A roof’s health is essential to the well-being of a home. Regular maintenance can help prevent major repairs and premature replacement.
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Small issues like rust, fungus, leaks and water stains are easy to miss, but can cause damage that is much more costly to repair. Visit Website to learn more.
A maintenance checklist should also include checking pipes, vents, chimneys and skylights for cleanliness and structural damage. For example, sagging elements can indicate that support rods will soon fail.
Wood shingles and shakes require more attention to maintenance than other types of roof coverings. They must be treated with flame-retardant chemicals every few years, and they tend to fade in color over time. They can also be subject to mold, mildew and fungus that can damage them. They are vulnerable to termites and wood borers. In addition, they may contribute to higher home-insurance rates because they are more susceptible to fire than other roofing materials.
The lifespan of a wood shingle or shake roof depends on the amount and temperature of rainfall it is exposed to. A roof in the wet, warm coastal area of Hawaii might last one-fourth as long as a wood shingle or shake roof in cool, wet Western Oregon. The slope of the roof also plays a role; steeper roofs shed water more rapidly than shallower ones. Overhanging vegetation tends to shade the roof, slowing drying between rains, and it can drop debris that can retain moisture.
Many people find the natural, weathered look of a wood shingle or shake ceiling endearing. However, a roof covered in algae, mildew and fungus can degrade the surface of a wood roof and rob it of its insulation value. It can also encourage leaking, and it can provide a breeding ground for organisms that degrade the roof’s structure.
Proper maintenance for a wood shingle or shake roof includes regular cleaning to remove debris and organisms. This is typically accomplished by sweeping, brushing and washing. In addition, a roof should be inspected for leaks and the condition of skylights, vents and chimneys. If necessary, tree branches should be trimmed to prevent them from overhanging the roof.
Slate
Slate is a beautiful roofing material, delivering a timeless elegance and unparalleled durability. It is also a fire-resistant option and resists fading, weathering and rot. Slate is a metamorphic rock that forms naturally inside the Earth when shale is exposed to ultra-high pressure, temperature or both. This causes the minerals in shale to rearrange and compact, forming thin sheets of fine-grained, foliated stone that can be cut into tiles and used for roofing.
Slatting a roof with slate is an intricate process that requires the skills of a highly trained and experienced professional. Precise measurements and skilled cutting of the slate tiles are required to ensure a snug fit around complex roof features, such as valleys, dormers and ridges. The roof is then capped with copper or galvanized steel to prevent leaks and protect the sheathing beneath.
A common maintenance problem for slate is that a few of the slates are damaged or missing, often due to storms and age. A professional roofer will repoint or replace these slates to restore the integrity of the roof and maintain a waterproof seal over the entire surface.
One other area that should be regularly checked and maintained on a slate roof is the flashing. These metal pieces are designed to prevent water penetration where the roof meets any abrupt angle or opening, such as chimneys, valleys and dormers. The flashings on slate roofs are often made of terne-coated steel and need to be painted regularly or corrosion will occur.
Another maintenance issue for slate is the removal of moss. This can cause a lot of damage to the slates, so it is best to have it treated with a non-corrosive chemical that kills the spores and keeps regrowth from occurring.
Clay
Like any roof material, clay tiles are subject to wear and tear, and it is important for homeowners to perform regular inspections of their tile roofing. This prevents minor issues from becoming major problems and helps extend the lifespan of a residential roof.
During a visual inspection of the roof, homeowners should look for cracked or chipped tiles that must be replaced immediately. They should also check for clogged drainage gutters and valleys, as well as any vegetation encroaching on the roof covering. Finally, they should look for any areas where the clay tiles have shifted or become dislodged. Leaking is another potential issue, and it is crucial to identify and repair leaks in clay tile roofs as soon as possible. If left untreated, these leaks can cause significant damage to the interior of a home and the appliances within.
If there are any cracks in a clay tile roof, a professional should be called to conduct a thorough assessment and determine the best course of action for repairs. Hairline cracks are usually repaired by applying a specialized sealant, while larger cracks may need to be removed and new tiles installed.
As with any roof, a clay tile roof requires periodic cleaning to remove dirt, mold, and mildew that can trap moisture and encourage algae growth. A professional can use a low-pressure power wash to effectively clean the roof without damaging the tiles, and they can apply an appropriate coating to discourage further growth. Homeowners can also help prevent algae growth by regularly clearing away any organic materials that could provide a breeding ground for the spores, and trimming overhanging tree branches to increase sunlight exposure to the roof.
Concrete
Concrete tile roofs are durable and practical roofing materials, found in many commercial and industrial buildings. However, they require regular maintenance and repair to ensure the structural integrity of the building and protection of its contents from moisture and contaminants.
Visual Inspection: Inspect tiles for cracks, chips and signs of water damage. Check for discoloration, efflorescence (white powdery deposits) and moss or algae growth. Identify any areas where rainwater collects, and ensure that gutters are clear of debris.
Cleaning: Clean the roof periodically to remove dirt, leaves and other debris from the surface. This will help to minimise the impact of moss and algae, especially in shaded or damp areas. Use a soft-bristle brush or mild detergent solution with bleach. Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers, as these can damage the concrete surface.
Before you set foot on the ladder, check that it is secure and has been secured to the spouting or eaves with a bungee or luggage tie, particularly if the roof is painted colourbond. Similarly, make sure that overhanging branches are not in the way or causing damage. Lastly, remember to wear appropriate safety equipment and follow governing body regulations for discharge of wash water into the stormwater system.
Metal
Like wood roofs, metal can be treated with a wide variety of sealants that help keep water, dirt, and debris out and the weather in. A roof that is properly sealed and maintained should be able to last up to 20 years.
A metal roof can be cleaned with a pressure washer at a safe distance to avoid damage to the panels. This is a good idea before the arrival of a storm or other harsh weather to ensure that leaves, limbs, and other debris don’t collect and cause damage.
Metal roofing is made from very durable panels that connect through high-quality screws. These screws need to be checked on a regular basis to make sure that they aren’t loose, crooked, or angled incorrectly. This is especially important in areas where the panel seams aren’t covered by other roofing material, such as the eaves or overhangs.
Another item to check on a regular basis is the condition of flashing. This comprises strips of metal installed around roof penetrations, including chimneys, pipes, vents, and skylights. Flashing is designed to divert water away from these vulnerable points, but it can crack, lift, or rust and allow leaks to develop. During a routine inspection, your roofer should check the condition of flashing and replace or caulk any gaps to prevent water from entering the home.
If you see spots of rust on your metal roof, it is essential that you act quickly. Rust can spread very rapidly, causing more costly damage to your roof. Your roofer can repair rusted areas by lightly sanding them and then applying a protective primer with a rust-inhibiting color. Some manufacturers even offer touch-up paints specifically for metal roofs.