Tag: roof repair

Roofing protects the structure of a building from rain, snow, sunlight, and extremes of temperature. It can be flat, pitched, vaulted, or dome-shaped.

Roofs are often the least accessible parts of a house, yet they’re vulnerable to problems. A person that specializes in roof construction is called a roofer.

A roof is the part of a home or other structure that separates occupants from weather and other elements. It may seem straightforward enough, but a roof has many different parts, and each plays a key role in keeping the occupants and property inside safe. For instance, the part that holds the roof is called the decking. Then there are the rafters, a kind of skeleton for the roof. The shingles, the outer layer of protection, can be made from any number of materials. The ridge, located at the highest point of your roof, is the critical part that keeps the two sloping sections of the roof together. It also typically houses a roof vent. Since hot air rises, a vent at the peak of your house is important to keep it cool.

The sloped edges of your roof are called eaves and rakes. They are often covered with trim that protects them from rain and snow. For some types of roofing, a steep slope is necessary to allow for proper drainage and to protect against wind-driven rain. This is why many American homes have gable roofs, which are a common form.

Another common type of roof is a hip roof, which has multiple sloped sides that come together at the same point. This is usually found in European-style architecture, but it can also be seen on American homes. This type of roof is more aerodynamic and is more resistant to strong winds than a gable.

There are also flat roofs, which can have a slight slope. These can be a good choice in warm countries that experience little rainfall or snowfall, since the slope will allow heat to escape and cool air to flow in. Flat roofs can also accommodate a wide variety of solar and green roofing options, which can help to keep energy costs down.

There are also a variety of other features that can be built into a roof, such as vents and valleys. These are important for maintaining the health of your home and preventing leaking, especially during rainy seasons or when the plumbing is under pressure from a full house load. These include gable end and ridge vents as well as soffit vents.

Materials

The roof is one of the most visible parts of your home, and for that reason, it can add to or take away from its curb appeal. If you’re considering a roof replacement, there are many roofing materials to choose from that can increase the value of your home and complement its style. However, not all roofing materials are created equal. Some are more durable than others, and some require different framing techniques. Your choice of roofing material should also depend on your budget and aspirations for your home.

Wood shingles and shakes are traditional roofing materials that can give your house a rustic or country look. Shingles are thin, wedge-shaped slabs of wood produced by precise sawing; shakes are thicker, with a more rough texture. In relatively dry climates, wood shingles and shakes can last for 60 years or more.

Clay tiles are an extremely durable roofing material that dates back 5,000 years to glazed earthenware rooftops. These roofs can cost $10 to $18 per square foot and offer a variety of colors and styles. They’re suitable for hot climates, as well as humid and salt air environments.

Concrete shingles are an alternative to clay tile, with the advantage of being more affordable. They have the same longevity as clay, but they’re lighter in weight and easier to install.

Rolled roofing is the mainstay of low-slope residential roofs and outbuildings like sheds. It consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated or asphalt-impregnated fabric that are topped with mineral granules. It is one of the cheapest types of roofing, but doesn’t have much aesthetic appeal.

Metal is another highly durable roofing material that comes in a variety of finishes. Galvanized steel is the most popular, but copper and zinc are also used. Some homeowners prefer the appearance of a metal roof, while others are concerned about it being noisy.

Insulation is an important component of any roof, and it can help your house stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. A professional roofing contractor can help you select the right insulation for your climate and home. They can also help you choose eco-friendly additions to your roof that will improve its energy efficiency.

Installation

The roof installation process is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and expertise. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional, there are several steps to ensure that your roofing will protect your home for years to come.

A roofing professional will start by installing an underlayment of felt paper or another material. The underlayment provides a layer of protection between the wood sheathing and the shingles. It also creates a watertight seal and helps defend your roof against ice dams, wind-driven rain and other elements that can drive moisture up between the shingles. Some underlayments, like ArmourGard by IKO, are self-adhering and close around nails, further defending the roof against water penetration.

A roofing professional will install a row of shingles over the underlayment and secure them with a starter strip, which is an adhesive strip that lays across the entire width of the shingle. Then, the roofing professional will cover the rest of the roof, securing each shingle with a nail that is close to the edge of the shingle and spread out further towards the center.

