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.
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.