It’s best to catch roof damage early. A leaky, sagging roof can lead to costly water damage inside the home.
Observe the condition of shingles, gutters and roof edges for granule loss and cracking. Leaks are hard to miss, and they manifest as dripping spots, water stains or pooled water in the attic. Contact Denver Roof Repair now!
Many elements of construction go unnoticed, but flashing plays a critical role in the protection of buildings. Without it, homes would suffer from leaks and other moisture-related damage. Flashing is a sheet of metal that’s bent into a joint, with the exposed sides sealed with either sealant or roofing cement. It’s a common component of roofs, but also can be found at the base of walls, above doors and windows, and in places where pipes and vents meet a building.
The most important factor in preventing leaks is proper installation of flashing. The material is generally made of galvanized steel, which resists corrosion. It’s often bent into a specific shape to fit a joint, which is why it’s best left to professionals. Flashing is usually nailed in place with either nails or roofing cement, and the area where it’s nailed should be covered by something else, such as a shingle or another piece of flashing.
In terms of roof repair, a professional will check for damaged flashing and replace it as needed. Depending on the type of roof, this may include removing and re-bent pieces, or replacing whole sections of it. In general, a roofing professional will try to replicate the original installation of flashing on a house, as this will be the most effective way to prevent leaks.
Leaks typically occur in areas where different parts of the roof meet or are interrupted by protrusions. For example, if a chimney or skylight is installed in a roof, it must be flashed properly to ensure water doesn’t get underneath the shingles. In addition, ridge vents should be flashed to keep the air in an attic flowing properly and to prevent winter ice dams.
In addition to flashing around chimneys and skylights, a roofing contractor should also install it in the eaves and gables of the roof. Drip edge flashing, which is angled to direct rainwater away from the fascia board and into gutters, should be used at the roof’s edges. Headwall flashing, which is installed at the corner where a wall meets a roof plane, and angled flashing that is used at the junction of a wall and a roof should also be in place.
Shingles
Shingles are a vital component of any roof, protecting it from water damage and other environmental conditions. While they’re designed to last for several decades, shingles can experience damage from extreme weather or even simply ageing and wear. This is why it’s important to keep an eye out for the signs that your shingle roof needs repair, and to act quickly when you see them.
Some signs to watch for include cracked or curled shingles, shingle granules in your gutters, and areas of the roof that are buckling or sagging. If left unchecked, these issues can lead to leaks and costly repairs, so it’s essential to check your roof regularly to identify any problems early on.
If you’re unsure how to fix your damaged shingles, it might be worth calling a professional roofer to help you out. However, if you’re feeling confident, it is possible to do a shingle repair yourself using the right tools and materials. Before starting, it’s important to take safety precautions when working on a roof, including wearing a hard hat and a harness to ensure you don’t fall off.
Once you’ve done this, it’s time to get started with your shingle repair. Using a pry bar or crowbar, carefully pry up the shingle you want to replace. This will allow you to separate the adhesive and reveal the nails underneath. You can then work neighboring shingles loose on both sides and pull up the damaged shingle, replacing it with an identical one. Once you’re finished, re-adhere the area and add a bead of caulk around the edges to hold the shingle in place.
Be sure to check the condition of the vents on your roof too. If they’re cracked or damaged, it can be tempting to simply caulk over them, but this won’t last long and will allow moisture into your home. You can easily replace a damaged vent by using the same method and by carefully working neighboring shingles free. Screwing in a replacement is then easy and quick with rubber-washered screws.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing, or BUR, is a reliable and durable commercial roof option that stands up well to punishing weather conditions and physical damage. It consists of multiple layers or plies of roofing felts to which asphalt is applied. It also features a layer of gravel or stone ballast for added durability. BUR is a long-time favorite for low-slope or flat roofing structures, and it is often referred to as a “tar and gravel” roof.
Whether it’s for a commercial warehouse, a manufacturing plant, an office complex, or a transportation hub, built-up roofing is a good choice for high traffic areas that need a sturdy and dependable roof system. The layered construction offers superior strength and performance in punishing environments, and it can be customized with insulation to reduce energy costs and improve building comfort.
While the layered construction of a BUR roof can provide added durability, it also creates a much heavier structure than other types of roofing. This can lead to structural issues, so it is important to evaluate the building’s structural capacity before deciding on this type of roof.
Like other roofing types, a BUR roof can develop leaks. The best way to prevent leaks is to have a regular maintenance schedule. These routines should include a visual inspection of the roof, cleaning gutters and drains, checking water flow around protruding elements, immediate repairs for identified damages, removing unwanted vegetation, and meticulous examination of flashings and joints.
If you find yourself in need of roof repair for your BUR, contact a professional commercial roofing contractor. They can help you identify the source of the leak and make the appropriate repair. They can also help you decide on the best roofing solution for your facility.
If you are looking for a commercial roofing company that can provide you with the best service, look no further than Classic. Their in-house crew of experts is ready to tackle any roof issue you may have. With decades of experience, they have the knowledge and the equipment to ensure your business stays up and running.
Insulation
Insulation is one of the most important parts of any roof, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills by slowing the transfer of heat between a home and its exterior. Its performance is measured by the R-value, with higher values offering better insulation and lower utility costs.
Insulated roofs should be properly maintained, and if you notice problems such as water stains or pooling water, or if your electricity bill is higher than usual, it might be time to consider a roof repair. A thorough inspection by a qualified roofing contractor will include checking the insulation and ventilation in your attic or crawl space to ensure that they are working as they should.
When it comes to repairing or replacing your insulation, there are several options to choose from. You can purchase fiberglass batt insulation that is a cost-effective option and is available in various sizes and R-values. Spray foam insulation is another option. It offers a high R-value and is suitable for sealing gaps, leaks and cracks in hard-to-reach areas. It is also moisture and fire-retardant. Another option is a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP). A SIP consists of a foam board insulation bonded between sheathing made of oriented strand board or other structural facing materials, such as plywood. The sheathing and foam board are then pressed or glued together. This type of insulation has an excellent R-value and a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Gaps in your roof’s insulation and an improperly functioning ventilation system can cause your HVAC system to work overtime, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. By addressing these gaps and ensuring that your insulation is working as it should, you can improve your energy efficiency and comfort while reducing your environmental impact.
If you’re having your roof repaired, this is a great time to upgrade the insulation in your home. Your roofing crew can easily swap out the old insulation while they’re already on your roof, and you’ll save on installation and repair costs. Plus, you’ll reap the benefits of increased energy efficiency year-round. Getting rid of any old insulation and replacing it with new material will help you save money on energy costs, while also improving your home’s environmental sustainability.