Maintenance

Regular roof inspections should be performed on a schedule, with the results recorded in a maintenance log. This allows problem areas to be identified early, and often minor repairs can prevent large damage later on.

A thorough examination should be done of the shingles, looking for excessive wear and tear and checking for gaps or missing pieces. Also check the underlying felt, or underlayment, to ensure it meets local building codes and is in good condition. Look for algae growth, as well; black streaks and blotchy blue-green spots can have a corrosive effect on the shingles, and if left unchecked, can impact the overall lifespan of the roof.

For flat roofing, examine the drains and gutters on a regular basis to remove leaves, sticks, twigs, and other debris that can block them. This is especially important during storms and heavy rainfall, as blocked drains can lead to ponding water that may cause premature damage.

The flashing around chimneys and vent pipes should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure the caulking is intact, with no cracks or openings. The caulking can shrink and crack as it ages, leaving the area vulnerable to leaks from rain or melting snow. Also check the metal flashing around these penetrations to be sure it is properly secured.

Finally, any skylights or vent outlets should be inspected regularly to make sure the seals are intact and there is no evidence of water damage. Inspecting these items is an inexpensive way to prevent the escalation of small problems into costly roof repair bills. It is particularly important to inspect the roof after severe weather events, such as storms and hurricanes.

It’s probably safe to say that Roof Repair NJ is about as enjoyable as a zookeeper being tasked with feeding the animals.

It’s a necessary chore nobody wants to do, but it must be done to protect everything inside your home. Every day you put off roof repairs is another day that moisture, toxins, and other damage can trickle down into your living spaces.

The majority of roofing repair jobs that you can do yourself involve shingles and other surface issues. Replacing a damaged shingle or two and repairing cracks or other minor damage can be accomplished quickly and inexpensively. However, if the roof has sustained major damage or you find that there is a leak, it may be best to call in professionals for an inspection and estimate for replacement and repair.

The shingles of a roof are a primary defense against water and other debris that might cause serious problems down the road. The most obvious sign of shingle damage is a patch that appears darker or wet than the surrounding area. This indicates that moisture has collected under the shingle, possibly leading to a leak and potential water stains on walls or ceilings inside the house.

Another way to detect shingle damage is to inspect the roof for a missing shingle or two. Loose shingles can often be re-secured by nailing through the top of the shingle tabs. If you find that a shingle has been dislodged completely, the entire shingle strip should be replaced.

When you do replace a shingle, make sure that the replacement is of a similar style and color to the rest of the shingles on the roof for a cohesive appearance. If you’re unable to locate a replacement that matches, it is sometimes possible to camouflage the new shingle by applying a layer of sealant beneath it.

If a shingle has been subjected to significant wind pressures, it may be creased or flipped and have lost the adhesive strip that holds it in place. The most common modes of shingle failure due to exposure to extreme wind include creasing (where the shingle tab is bent up and down repeatedly, creating a crease or fold along the edge of the shingle above); flipping, where the shingle tab is folded back over itself; tearing, where the shingle is ripped off; punctures from hail or other impact; and nail pull through.

To replace a shingle, first gather the necessary tools for the job, including a hammer, a flat pry bar, a utility knife and some 1-1/4-in. roofing nails. Slide the pry bar underneath the shingle directly above the damaged section and lift slowly to break the sealer strip connection and expose the first row of nails. Next, slide the pry bar under and gently lift the shingle to remove it and expose the second row of nails.

Leaking Pipes

The famous author John Bunyan once said that “one leak will sink a ship.” He wasn’t speaking literally, of course, but his logic holds true: a small problem like a leaking pipe can quickly escalate into a huge one. This is especially true if you neglect it long enough. The water can damage drywall, stain wood and carpeting, or even create a major health hazard with mold growth. It can also cause the water bill to skyrocket.

The simplest way to fix a leaking pipe is to simply wrap some waterproof tape around it. This will provide a temporary solution and can prevent further damage until you can call a plumber. It is important to make sure the area surrounding the pipe is completely dry before wrapping it. You can use duct or Teflon tape for this, depending on the type of pipe.

