Performing regular maintenance can help homeowners avoid major roof repair and costly damage to their home. Skilled contractors inspect for a variety of issues that can be addressed quickly and easily before they become serious problems.
They look for things like sagging roofs, broken shingles, discoloration, moss growth and venting. They also check the condition of gutters, soffits and fascia. Visit https://www.bostonroofingco.com/ to learn more.
Attic ventilation is a vital part of roofing maintenance. Keeping your attic well ventilated allows for proper insulation and reduces air leakage from the house below. A well-ventilated attic also protects the roof shingles by preventing heat from the upper levels of the home from pushing up through the attic. In addition, it helps prevent ice dams by moving melting snow out of the attic before it has the chance to freeze in your gutter system or damaging the roof.
A well-ventilated attic allows air to flow through the soffit vents, out through rafter vents and up through the attic vents or ridge vent. It also helps keep the insulation from clogging with dust, dirt and other debris. Depending on your needs and the type of insulation used, you can install either rafter vents or an attic fan. Rafter vents, which are also called insulation baffles, are installed in the attic to promote airflow and are available in several lengths and widths to fit different rafter spacings. Rafter vents are usually stapled directly to the attic decking and can be installed in conjunction with soffit vents, ridge vents and gable vents for maximum effectiveness.
Attic fans, on the other hand, work to cool the attic by moving hot air out of the attic space and pulling cooler air in through the eaves. These are an effective solution for homes with very shallow attics and in climates that don’t get very cool. They are typically powered by electricity, have a low profile so they don’t block the view of your roof and can be controlled by a humidistat to run only when needed.
Static or box vents, a form of passive ventilation, are openings in the attic ceiling with a raised square or circular covering and perforated vents that allow air to move through them. They can be installed with or without a baffle, and they may require a more careful installation to ensure that they don’t create unwanted attic access points. Static vents are a good choice for unfinished attics, but they won’t work effectively in finished spaces with drywall or other blocking.
Clean Gutters
Gutter cleaning is a vital part of any roof maintenance plan. Clean gutters help to direct rainwater away from the foundation of a home, prevent clogs, and maintain the appearance of roofing shingles. However, cleaning gutters requires a ladder and can be dangerous if not done properly. It is important to use an A-frame ladder, and have a spotter to support the ladder’s weight and keep it steady while you are removing debris from the gutters. Additionally, it is best to work on a clear and warm day.
The process of gutter cleaning consists of the following steps:
Debris Removal: Removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutters by hand or with a gutter scoop. This is usually a messy process, and it is important to be careful not to damage the roof or siding of the house. Gutters are often flushed after they have been cleaned to remove any remaining debris and ensure that the gutter troughs are not clogged.
Check Downspouts: Redirecting water flow by aiming a hose down the downspouts to see if they are clogged and to flush out the gutters. If the gutters are clogged, it is necessary to remove and clean the downspouts, as well as any field drains and auxiliary drains that may be present.
The main reason for including regular gutter cleaning in a roof maintenance plan is to prevent clogs, which can lead to overflowing rainwater and staining of the siding of a house. In addition, overflowing rainwater can cause the foundation of a house to sink or crack and leak into the crawl space. Lastly, clogged gutters can also encourage the growth of moss and lichen, which can trap moisture and cause serious roof damage. Including regular gutter cleaning in a roof maintenance plan helps to prevent these problems before they become serious and expensive. In addition, clean gutters can enhance a home’s curb appeal, making it look cleaner and more appealing.
Flashings
Flashings seal roof penetrations such as chimneys, vents, and valleys. These vital areas are vulnerable to water infiltration, which can damage the roofing system and lead to leaking into the house. Depending on the extent of the damage, roof leaks can result in costly repairs or replacements. Regular maintenance is essential to preventing these problems by inspecting and making necessary repairs as soon as they are noticed.
Choosing the right flashing for your roof is important, as different types are designed to work with different roofing materials. For example, only one type of flashing works with shingle roofs, while another is recommended for metal roofs.
Standard flashings are made from durable metal or plastic and are installed in a way that prevents water infiltration at the penetration point. They also feature a rubber collar that helps to prevent deterioration, even in harsh weather conditions. They can be painted or coated to match the shingles, which makes them more attractive and blends them seamlessly into the roof.
Other types of flashing are available for specific roof features such as skylights, roof windows, and chimneys. These can be manufactured to the exact specifications of a roof or feature installation and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. They also include insulation or heat-trapping properties to maintain warmer temperatures in the roof cavity and avoid frost closure of the vent.
Continuous flashing, or apron flashing, is used to waterproof the area where the roof meets a vertical wall or other structure. It is typically a long piece of flashing with built-in expansion joints to help it flex as the home expands and contracts in temperature changes. It is often affixed to the shingles with a caulk seal, but should never be sealed with tar or other petroleum-based products.
Other types of flashing include chimney flashings and valley flashings. The flashing used for a chimney will depend on the size and location of the chimney, as well as the roof material. For example, copper or galvanized steel chimney flashings are generally used with tile or slate roofs, while aluminum or stainless steel flashing is preferred for metal roofs. Multi-size flashings are also commonly available and can be customized to fit a variety of pipe diameters.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a common problem that can cause roof leaks. They form when a ridge of ice blocks the melting snow and water that flows off your roof. This ice and water can back up under the shingles and leak into your home. They can also damage the shingle structure and gutters, and create a moist environment for mold to grow.
The most common sign of an ice dam is the presence of icicles hanging from the gutters or along the edge of the roof. However, they can also appear at other locations, including in roof valleys or around a roof cricket or chimney. Ice dams develop due to the temperature differences between the top of your roof and the eaves. This is caused by warm air escaping the attic, which causes the snow on the roof to melt. The melted snow then refreezes at the colder eaves, forming an ice dam.
While ice dams are a common problem, they can be prevented by routine maintenance. For example, after a snowfall, it is recommended that homeowners use a snow rake to remove the excess snow from their roof. This should be done from the ground or deck, never from a ladder to prevent breaking shingles and causing further damage. Alternatively, calcium chloride (not rock salt) can be applied to the eaves to help melt the ice and allow water to flow down the gutters.
Homeowners should also make sure that their attic is properly ventilated to keep the temperature even throughout the home. This will help to prevent heat from escaping the attic and melting the snow on the roof. Additionally, it is a good idea to have heat cables installed on your roof to prevent ice dams from forming.
If you have ice dams, it is important to hire a licensed professional to remove them before they cause further damage to your home. Although many homeowners insurance policies cover the resulting water damage, it depends on your location and insurer. It is always best to review your policy, or talk to an agent, before you have any issues.