Archive for the ‘Flashing Deterioration’ Category
Roof Repairs
Roof Repairs
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, it will probably need some type of roof repairs during its lifespan. There are many different types of repairs a roof may need at some point. Failure to quickly address roof repairs usually results in a leaky roof that will cause further damage to the roof that will be much more expensive to repair.
Flashing is a common problem area. Flashing is a thin sheet of metal installed around joints and at junctions and roof features to prevent water intrusion. Flashing that has pulled away from the surface or that the sealant has become deteriorated can allow water and moisture to intrude. Flashing is generally not a difficult repair for a good roofing contractor.
Damaged shingles are another common reason for roof repairs. Shingles are usually damaged by prolonged exposure to the weather or by high winds and hail. A good roofing contractor can usually repair an area of damaged shingles on an otherwise healthy roof. However, if the rest of the roof is aging and brittle, it can be very challenging to replace some shingles without damaging adjacent shingles.
Rotted decking is a roof repair that will likely require a complete roof replacement. Moisture causes wood roof decking to rot. Moisture is usually from a roof leak or from condensation on the underside of the roof due to a poorly ventilated attic. Your roofing contractor can design and install an proper attic ventilation system to avoid future problems.
In the winter, ice dams can cause roof leaks and further damage. Installation of attic insulation and ventilation can reduce the incidence of ice dams. Installation of water and ice barrier or roof heaters are other alternatives.
Repairing Flashing
Repairing Flashing
Flashing is a wide strip of thin metal that is installed around roof features such as chimneys, pipes and walls, at the intersection of two roof planes, such as a valley, and along the edges of the roof. Properly installed flashing prevents water from leaking under the shingle in these vulnerable areas. Over time, flashing can deteriorate causing roof leaks to form. In fact, a large percentage of roof leaks are due to flashing that has deteriorated or pulled away from the roof feature.
It is possible to repair minor problems with flashing such as small defects or limited areas where the flashing has pulled away from a chimney or pipe. However, if the flashing has significant deterioration it will probably need to be replaced. This is a job best left to a professional roofing contractor.
Small cracks or gaps between the flashing and a chimney, wall or other roof feature can be filled with roofing cement or caulk. Be careful to disturb the flashing and shingles as little as possible or you run the risk of making the problem worse. Similarly, a small hole in a piece of flashing can be sealed with roofing cement, but larger holes or severely corroded flashing should be repaired by a roofing contractor.
The problem with trying to repair flashing yourself is that most of the time you will need to remove some shingles to get sufficient access to the area. Anytime you disturb shingles you are creating an opportunity for water intrusion. In most cases, the best alternative is to have any flashing issues addressed by a reputable local roofing contractor.
Importance of Flashing for Your Roof
Importance of Flashing for Your Roof
If you have been talking to roofing contractors about a new roof, replacing your existing roof or repairing a leaky roof, you may have wondered what they were talking about when they mentioned flashing.
Flashing is a metal material that is installed along the joints of an asphalt shingle roof to prevent water intrusion. Flashing is installed along peaks and valleys and around roof features such as chimneys, skylights, pipes and vents.
Flashing is usually formed out of sheets of aluminum or steel and may be installed with nails and roof cement or caulking. Inspecting the flashing for damage is a part of a good roof inspection. If the flashing has deteriorated or pulled loose from the roof feature, water can intrude under the flashing and cause damage to the roof deck or to the interior of your home especially walls and ceilings.
Water leaks around flashing are usually not difficult for a professional roofer to repair using roofing cement or caulk, but if the flashing is in bad shape it may need to be replaced. Repairing leaking or damaged flashing is best left to an experienced roofing professional.
Roofs can be dangerous to work on and a reputable roofer will have the appropriate safety equipment to prevent injuries. In addition, flashing sounds simple and in theory it is, but in reality it can be tricky to repair damaged flashing or to replace flashing without damaging the adjacent shingles. If done incorrectly, your roof could start leaking.
If you suspect your flashing has been damaged or if you notice flashing pulling away from a chimney, skylight or other roof feature, have the roof inspected by an experienced local roofing contractor.
Jasper Contractors has offices in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, New Orleans, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.
Roof Leaks
Roof Leaks
Often, the first sign that something is wrong with your roof is a water spot in your ceiling. Although you may be tempted to attempt to repair this on your own, it is best to always call a professional roofer to determine the cause of the water leak and the extent of the damage.
In many cases, the entire roof will not need to be replaced. Roof leaks can be identified by the roofing contractor and repaired as appropriate. This is especially true if the leak is coming from around the flashing or other common leak areas. The decision on how best to proceed is going to depend on where the leak is coming from and the current health and shape of your existing roof.
The reason to hire a reputable New Orleasn roofing contractor is simple: The source of the leak generally is not ‘straight up’. Roofing professionals have experience in determining where the leak is coming from, what needs to be done to repair the roof and what steps can be taken safely to extend the rest of your roof’s life. Repair of the leak is not a simple matter of placing a shingle or two above the area. True roof repair works requires inspection of the surrounding area, the attic insulation and repair of interior damage.
