Every homeowner should conduct a regular roof inspection. This can either be a DIY inspection or a professional roof inspection. The best policy is to conduct the DIY inspection as often as possible and the professional one once a year before hurricane season arrives. This would guarantee that sudden roof leaks or roof damages do not take you by surprise. While inspecting your roof you should consider the following points. These can be divided into two categories. There are points to consider during the installation of the roof and others that you come across during roof inspections.
Points to consider during the installation
1. Roofing material
The roofing material should be selected considering the weather of the locality, your financial position, and the cost-effective nature of the material. If the place experiences extreme climates, especially hurricanes and storms, a metal roof will be better. If your wallet does not allow it, you may opt for various asphalt shingles.
2. Waterproof barriers
A roof has many vulnerable areas which are potential water seepage points. Areas around the chimneys and other rooftop installations are likely to be weak points. So are the eaves. It is wise to install waterproof barriers at these points to prevent any possible water leaks through these points.
Roof repair in St. Petersburg, FL — The Roofing Company
Give us a call to sign up for a FREE roofing estimate.
3. Cap shingles
Hips and ridge areas of the roof should be covered with cap shingles. Take care to ensure adequate overlapping of these shingles so that no gaps are left for water to enter.
4. Underlayment
These are covers that protect the deck from possible water damage. If a few shingles are blown off or displaced by the wind, they should be repaired on an emergency basis. Meanwhile, there should be something to prevent serious water damage to the structures underneath the shingles. These are waterproof materials that are used to cover the deck and other parts below. Spending a good amount on this will surely pay off when the roof has to face very severe weather.
5. Fascia boards
These are boards that cover the fascia to prevent water from entering the roof during the rainy season. Water damage to the fascia will be caused by the wind driving the rainwater against the fascia or the overflowing of gutters. So choose good quality water-resistant materials for fascia boards.
Points to consider while repair
1. Shingles damages
If shingles are missing or damaged, it should be remedied immediately. Neglecting this will lead to serious roof leaks and eventually results in structural damage.
2. Flashing damages
Wherever there are joints on the roof, flashings are installed. During the roof inspection, these structures should be inspected thoroughly. Even a crack in the sealant or a hole in the metal sheet will cause a roof leak to your St. Pete home. If they go undetected, the roof structure will incur severe damages in due course.
3. Malfunctioning vents
Vents form an integral part of the roof and the health of them depends on the uninhibited functioning of the vents. There are possibilities of blockage in the vents. This causes moisture build-up in the attic due to condensation. While inspecting the roof see that the vents are working to the optimum.
4. Clogged gutters and downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are liable to be blocked due to debris accumulation and granule accrual. This issue is very noticeable and can be remedied easily. Congested gutters and downspouts overflow and the water affects fascia and soffit. So drainage maintenance is important for preventing roof leaks.
5. Cracked vent boots
The housing of vents and plumbing components are covered with rubber boots. After confronting many atrocities of the weather, they turn brittle and cracks develop. These should be replaced without fail and without delay to stop possible roof leaks.
6. Exposed nails
After a storm, you will see that many nails are loose and have popped out on the roof. These create gaps for seepage. You have to search out all such nails and beat them into place. furthermore, if you inspect the attic you may find projecting nails that have failed to go into the frame. They hang there to accumulate condensate that drips onto the ceiling during the night thus affecting the ceiling. These nails have to be clipped.
7. Damaged siding
Strong wind and rain often prove to be detrimental to the siding boards. The wind may blow them off and water penetrates your house forming puddles. These boards must be replaced immediately. If mandatory roof inspections are conducted on time and the above issues are addressed promptly, you can keep roof leaks at bay.