Top 5 Solutions to Your Roofing Problem
Top 5 Solutions to Your Roofing Problem
Your home’s roof is one of its most crucial elements in your house. Which is why you need to ensure that it’s in top shape. A well-designed roof can keep your home safe and dry while keeping hot/cold air inside (depending on the season in question) for a lot longer. Still, how do you fix your home’s roof? Well, this depends on the problem but the first step is always assessing the condition that your roof is in and identifying the problem. Then, you have to consider whether you can do a DIY repair or if you have to consult specialists. Here are five solutions to your roofing problem that you have to take into consideration. The top 5 solutions to your roofing problem.
1. Check for leaks
Speaking of roofing problems, a potential leak is at the very top of the list. The reason behind this is the fact that once the moisture penetrates your home, the place will become a major safety hazard. Other than potentially damaging your inventory and causing nasty ceiling stains, these leaks can also increase the slip risk, as well as cause much worse outcome if the dripping point is near the electrical appliance or an outlet. To avoid this, try checking your roof shingles or install roof flashing. Speaking of which…
2. Install roof flashing
Your shingles are not all-powerful and there are some areas in which they provide less protection than they normally do. We’re talking about roof joints, like in places where the shingle ends meet, as well as areas around chimneys, roof windows and skylights. Flashing is the simplest and the most effective method of solving this problem and making your roof much more rain-proof. In combination with an efficient guttering system (which is something that we’ll address shortly), your roof flashing can help you manage the rainwater on your property far more effectively.
3. Clogged gutters
Your home’s gutters are supposed to carry all the rainwater into your drainage system, thus keeping your property safe from over flooding, erosion and property damage. Water that penetrates cracks will eventually freeze and increase the damage to the concrete surrounding your home, which is why your downspout needs to direct the movement of rainwater. Unfortunately, if your gutters get clogged, they’ll overflow and the water will end up everywhere, even in your basement. To avoid this, you need to clean them at least twice per year. Sometimes, however, you might even have to get some spare guttering parts from retailers like Interline Manufacturing in order to rejuvenate the system.
4. Poor energy-efficiency
There’s an estimate that about 30 per cent of all your home’s heat leaves through the roof. So, what do you do in order to prevent this problem? Ideally, you insulate your attic. Depending on whether the attic is finished or unfinished, you have several methods of handling this scenario. Naturally, this also determines the type of work, the amount of work and the number of materials that this project will require. Keep in mind, nonetheless, that any effort and financial investment in this area is definitely worth your while.
5. Inspect the construction
Your roof is about more than just its shingles. You see, sometimes, it will be your roof’s construction that’s in danger. Wood decays over the course of years, especially if exposed to moisture or endangered by pests like termites. This may not be a problem at the moment but could become a serious issue in the nearest future. Apart from this, you need to keep in mind that if you decide to do some roof work in the future (install skylights or solar panels) this might become a much bigger issue. Needless to say, it’s far better to spot this in time.
In conclusion
While the above-listed may seem quite intimidating, the truth is that this roof-related worn doesn’t take too much time and doesn’t occur quite often. Cleaning your gutters should only take place twice per year while replacing parts may not be something that you’ll do in years to come. As for the other tips, they’re situational and if done right the first time around, chances are that you won’t have to repeat them for years, even decades, to come.