One of the best steps to take is regular roof maintenance. Cleaning gutters and down spouts, and having a routine roof inspection will help prevent major problems from occurring. To schedule a roofing inspection, call your local professional roofer today. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Degraded Flashing
Degraded Flashing
Spring is here, and with it comes spring cleaning and spring home inspections. Don’t forget about the most important part of your home when doing your spring cleaning and inspection – your roof! For information about spring roof inspections, see our earlier article on that subject.
If your roof inspection indicated you may have a potential roof leak, then a likely source is flashing that has begun to degrade. This is good news, as this generally means you do not need a new roof, assuming you don’t wait too long for the repair work.
The most common place to develop a roof leak is where there is not consistent coverage on your roof. This happens most frequently at seams, corners and curves. This is where flashing becomes important. Flashing is the material used to provide a water proof area on your roof between the shingles and other structures, such as the chimney or roof vents.
In many cases when flashing begins to degrade, this is simply because the caulking used to hold the flashing in place has become loose or worn off. A reputable local roofer can easily refill the caulking and replace any damaged caulking making your spring roof repair an easy task. The sooner these repairs are made, the less likely you are to develop mildew or mold problems, split or buckled shingles, or rotted roof joists.
If you believe that you may have degraded flashing, contact your New Orleans roofing contractor for an estimate and repair. Early repair will save dollars and help maintain the integrity of your home.
Roof Leak Detection
Roof Leak Detection
Roof leaks are to be checked quite often and a homeowner must know the various methods of detecting a roof leak. A roof leak can cause substantial damage to your home and could potentially endanger the structure of the home. Therefore, it is important to address the leak(s) in order to prevent further costly repairs. The following tips will help in detecting a roof leak:
• The roof must be inspected for leaks before and after every winter.
• Rook leak detection must start in the attic. Search for any noticeable water damage or any other evidence of moisture, such as a water stain, that could cause the problem.
• After checking the attic, you should have a thorough look at the roof itself. This can be done by either climbing on top of the roof.
• Check for any missing or damaged shingles. You must also check for curling, fraying or excessive shingle deterioration.
• Flashing is a frequent reason for roof leaking. Inspect the flashings that are connected to vents and chimneys and make sure that they are tight. Damaged flashing or deteriorating flashings must be fixed.
• The other important cause of roof leakage is debris hindering or blocking the rain gutters. This type of blockage can result in water penetrating beneath the roof shingles and causing water damage to the roof system.
• Regularly checking the roof by you or with a roofing contractor will help you detect the roof leaks.
• Generally, roofing contractors will complete a free roof inspection to check for potential roof leaks.
• If a roof leak is discovered, it must be attended to immediately so that it does not deteriorate and cause much damage to the roof.
Flashing And Your Roofing System
Flashing And Your Roofing System
Flashing helps protect your roof from water damage and leaks. Flashing installed over various intersecting points is a vital component of your overall roofing system and plays a significant role in protecting your home from all kinds of problems.
Best described as a material that roofers use to cover and protect the joints and angles of your roof, flashing is typically installed anywhere your roof meets a chimney or a wall. Flashing is also used along eaves, rakes, and ridges as well.
When discussing your roof with a licensed roofing contractor, make sure you find out just what type of material they use for their flashings. You want to make sure that the material they use is water resistant and strong enough to protect your roof from water and ice.
Copper is a very effective as a flashing material because of its durability. Other materials that flashing is made of include aluminum or galvanized steel, both less expensive than copper but not as durable. If your roof leaks, you may be able to stop the leak by simply having the flashing repaired, so have the flashing checked out first before contracting to have a roof replacement.
Before undertaking a major and expensive roof repair or replacement, have a qualified roofing inspector check your roof for loose flashing or missing or loose nails. Sometimes a simple flashing adjustment or flashing replacement will solve your leaking roof. And, even if you need to replace a large amount of flashing to preserve your roof, it will be less costly than having the entire roof replaced.
Consult a professional roofer to determine the best course of action for your roofing needs and to check out your roof’s flashing.
Taking Care Of Copper Roofs
Taking Care Of Copper Roofs
These days a popular roofing material amongst the rest is copper roofing. It serves a two-in-one purpose of being both sturdy and looking good, not to mention it being maintenance free and easy to clean.
So, if you are looking at cleaning the roof without hiring a professional roofer, just follow these simple steps:
The rule of thumb for a long lasting roof is cleaning it intermittently. The dirt and dust accumulation on copper roofs tend to hasten corrosion of the roof. As per experts, the lifespan of copper roofing can be extended so far as 30% to 40% just by cleaning it periodically.
Avoid using strong chemical based cleaning products on copper roofs because copper can react to such substances resulting in damage of the roof. If you are unsure of the kind of cleaners that can be used, do some research about the types of chemicals that can and can not be used on copper.
Check with friends, relatives, neighbours and other associates about their experience with roof cleaning, products used and their reaction. Better still, if the person happens to be a professional roofer, get some tips on cooper roofs, the cleaning process and the cleaners that best suit them.
Magazines are good source of information particularly roofing and construction magazines with a variety of articles and frequently asked questions on common construction issues, including cleaning copper.
Another source of information would be your local hardware store or home improvement store that sells copper roofing materials. Check out on some general tips on caring for copper roofs. These stores might have printed booklets with steps on cleaning and related information you can take with you.
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