The Importance of Roofing Maintenance

by Posted in Roofing Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roofing maintenance may be overlooked as a crucial home repair task, but it is an important component of your overall roof system. It’s especially important in protecting your home from water damage.

Roofing

Untreated roofing problems can become worse, leading to costly repairs down the road. A regular maintenance appointment can help nip issues in the bud and keep your roof in tip-top shape. Contact EZ Roofing of Flagler County for professional help.

Gutter systems are an integral part of your roof and help to keep water away from the walls of your home. They are especially important in areas with heavy rainfall or if you have trees close to your house. Gutters that are clogged or filled with debris can cause overflow and water damage. Cleaning your gutters on a regular basis can help prevent this.

If you choose to clean your gutters yourself, make sure that you are using a ladder that is secure and that it has stabilizer arms. Ladders without these arms can tip easily, which puts you at risk of falling off the ladder and onto your roof. It is also a good idea to have an assistant on the ground who can brace the ladder and hand you tools as needed. Another option is to use a tool designed specifically for gutter cleaning, such as the Gutter Sense. This tool has a long handle with tongs that are opened and closed to grab and remove debris from the gutter troughs. Once the debris is removed, it is lowered into a garbage bag or bin for disposal.

After you have finished cleaning the gutters, take a hose and flush out the downspouts to ensure that they are free of blockages. It is also a good idea to check your fascia boards to make sure that they are not leaking or at risk of rot.

If you would prefer to avoid climbing a ladder, it is possible to get your gutters cleaned from the ground with a standard garden hose and an extension kit. These kits are available at most hardware stores and have an attachment with a curved end that can reach into clogged gutters. This is a much more convenient option than climbing a ladder and can be quite effective, although it may take longer than using a gutter cleaning tool. If you opt to use this method, it is important to wear goggles to protect yourself from any debris that gets blown back towards you.

Trim Tree Branches

Tree branches can cause damage to your roof during heavy storms, so it’s important to trim them on a regular basis. This maintenance also prevents branches from hanging too close to your home, which can cause them to break during a storm. It’s also a good idea to remove branches that are dead or dying, as well as any that are rubbing against your roof.

When trimming your trees, it’s best to start with a single dominant leader stem. This is the tallest, straightest, and strongest branch in the tree. It’s a good idea to keep this stem healthy by removing or shortening competing upright or long stems, watersprouts and suckers.

If you’re thinning your tree, remember that it’s better to thin branches over the course of several years rather than all at once. Over-pruning can weaken a tree and leave it vulnerable to disease or insect infestation. If you’re not sure how to prune your trees, or want to be certain you’re not making any common errors, contact a professional.

To properly remove a branch, make three cuts. First, saw a cut into the branch about halfway through, just beyond where it intersects with the trunk or thicker branches. Then, move a few inches up from that cut and saw another cut down through the branch. Finally, saw a final cut outward through the branch, just beyond the branch collar. This helps prevent tearing and water damage to the trunk.

For larger branches, the process is a little more complicated. Begin by locating the branch collar, which is a slight swelled area or rougher bark where the branch meets the trunk. It may be difficult to see on some species of trees, so try to eyeball the spot. Next, saw a cut into the branch at a 45-degree angle, just above the branch collar. This prevents tearing and allows the callus to heal quickly.

Finally, saw through the undercut and overcut to remove the branch stub. Be careful not to cut the collar itself, which can swell and promote decay. Finally, saw the final cut on the outside of the collar at a downward angle to help protect it from water damage and encourage the callus that will eventually form.

Inspect Your Roof

While it’s possible to check your roof on your own using a ladder and binoculars, you can also have professional home inspectors perform routine maintenance inspections. A certified home inspector, such as a member of RoofCrafters, can look at your roof from the ground and identify problems that would be difficult or impossible to see from inside your house or attic. These professionals can also provide a full report that includes detailed photos of each area of your roof and specific recommendations for repairs.

Before an inspection, it’s helpful to map out each area of your roof and mark off where shingles are missing or damaged. This helps you focus your efforts when inspecting the actual roof and ensures that you’re covering all of the necessary areas. In addition to the shingles themselves, be sure to check for rust or cracks in the thin metal flashing that lines penetrations, such as skylights, chimneys, and vent pipes. These seals are critical for preventing leaks, and if they’re damaged, water will get into the framing of your roof and other parts of your home.

