Owning a home requires ongoing maintenance, from yard work to changing A/C filters. One of the most important tasks is roofing maintenance.
Regular roof inspections at Red Stick Roofing Of Louisiana can catch problems before they escalate. From discoloration indicating a potential leak to excessive granules in the gutter, addressing minor issues prevents extensive damage and expensive repair costs down the road.
The flashing is a layer of protective metal that keeps moisture and air from penetrating into the roof system. It is used around the perimeter of the roof and around any penetrations such as vent pipes or water heaters. The flashing is typically made of aluminum, but it can also be lead or galvanized steel. It is important to check the flashing regularly for cracks, rust and gaps that can allow moisture in. Most flashing is caulked to provide an additional layer of protection, and it is important to check the caulk for peeling or other signs of degrading.
If the roof is steep, it is difficult to safely walk around and inspect the flashing. It is therefore important to have a ladder that can be positioned at the correct position to allow for a complete inspection. It is also a good idea to have the ladder secured to prevent it from falling, especially when walking near the edge of the roof.
When checking the flashing, pay special attention to the areas where it meets the wall and other structures such as a chimney or skylight. These areas are particularly susceptible to leaks and can be easy to miss if not looked at carefully.
Also, look for any shingles that are missing, especially near the flashing. If enough moisture is allowed past the flashing, it can cause extensive damage that may require a roof replacement.
In addition to rust, the flashing should be checked for areas of corrosion or other signs that it has become brittle and is in need of replacement. Corrosion can cause the flashing to weaken, which in turn can lead to leaks and other problems. It is a good idea to replace the flashing when replacing the shingles, so that the new roofing materials are matched with the appropriate flashing material.
Other signs that flashing is in need of replacement include areas where the roof is leaking and water stains on the walls inside the home. Leaks from flashing in these areas can be hard to identify and often masquerade as paint or window failures, but they are the source of moisture that can damage the structure and interior furnishings.
Trim Tree Branches
As stormy weather approaches, it’s important to regularly trim tree branches near your roof. This will protect your home from debris and reduce the risk of a falling branch during a strong storm. However, if you’re not sure where to start or don’t have the right equipment, hiring a professional is a great option. They have the knowledge and experience to safely maintain your property’s trees.
While a single bad pruning cut won’t kill your tree, multiple mistakes can make it vulnerable and weak. When trimming a tree, be sure to follow these tips:
Locate the branch collar. It’s a slightly raised area of rough bark where the branch connects to the main stem or trunk of the tree. If you cut too close to or remove the branch collar, it won’t be able to properly heal and could become infested with decay fungi. Always make the first cut on the underside of the limb to prevent damage to the branch collar. This will help to keep the weight of the limb off the branch collar and allow it to form a healthy callus.
When you’re ready to make the final cut, travel about 12-18 inches up the underside of the stub and make another cut. This will be about halfway through the stub of the branch and about 2-3 inches from where it connects to the parent branch. This location is the best spot to prevent damage to the stub and allow it to properly heal.
Never leave a stub on a removed branch. Stubs prevent the formation of a healthy callus, which allows moisture and insects to enter the wound. Also, stubs provide an entry point for disease organisms, which can degrade the health of your tree.
Thinning cuts (pruning branches back to their points of origin or attachment) reduce a tree’s overall size and encourage growth throughout the canopy. This can improve air circulation and sunlight penetration in the interior of the tree and on the ground below. To achieve this, use the “drop crotch” technique: Select and prune higher branches back to laterals that are one-third the diameter of the limb being removed. This will reduce the size of the limbs and allow them to retain their natural shape.
Inspect the Attic or Crawl Space
During a roofing inspection, home inspectors go into attics and crawl spaces to check for moisture and insulation problems. This is often done in conjunction with a radon test.
Leaking Roofs
If shingles are damaged or missing, water can easily seep through to the attic or crawl space. This creates a perfect environment for mold, mildew and wood rot. This can also cause damage to electrical wiring. The attic or crawl space is also the perfect place for rodents to hide and chew through wires, insulation, pipes and other materials.
In a home with a crawl space, the inspector will check for any access openings between units in a multi-family dwelling. Access to other homes through crawl spaces is not ideal and should be closed off. This will reduce the risk of insects and other pests entering the living areas through crawl spaces.
A home inspector will also look at the insulation in the attic or crawl space, checking for any signs of mold, mildew and rot. In addition, they will verify that the attic has adequate ventilation, which is important to help prevent excessive heat and humidity from building up in the living areas of a house.
Leaks will also be spotted during an attic or crawl space inspection. The best time to look for leaks is on a rainy day, as this will make it easier to spot them. Leaks are most likely to occur around attic vents, bathroom and dryer vents, kitchen hood exhausts, air handler exhausts and electrical service mast entry points.
Another thing that home inspectors will look for during attic or crawl space inspections is evidence of rodent infestations. This is a common problem in these tight, enclosed spaces. Rats, possums and other critters love to live in attics or crawl spaces and will gnaw through insulation and wood supports. The resulting holes in the wood and drywall can allow contaminated air to enter living areas, and electrical wires may become exposed.
Other items to check for during attic or crawl space inspections include the condition of trusses and rafters. They should be solid and not sagging or showing signs of rot. Home inspectors will also look for spliced wires that are not in covered junction boxes, as this can be a fire hazard.
Inspect the Gutters
Gutters are designed to direct runoff away from the roof and to prevent rainwater from accumulating in the yard, walkways and driveway. Gutters are also integral in protecting the roof, siding, fascia and foundation from water damage. However, they can only do this if they are working properly. Therefore, it is important that you regularly inspect your gutters to make sure they are clean and performing their intended functions.
Gutter inspections are most effective when conducted from the ground, rather than standing on a ladder. From this position, you can assess the gutters’ slope and consistency and spot water stains that may indicate a leak. You can also check for any gaps or signs of loosening along the seams and end caps. If you do notice any leaks, it is likely that the sealant has worn off and must be stripped and replaced.
In addition to checking for leaks and other problems, you should also ensure that the gutters are free of debris. If leaves and other debris are left in the gutters, it can block the flow of water and lead to puddling on the roof and damage to the shingles. This is especially a problem in autumn when leaves fall from nearby trees.
A simple way to check for this is to spray the gutters with a hose and see if water flows freely. If it does not, the gutters are probably clogged and should be cleaned out. If you are going to climb a ladder to perform this inspection, it is best to take proper ladder safety precautions. Make sure the ladder is firmly planted on the ground and enlist a spotter to keep it steady while you inspect and clean the gutters.
While a visual inspection of your roof and gutters can be performed by any homeowner, it is important that you have professionals address any serious issues. A roofing maintenance team will be able to inspect the flashing, roof deck and other parts of the structure that are difficult for the average homeowner to reach. They will also be able to perform gutter cleaning and repair services if necessary.