeowners choose to paint their roofs for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they want to change the color of their shingles to match the vinyl siding on their house or maybe they just want a brighter, more attractive looking roof. While painting your shingles is an inexpensive way to improve the look of your home, it’s important to realize that the paint will not repair any cracks or damage and that it’s only a temporary solution.
Additionally, many certified home inspectors will note that the shingles have been painted, and this can cause a problem for buyers who’d like to purchase your home in the future. If you’re looking for a more permanent improvement to your home’s exterior, it’s recommended that you replace the shingles with new ones from a qualified roofing contractor.