The Effects of Inclement Weather
Whether it’s severe weather or just the typical day to day conditions, the elements can take a toll on your roof over time, causing the material to look aged and not perform as accurately. Property owners must conduct regular inspections, either by themselves or through a roofing contractor. Any issues with your roof must be caught early on, to prevent further costly damage.
Regular Inspections
Yearly checks of roof shingles are encouraged to ensure your roof is in optimal shape. If you live in an area where inclement weather frequents, you may have to inspect your roof more often. With regular inspections, you can identify any weak points, areas of uncertainty, missing or broken shingles, and much more. Conducting regular inspections will ensure your home or business has proper protection and continually remains safe for household members.
Trim Branches
Account for any trees that have overhanging branches and trim these areas before the winter months. Over time, snow and ice can build up on the overhanging branches causing them to break, which can lead to damage to your roof and shingles. Be proactive and trim the branches in question early in the year, so you’re fully prepared.
Gutter Maintenance
It may be a sign of issues with your roof if you’re noticing bubbling paint, rotting wood, and water damage in your home or business. Gutters play a vital part in the functioning of your roof by ensuring rainwater and melted snow or ice can travel efficiently and not pool. It’s essential to clean your gutters every spring and fall to clear excess leaves, bugs, and other debris to allow for proper drainage.
Moss Prevention
Moss can be extremely damaging to any roofing material if given the time to establish and grow. Over time, moss grows between shingles, which causes them to lift away from your roof. This gap allows water to enter under your roofing structure and possibly seep into your attic and other parts of your home or business. If you notice moss on your roof, it’s encouraged to contact a professional to prevent further damage and destruction.
Insulation and Ventilation
Choosing advanced insulation and ventilation systems is incredibly important to prevent excess moisture and wood rot from occurring. Your attic should be inspected regularly to ensure adequate amounts of insulation are in place as well as a proper ventilation system. Proper insulation and ventilation will help you save money on your electric bill throughout the year, as these systems won’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your home or business.
Ice Dams
Insulation and ventilation also play into the chance of ice dams occurring on your home or business in the colder months. Regular attic checks will help you monitor the temperature and make adjustments accordingly, so there is a lower chance of ice dams occurring. Ice dams can be extremely damaging to your property and a hassle to remove. If you notice ice dams beginning to happen, it’s encouraged to contact a professional to conduct proper ice dam removal services.
Flashing Care
The material used for flashings can vary by roofing contractor from roof cement and tar to aluminum or galvanized steel. Flashings are in place to divert water and guarantee proper drainage to prevent buildup around essential areas of your roof, such as chimneys or skylights. Over time flashings can deteriorate and break down, so it’s incredibly important to monitor these areas and conduct maintenance as needed.
What Poses a Threat to Your Roof?
What Poses a Threat to Your Roof?Many things can damage your property and roof, aside from inclement weather. Property owners must be aware of the different threats to look out for and be knowledgeable of the signs.
Inclement Weather
Many roofing systems can withstand severe weather and damaging conditions; however, over time, damage and regular wear and tear can occur that require expert attention. From heavy snow and rainfall to hail and strong winds, inspecting your roof regularly is recommended to determine if any damage has occurred.
Incorrect Installation
Cross-check the roofing company you’ve chosen for your installation, replacements, and repairs. It’s also encouraged to get recommendations from friends and neighbors to ensure the company you’re working with is accredited and completes quality work. While it may be tempting to complete work on your own, having an experienced and qualified team is essential to confirm the project is done correctly and accurately.
Improper Maintenance
If your roof isn’t properly maintained and cared for, any damage can spread through to your attic and other areas of your home or business. Once your ceiling begins showing damage or leaking occurs, it can lead to a costly repair. As mentioned before, a reliable, easily accessible roofing team must be hired to conduct regular full inspections and address any underlying issues.
Invasive Wildlife
Unwanted wildlife and critters can cause extensive damage to your roof. It’s encouraged to watch for squirrels, nesting birds, raccoons, and many more animals to ensure they’re not making a home out of your costly investment. Monitor where they travel and conduct regular inspections as there are times when these creatures could be ripping off shingles or making a home in your vent covers.
Replacing and Repairing
Continue maintaining the structural integrity of your property and providing a safe environment for household members by regularly inspecting and repairing your roof. It’s encouraged to check your roof each season to ensure there are no maintenance requirements and that any issues are caught early on. There are many warning signs property owners can look for and should be aware of when performing roof inspections from the ground or through a roofing professional.
Warning Signs
Regular, thorough checks of your roof either by yourself from the ground or through a roofing company are incredibly important to properly maintain your roof and keep it in optimal shape.
- Age of Roof: Whether you’ve moved into a new location or have been in your current home or business for some time, it’s encouraged to continually account for how long your existing roof has been in place. The type of roofing material factors into your roof’s average lifespan, and if you’re nearing the estimated time frame, it is likely time for a new roof.
- Curling and Buckling Shingles: If any of the shingles on your roof are curling, buckling, or losing granules, the shingles have likely reached their life expectancy, or there is a more significant issue occurring with your roof.
- Condition of Roof Valleys: Roofing contractors design valleys to help guide snow and rain to the gutters to allow for proper drainage. It’s time to call a roofing professional if shingles are falling apart or missing in the valleys on your roof.
- Missing Shingles: Inspect your roof from the ground regularly to account for any missing shingles and to verify all shingle tabs are intact. If you can’t see your entire roof or are unsure about what you’ve found, it’s encouraged to contact a roofing contractor to assist you further.