You should also examine fascia and soffit boards, which are the horizontal and vertical boards that run along your roof overhangs and support gutters. These boards can be weakened by rot, which will lead to water damage and pest infestations. Also, be sure to look for shingles that are displaced or loose, as these are signs of roof movement and need to be repaired.

During a typical inspection, an inspector will walk around the entire roof and check for any areas of concern. They’ll start at the bottom of the roof and work their way up, paying special attention to the eaves and ridgelines. They’ll also check roof-mounted structures, such as chimneys and vents, for rust or creosote buildup that could create fire hazards or carbon monoxide leaks.

Finally, they’ll check the soffit and fascia for rot, as well as any other signs of water or pest intrusion. Inspectors will also check that drip edge is installed, which prevents moisture from reaching the fascia and sheathing beneath your shingles.

Insulate Your Attic

Insulation is a big part of your roof, and is often overlooked. It is an easy and affordable DIY project that can save you money in the long run. Insulation traps warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer, prolongs the life of your roof, cuts energy bills, and improves air quality.

When installing new insulation, make sure that it is rated for cold weather and in place before a snowstorm hits. You should also ensure that it is a good fit for your attic space.

The type of insulation you choose will depend on your attic size, climate and pre-existing insulation. There are a variety of choices on the market, from cotton batting alternatives to fluffy loose-fill and rigid foam panels. Choose the insulation that best fits your needs, based on its R-Value and the amount of work you want to do yourself (the more you put in, the higher the R-value).

Moisture problems are a major problem in attics. Moisture in the attic causes water leaks, mold and wood rot. It can even cause sagging of the roof covering and ceiling damage. Moisture is most common in the winter when warm attic air meets cold outside air. Moisture can also form on cold surfaces like metal nail heads and joists, chimney surfaces and ventilation pipes.

It is important to inspect your attic regularly for moisture and insulation problems. You should check for the presence of mold, fungus and other contaminants as well as leaks. If you find any of these, it is a good idea to have a professional inspection done as soon as possible.

To help prevent a mold or mildew problem in the attic, it is important to install a vapor barrier in conjunction with your insulation. The vapor barrier acts as an effective moisture control, and it helps to keep air moving through the attic properly. It is also important to create barriers around recessed can lights, soffit vents and any other openings in the attic space. It is a good idea to use sheet metal or wire mesh to help create these barriers. Ensure that the insulation is not touching these fixtures or vents, as this can pose a fire hazard.

How Roofers Perform Roofing Installation

by Posted in Uncategorized Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roofers use a wide variety of tools and materials. For example, they install flashing around chimneys, windows and joints to keep water from seeping in those areas.

Roofing

They also install ridge vents to ensure that roofs shed rainwater properly. To perform these tasks, a roofer needs a tape measure, a ladder and a notepad and pencil to record measurements. Visit Website to learn more.

Unless you’re planning on re-roofing (placing new roofing materials over existing ones), your roof must be torn off before your new one can go on. This may seem like an unnecessary step, but it’s vital to ensure that the sheathing and other roof components are in good condition. It also reveals any hidden damage to the structure, which your roofing contractor can then repair before installing the new roof.

Your roofing professional will start by removing the old shingles or tiles from your roof. They’ll carefully pry each one off, trying to avoid damaging the roof decking or other roof elements. They’ll also remove any metal flashing, which is often found around vents and other roof features, and they’ll pull off the gutter downspouts if necessary.

Once the shingles are removed, your roofing contractor will clean up the site. They’ll spread a tarp under the section they’re working on, which will catch the falling debris and make cleanup much easier. They’ll also cover any plants and other objects that could be damaged by the shingle debris. If there’s a koi pond in your yard, they’ll put a tarp over it, too.

While ripping off the old roof, your roofing contractor will also check for any water leaks or other problems that need to be addressed. They’ll also take a look at the eave drip edge, underlayment, and pipe boot flashing, as well as any metal or plastic vents.

This is a big job, and it’s best to do it during good weather. It takes a lot of physical labor to rip off a roof, and you want to be sure that the work is done safely. It’s important to be able to climb ladders and handle heavy bundles of shingles, so if you’re not comfortable with this type of work, it’s best to hire a professional. If you’re doing the job yourself, it’s a good idea to rent a large trash container for your old roof debris, and be sure to cover anything nearby that you don’t want shingle scraps to land on, such as landscaping, a garden shed, or your car.

Preparing Your Home

While it may be tempting to request multiple roofing quotes, you’ll save both money and time by making a decision on your preferred roofing contractor before starting the work. While this does require a little extra planning, it ensures that you’re not wasting time or money by changing your mind.

