The Common Problem Areas of Your Roof

All roofing systems are sturdy to resist all possible elements and harsh weather conditions. This enables them to protect you and your property from damages and other issues. Given their responsibility, it is also essential for homeowners to ensure the roof lasts long and to keep it fully functional. This makes it highly critical for people to do regular maintenance because roof deterioration is inevitable, primarily due to these vulnerable layers:

The Weak Points of Your Roof

1. Attic space: Commercial and residential roofing experts note that checking whether there’s storm damage in this particular area is vital. Impaired wood, water stains, damp insulation and mold are significant indicators that water has penetrated inside. Although these are less likely to get exposed to moisture due to their location, other material issues found in the exterior increase those chances.
2. Chimneys: Any penetrations in the roofing material are vulnerable to roof leaks. Check the deals, and look around the edges for roof leaks. Windows and skylights may begin to exhibit condensation in the panes, indicating that water is intruding. Check these areas carefully.
3. Fascia: This feature is a roof trim that runs along the roofline, typically made of wooden boards or sheet metal. It serves as a protective layer between the edge of the roof and the elements. It is worth noting that fascia is considered one of the weaker parts of your roofing, so it needs to be regularly taken care of if you want your gutter system to stay in place. Should you see any water damage, you can call for professional help right away.
4. Flashing: Flashings are essential for sealing roof edges, perimeters, penetrations, drains and any other area where the roof is interrupted or terminated. These are the thin strips of metal or plastic found near the valleys. They are designed to keep water away from the most sensitive parts of your roof, making them more vulnerable and exposed to natural elements. Roofers pros remind that if you see some that are worn out and deteriorating, have them replaced to keep your roof intact and water-resistant.
5. Gutters: It is critical to guarantee your gutters have zero buildups. This way, you can avoid clogging, which can affect the performance of your gutter system. As it is often overlooked, blockages will make it hard for your gutters to drain water, and the presence of moisture and debris buildup can eventually lead to mildew and mold growth under your roof.
6. Ridge vents: Roof repair experts say these are air exhaust vents installed at the peak of a roof. Given that they are located at the top, leaks are likely to form in this area. Should you observe wet or stained wood, it is best to call and schedule an appointment with your roofer to have your vents replaced right away.
7. Roof edges: When it rains or storms, the surface tension in these areas may cause water to get under the roof. This prompts seeping into the underlayment. The gutters clogged by debris won’t help as this causes water runoff to flow into the less sturdy areas of the roof. Hence, gutter cleaning is imperative in this regard.
8. Roof valley: If you’re unfamiliar with this part, here is where two downward-sloping roof planes meet. Water runoff is channeled through this area before flowing through the gutters and away from your home. Roof maintenance professionals say flashing is required to be installed over the valley, which suggests the material must be tightly adhered to it to prevent water from seeping into the roof’s inner layers.
9. Shingles: A lot of different issues can affect your roof shingles, and some of these could be an indication of an underlying problem. High winds can loosen or blow shingles off in extreme weather conditions. Hailstones can damage them upon impact while blistering heat can cause them to become dry and brittle over time. Leaks will appear, leaving your home open to water damage when these are compromised.

Maintenance Myths Every Homeowner Must Forget

Now that you know some of the most common weak points, we’ll debunk some of the maintenance myths you must forget. This way, you’ll understand how you can adequately take care of your roof.

• “You can repair your roof on your own.” DIYing most home improvement projects are not advised due to various reasons. This may include safety and quality concerns. It is always best that you hire a professional to work on your roofing system for the proper execution and your protection. 
• “The cheaper, the better.” Roof repair and installers remind people that “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is”. If a product costs a fraction of the usual, there’s bound to be a valid reason for it. Do not hesitate to decline a quote or estimate that is considered suspicious, at least below the usual.
• “Modern roofs don’t need maintenance.” Despite the advancements in modern roofing technology, there isn’t a 20-year maintenance-free roof. A proactively maintained top has the potential to last well beyond its warranty with proper care and regular maintenance nonetheless.

Things You Should Do

• Keep your gutters clean. Roof and gutter installation contractors say ensuring this part is neat and free of blockages all year round is essential for your upkeep. As mentioned, if water cannot flow freely to your gutters, it could lead to more complicated dilemmas, which can cost you more for repairs.
• Remove debris, moss and mold. Indeed, tree limbs can make an Instagram-worthy landscape. However, this is a risk for your system. The same thing goes for algae and mold spores. These thrive in areas of moisture which can lead to leaks eventually. Always have your tree branches trimmed and moldy areas of your roof cleaned.
• Ensure strong insulation. A well-designed roof should have at least one layer of insulation. Ensuring this helps reduce the output needed from heating and air conditioning systems and, consequently, keeps your utility bills low. Reduced workload on the heating and air conditioning systems also helps prolong their lifespan and prevent unwanted shutdowns.
• Schedule roof inspections regularly. One of the best ways to assure the longevity of your roof is to hire experts to make thorough inspections. A simple leak can cause rotting and further structural damage once neglected. Remember that it is critical to address roof issues early on because problems like these can lead to costly fixes and even replacements. If you hire a contractor, the person will be able to immediately check the condition of your roof and address the issues it may have.

Since 2004, Northeast Gutters and Remodeling has worked with thousands of clients for interior and exterior upgrades. We’re a factory-certified roofing contractor with GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, and we are authorized to bring you extended warranty options. Our dedication to our craft and customers has earned us an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We can handle your next project, from residential roofing and gutters to commercial siding and painting! Call us today at (860) 896-7115, or just fill out our convenient online form.