- Deteriorating Flashing: Flashing is installed on your roof to direct water away from any areas that can be damaged by standing water. Roof cement or tar are typically used, but there are other materials companies use as well. It’s encouraged to monitor these areas to be sure flashing isn’t breaking down or deteriorating.
- Shingle Granules in Gutters: Over time, granules that fall from your shingles can build up in your gutters. If you notice an abnormal level of granules in your gutters, it’s likely your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan. Any color inconsistency is also a sign that shingle granules have started to wear away.
- Sunlight Through Roof Boards: It’s encouraged to check your attic for any sunlight passing through the roof boards and if any existing insulation is showing signs of moisture. Over time, shingles and roofs can separate, and if sunlight is visible from the inside or any moisture is present, it’s likely time for a new roof.
Your property requires a substantial investment making it incredibly important to keep your roof in tip-top shape. Your roof is the protection for your property, and residing individuals, meaning regular maintenance and inspections are a must.
Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: A Comparison
There are many different types of roofing materials available on the market today, each coming with its own pros and cons. Metal roofing and asphalt shingles are two of the most popular materials chosen by commercial and residential property owners. When selecting your roofing material, it’s incredibly important to consider a few details before making a decision, from budget and roof design to your location’s climate and finding a qualified contractor. These are among a few of the details home and business owners should explore before deciding to upgrade and enhance your property.
Metal Roofing
Many property owners choose metal roofing for several reasons. Metal roofing is a lightweight material that comes in a variety of designs, allowing property owners to select an option that adds to their property’s curb appeal and extends the life of their establishment. Metal roofing is easy for contractors to handle and install, which puts less stress on the structure of your property. With this, metal roofing has an impressive fire rating, is exceptionally durable, and is environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. If you’re interested in metal roofing, you can expect to spend more upfront, and contractors may be more difficult to find as a precision-driven installation process is required. Additionally, if your property is located in a homeowner’s association (HOA) community, metal roofing may not be allowed due to its industrial appearance.
Asphalt Shingles
Both commercial and residential property owners have found asphalt shingles to be very useful and practical for their properties. This roofing material comes with a lower initial cost, along with a lower requirement for time and labor, which is appealing to many. Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials chosen by property owners today. If you choose asphalt shingles for your roofing material, your roof will last up to 25 years before any major repairs or replacements are necessary. The only significant downfalls of asphalt shingles are the aggressive install process that can potentially compromise your home or business’s structural integrity and the chance for mold, mildew, or algae growing over time due to excess moisture.
- Versatility in Design
- Affordability
- Easy Install
- Readily Available
- Uniformity
The Benefits of Cedar Shakes
This popular roofing material is created from cedar lumber logs. Cedar shakes are split on one or both sides with special crafting tools. Due to their natural design, cedar shakes are incredibly versatile when it comes to design, making them an excellent roofing material for home and business owners.
- Improved Insulation: Cedar material has natural insulating properties that prevent differing temperatures from passing through either side. Many property owners have reported lower heating and air conditioning bills because of cedar’s protective barrier capabilities.
- Lasting Durability: Cedar is impressively tough and strong when comparing wood types available on the market today. Choosing cedar shakes for your roofing material will enhance your property’s structural integrity while creating a safe environment for you and your family in inclement weather.
- Damage Resistance: Due to its impressive strength, cedar is incredibly resilient when it encounters any potentially damaging situations. Cedar contains many natural preservatives that help it keep its shape and coloring regardless of how frequently ultraviolet rays, moisture, wind, and moss growth try to take a toll.
- Customization Opportunities: Cedar shakes are incredibly versatile when it comes to design as property owners can treat the material or leave them natural. Cedar can be finished with stains, oils, coatings, and paint to help property owners achieve the appearance they’ve been hoping for. Cedar shakes also come in a variety of shapes and styles from square and diagonal to arrow-tipped and rounded.
- Insect Repellant Capabilities: Termite infestations can lead to costly repairs and destruction. Luckily, cedar has proven to be resistant to termites because of a natural chemical that exists, which isn’t palatable to termites. Even in areas where termite infestation is prominent, cedar makes an impactful difference for properties with cedar shakes.
- Environmentally Friendly: If you’re environmentally aware, cedar shakes stand above other roofing options regarding sustainability, energy efficiency, and recyclability. Chemicals aren’t required in the production process, meaning fossil fuel use is lowered, and every time a tree is reduced, a new one is grown, which creates a self-sustaining supply chain. Additionally, used cedar shakes can be broken down into bark dust and wood chips for gardening and other purposes.
- Adds to Property Value: The property value of your home or business will be increased with cedar shakes because of the low maintenance requirements and long lifespan. While cedar shakes require a significant initial investment, the benefits that come hand in hand make it worthwhile for all property owners.
- Lightweight and Appealing: Cedar shakes are incredibly lightweight and won’t compromise your home or business’s structural integrity. This roofing material also smells wonderful which will add a sense of comfort to your new or already established property.
Leaving a strong first impression with visitors and passersby is essential when it comes to your home or business property. Cedar shakes are an excellent addition for property owners to choose to bring an eccentric, long-lasting touch to their home or business. Cedar shakes provide property owners with a variety of benefits and is an excellent choice despite the high initial cost.
Last Words
Your property means a lot to you, and likely plays a significant role in your life. It’s incredibly important to properly care for and maintain your roof to ensure it is continually in optimal shape. There are many factors to consider when caring for your roof, and being aware of them is the first step to success. If you find yourself continuing to have questions about residential or commercial roof care, it’s encouraged to contact a roofing professional.
