Safeguard Your Home With Roof Inspections
Like anything else, your roof needs ongoing maintenance and care to reach its life expectancy. If the average roof is expected to last 25 years, you can bet there will be a few necessary repairs and upgrades along they way.
It always seems that the most critical areas of your roofing system are the ones that are often overlooked. Yet these are the same components that will cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs if ignored. Taking some proactive steps on the front end can help you avoid the headache, however, and keep your roof performing well and looking great season after season.
What Are The Critical Areas of My Roof?
Roof Vents
Every attic area needs an air intake and an air exhaust. Properly working vents insure both and keep your roof well ventilated. Without sufficient airflow your roof area both inside and out will suffer from heat, humidity, mold, moisture, and infestation.
Valleys
Valleys are the areas where two sections of your roof meet. Valleys can be open or closed depending how the shingles were installed. They are also prime target areas for flooding and leaks. Keep the valleys clear of clutter and debris and make sure that the metal lining is in good shape and rust free.
Gutters
Gutters are an essential part of the roof. Their main purpose, however, is to protect your home’s baseline. By channeling water away from the foundation, gutters eliminate flooding and splashing which can stain your vinyl siding. Gutters need to be inspected and cleaned at least 4 times a year. This is especially true if tall trees surround your house.
Ice Dams
Heavy snow and ice storms do hit Tyler from time to time. At the freezing point ice can build up around the eave and fascia area of the roof. Ice dams develop and put a tremendous amount of weight on the edge of the entire roof. This can damage the eaves and also create a hazard for your family.
Chimneys
A well-constructed chimney can last 50 years or more. So the main concern may not be in the chimney itself, but rather the base area where it comes out of the roof. There are generally two methods for sealing the chimney base. The first is with flashing or metal trim. The second is caulking. These are critical areas that need constant attention and care regardless of what method is used to seal the chimney and the roof.
Heavy snow and ice storms do hit Tyler from time to time. At the freezing point ice can build up around the eave and fascia area of the roof. Ice dams develop and put a tremendous amount of weight on the edge of the entire roof. This can damage the eaves and also create a hazard for your family.
Chimneys
A well-constructed chimney can last 50 years or more. So the main concern may not be in the chimney itself, but rather the base area where it comes out of the roof. There are generally two methods for sealing the chimney base. The first is with flashing or metal trim. The second is caulking. These are critical areas that need constant attention and care regardless of what method is used to seal the chimney and the roof.
Satellites, Antennas, and Solar Panels
If your home has been ‘adorned’ with a satellite or antenna, then there’s a good chance that they’re wreaking havoc on your roof Both antennas and satellite dishes are made of metal eventually rust due to the elements. When it rains, the rust drains down the roof and eats away at the shingles and underlying materials. Antennas are installed into the roof and will inevitable leak around the base.
Solar Panels create a whole new set of problems. Solar panels are installed by driving stakes the through roof surface. The panels you have, the more holes you have. Caulk is then applied around the hole in the hopes that water will not leak through. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Solar panels can cause more leaks than any other item. Before installing solar panels, consult a roofing contractor and have your roof inspected to see if it is strong enough for solar panel mounts.
Solar Panels create a whole new set of problems. Solar panels are installed by driving stakes the through roof surface. The panels you have, the more holes you have. Caulk is then applied around the hole in the hopes that water will not leak through. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Solar panels can cause more leaks than any other item. Before installing solar panels, consult a roofing contractor and have your roof inspected to see if it is strong enough for solar panel mounts.