A more permanent option is to use a pipe repair clamp. These can be purchased at most hardware stores and require minimal mechanical skill. It’s important to follow the package instructions, however, as different products work differently. For instance, some require you to center the rubber sleeve over the damaged portion of the pipe, while others simply need you to bolt it into place.

Another potential problem with leaking pipes is that the water can become corrosive and discolor your home’s interior walls, flooring or ceilings. The stains can be difficult to spot because the water may travel along the joists or framing members before reaching the surface. This is why it’s so important to find the source of the leak and to address it promptly.

Leaking pipes can be very expensive to repair, but they’re also expensive to ignore. If you don’t address them, they can cause a wide range of problems, from poor water quality to warped and stained walls to invasive black mold. A plumber can assess the situation and recommend a repair plan that will stop the leaks and avoid expensive water-related damage to your home. In the end, fixing a leaking pipe can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent costly water damage to other parts of your home.

Damaged Flashings

Flashings are the thin pieces of metal that line roof valleys and prevent leaks around chimneys, vents, skylights, dormers, and other roof penetrations. Although they are made from a wide variety of strong and durable materials, they are prone to damage from extreme weather conditions, age, and poor installation. Damage to flashings can leave the interior of a home exposed to water damage and may require cleaning, resealing, or replacement. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy for an experienced commercial roofer to repair or replace damaged flashings.

One of the most common signs that flashings need attention is corrosion. Corrosion is caused by exposure to extreme temperatures, which causes the metal to expand and contract. This constant bending can eventually weaken the flashing and cause it to crack or break. In some cases, the corrosion can spread to shingles or other roof material, which can create holes that will allow water to seep through and damage the interior of a home.

Another sign of damaged flashings is rust. Although rust is not as serious as corrosion, it can still degrade the flashing and leave it vulnerable to leaks. Luckily, rust is often easy to remove using a wire brush or heavy-duty sandpaper. Once the rusted area is clean, it’s easy to fill the hole with roofing cement or other appropriate patching materials.

Other common signs of flashing damage include dents or bends in the metal. These may seem minor, but they can compromise the galvanized coating of steel flashings and make them more susceptible to leaks. Additionally, high winds can sometimes cause flashing to become loose and fall off of the roof.

If you notice any of these problems, it’s best to call a professional commercial roofer right away. They’ll be able to inspect the roof and determine whether or not the flashing is the source of the problem. If it is, they can replace the flashing and seal any open areas that may be leaking water into the home. They’ll also be able to check for any other areas of the roof that are causing problems and fix them as necessary.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that is commonly found in indoor spaces. The spores of these fungi can be breathed in and cause health problems for certain people, especially infants and the elderly. Molds feed on dead organic matter and emit toxins that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs when inhaled. They are also capable of causing damage to the surface materials on which they grow. Mold growth is a problem for homeowners because it can turn prized possessions into musty relics fit only for the garbage.

Molds are common in indoor spaces where there is moisture, such as in places with leaks in roofs, walls, pipes, and plants or where water has come in contact with building materials like wood or paper products. They are also common in areas with a lot of sunlight, such as basements and attics. Wet cellulose materials like wallpaper, insulation, drywall, and carpet provide ideal growing conditions for molds. Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus are some of the most common indoor molds.

Toxic molds, including Stachybotrys Chartarum (also known as black mold), produce mycotoxins which are poisonous chemicals that have been shown to cause a variety of health issues. These opportunistic pathogens most commonly attack people with a suppressed immune system, especially infants and the elderly. However, they can also cause a host of other problems including memory loss and lethargy.

While all indoor environments have some amount of mold spores, they usually do not affect most people. They can, however, irritate the skin, eyes, and nose of some people. Some people, particularly those with a suppressed immune system or chronic lung disease may experience difficulty breathing.

Mold spores can be cleaned using commercial mold cleaners or diluted bleach (1 cup of chlorine bleach to 5 gallons of water). Mold growth can also be prevented by controlling the amount of moisture in indoor spaces and keeping them dry, particularly high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Ensure that showers, laundry rooms, and kitchens are well ventilated to prevent condensation and excessive moisture in these areas. Indoors, keep surfaces dry and clean and inspect for signs of rot or leaks regularly.