Keeping a roof well-maintained protects the contents of the building and extends the life of the roof. It also helps maintain the integrity of the supporting beams, rafters, and walls and improves home energy efficiency by preventing air leaks.
Colorado Springs Roofing maintenance include routine inspections to look for damage and other issues that may not be visible from ground level. Regular inspections can prevent these problems from escalating into major repair costs.
A roof’s ridge line takes the brunt of weather elements and other hazards, so it’s no wonder that it tends to wear down faster than other parts of the roofing system. Damaged or missing ridge caps can lead to roof leaks and other costly roofing repairs. Thankfully, these roof elements are relatively easy to replace, so long as homeowners and property owners know what to look for.
The ridge caps are the asphalt shingles that span the top of the roof’s ridge. They help protect the roof’s eaves from damaging moisture and are an important part of any residential roofing system. Unfortunately, these roof components can be damaged by wind uplift, falling tree limbs, the baking sun, and poor roofing installation or repair. These problems can expose the eaves to moisture and create holes and cracks that allow water into the interior of the home.
Because of their position, the ridge caps also take on a lot of stress from wind, which can cause them to pull up or crack. Loose ridge cap shakes can be refastened, but this will depend on how far the shakes have deteriorated and whether they are still attached to each other at the ends. If there is no advanced deterioration, the shakes can be tapped back together and fastened with new staples or nails.
Additionally, ridge caps should be installed using the correct roofing technique to ensure that they remain in place. This will include nailing each shingle in an inverted “V” formation to the other shingles beneath it. This will prevent the ridge cap from pulling up or away, which can cause damage to other portions of the roof.
Ridge caps are a critical part of the roofing system for many reasons, not least of all because they protect the eaves from moisture and pests. A damaged or missing ridge cap can cause water to leak into the attic, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. It can also allow rodents and other pests to enter the attic, where they can gnaw through electrical wiring or otherwise cause harm to the structure of your home.
Fascia Repair
The fascia is the board that runs along the lower edge of your roofline. It supports the bottom row of shingles and holds the guttering in place. The board can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum, or even uPVC. While the fascia is a vital component of your roofline, it can often be overlooked due to its position and the fact that it’s not as visible as other roofing components like the ridge cap or eavestroughs.
Unfortunately, the location of your fascia makes it susceptible to damage. Extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and winds can knock or pull it loose, leaving your roof vulnerable to further issues. It’s also not uncommon for the board to experience wear and tear from repeated exposure to sunlight or the elements.
Once the fascia becomes damaged, moisture can seep into the boards and cause rot. This can leave your home exposed to water and may require a complete roof replacement.
Regular inspections of your fascia should be part of your roofing maintenance plan. You should look for signs of rot, wear, and insect activity. In addition, you should take a peek in your attic every once in a while to watch for rodent activity or evidence of a pest infestation.
If you notice rot on your fascia, the first step in a professional repair is to remove the old boards. This can be a tedious job, but a skilled handyman will have a few tools to make the process easier.
Once the old boards have been removed, the handyman will start measuring and cutting new boards to size. He will then use caulking to seal the seams between each piece of board. He may then add trim and paint as well.
If you notice damage to your fascia, it is important to have the repairs done right away. Otherwise, the damage can spread to other areas of your home and cause further problems. A quick visual check of the fascia after significant storm activity is a good idea, as is a regular inspection of your attic and roofline for pests or other damage.
Clogged Gutters and Drains
The gutters and drains on your roof are critical for proper water flow. They also play a role in maintaining the integrity of your home’s structure, particularly in its foundation and crawl spaces. If these water channels become clogged with debris, it will affect your home in numerous ways.
Standing water from clogged gutters can wash over your walls and fascia boards, saturating wood components with moisture. Over time, this moisture will contribute to wood rot. This rotting can cause serious problems, including mold growth and weakened support beams and ceiling joists.
In addition to this, the constant moisture can cause moss and lichen to grow on the surface of your roof. Not only does this look unsightly, but it can also lead to leaks. If you notice moss or lichen growing on your roof, it is likely due to your gutters being clogged.
Another issue with clogged gutters is that the extra weight of the debris can cause them to sag. This puts additional stress on the gutter fasteners, soffits, and fascia boards and can speed up their degradation. It can even cause the gutters to pull away from your roof.
Gutter cleaning services can help you avoid these issues by keeping your gutters and drains clean and free of debris. They can also look for any wear and tear or damage to the water channels, saving you from costly repair bills in the future.
The easiest way to tell if your gutters are clogged is to tap the outside of them with a screwdriver or other tool. If you hear a dull thudding sound, this is a good sign that the downspout is clogged with leaves or other debris. This clog will usually occur near the downspout’s adapter or seams. You may be able to solve this problem by simply using a garden hose or a high-pressure water jet. This will force the clog to escape, much like the Heimlich maneuver. You can also use a gutter blow bag, which uses a sudden release of air to eject the clog and resolve your drainage problems.
Overhanging tree branches
Trees are a beautiful addition to any yard and provide valuable shade, but they can also damage your home if not properly maintained. If a tree’s branches become too close to your roof, it’s important to hire a professional to cut them back and keep the branches away from your house.
Overhanging tree limbs scrape against your roofing materials, which can cause damage and even leaks. Additionally, they may lead to the accumulation of leaves and other plant debris on your roof and in your gutters. When this happens, the gutters can clog and cause water damage to your home.
If you’re concerned that a neighbor’s trees are too close to your property line, try reaching out to them about trimming the overhanging limbs. It’s best to resolve this issue with your neighbors amicably so that you both get the benefits of well-maintained trees without risking damage to your homes.
Trees that are too close to your home can also attract unwanted wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and bugs all choose tree branches as their homes, and if they can access the rooftop, they may start chewing through your roof and insulation to gain entry into your living space. If these tree branches are not trimmed regularly, they can also harbor diseases and pests that can affect your home’s structure.
Trimming a tree is dangerous work, especially when the limbs are over your home or close to it. It’s best to let a certified arborist handle this task to prevent any injuries or property damage. This person has the knowledge, skills, and proper tools to ensure that the job is completed safely and effectively. In addition, the expert can also help you determine whether it’s best to have the tree removed altogether instead of merely trimming it. Taking this step could save you money and keep your roof in good condition. If the tree is damaged or dead, it will eventually fall over and create more problems for your home. This is why it’s so important to invest in regular roof maintenance to prevent these costly issues in the first place.