Before the roofers come, you can prepare your home by removing or covering any items that you don’t want to get damaged during the project. This includes a patio cover, furniture, plants, and other items that are exposed to the elements during roof installation. Taking the time to move these items before your new roof is installed will allow you to enjoy them for years to come without worrying about damage.

The hammering and scraping of the roof will create vibrations that can cause wall decorations to fall off, including mirrors, wreaths, and framed photos. You should also remove any decorations that are located on the top floors of your home, as they can be knocked off by the hammering and debris.

In addition, you’ll want to take down any satellite or cable dishes that are located on your roof. This allows the roofing contractors to safely work on your roof and protects them from any falling debris that could damage the dishes.

You should also cover any landscaping features near your home with large tarps. The tarps will help to keep dirt and nails from getting into the plants and grass, as well as catch any stray shingles that fall off during the project.

Lastly, you should remove any outdoor toys or patio furniture that you don’t want to get dirty with dirt or dust. Your roofers will need to walk all around your house during the roof replacement, and you don’t want them tripping over your child’s toy or dragging in dust or debris from one area of your yard to another.

You should also make sure that your roofers have access to power outlets while they’re working on your roof. Exterior outlets are best, but if you don’t have any, your contractors can use extension cords that run through windows or doors. However, it’s a good idea to clear these outlets before the project starts to prevent any tripping hazards from occurring.

Installing the New Roof

A roof is the top surface of a building that protects against rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures. It can be flat, pitched, vaulted or domed and may have a variety of finishes, materials and shapes. Depending on the weather in your area and the condition of your existing roof, it may be possible to re-roof instead of replacing it completely. Re-roofing can save you money and is usually faster than a complete roof replacement.

Once the old roof has been removed, the crew will install new flashing and drip edges. If the old flashing and drip edges are in good condition, the roofers will probably set them aside to reuse. The roofers will also inspect the sheathing or roof decking and replace any damaged boards. They will also install new underlayment, if necessary.

Next, the roofers will start laying down the shingles. Using the chalk line, they will begin at one edge of the roof and work their way across the roof, nailing each row as they go. Roofers use a tool called a pneumatic nailer to speed up the process and ensure that all the shingles are secure. They will also apply a roof caulk along the raw edges to make sure the seams are watertight.

The roofers will pay special attention to the valleys where two sloping sides meet. This is where water tends to pool, and the roofers will install flashing to keep water out. They will also install flashing around chimneys and exhaust vents. The last step of the shingling process is to install the ridge cap, which caps the peak of the roof and keeps it in place.

When the roofers have finished installing your new roof, they will clean up any debris that has fallen from your home and haul away the old roofing materials for proper disposal. They will also do a final inspection of the completed job to make sure it meets with their quality standards before leaving your home. The Brothers team has Field Quality Managers that review every job and make sure everything is done correctly.

Final Inspection

During this part of the inspection, your inspector will go inside the attic to visually inspect the condition of the roof. They’ll look for signs of sagging or uneven roof planes. They’ll also examine the condition of the gutter systems. And, of course, they’ll walk the entire roof to look at the nailing pattern and check that the underlayment is properly installed.

The final building inspection is one of the most important steps in the construction process, and it’s where you can find out whether your new home or commercial structure meets local codes. A failing final inspection can halt construction, costing you money and making the completion of your project a lot more stressful.

A final inspection is conducted after all work authorized by the building permit has been completed, and a certificate of occupancy (CO) has been issued or is otherwise available. The final inspection consists of a comprehensive review of the work, and an inspector will note any deficiencies or code violations that need to be corrected before occupying the facility.

It’s important for contractors to know what the inspector will be looking for during the final inspection, so they can prepare their construction site accordingly. Many inspectors provide a checklist for builders, and you can often find a full list on the website of your local building authority.

Typically, the contractor is responsible for scheduling the final inspection, though this can vary from case to case. They should be prepared with all the necessary documentation and be able to answer any questions or concerns the inspector might have.

If any issues are found during the final inspection, they should be addressed as quickly as possible to keep the closeout on schedule and on budget. This can be a difficult task, especially since many of the problems that need to be fixed aren’t easily visible, such as faulty wiring that’s covered by walls.

It’s common for building inspections to have a few minor discrepancies that need to be resolved, but this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Most of the time, building inspections are scheduled well in advance of the final inspection, so there’s no reason for issues to arise out of nowhere.