Month: February 2015

Flashing Not Fastened Properly During Installation

When installed properly, flashing prevents water from seeping into your home from the rooftop.  Commonly made of metal or galvanized steel, flashing is found around roof vents, chimneys, windows, dormers and along any valleys in the roof. Properly installed flashing will have the U-shape facing toward the valley and be securely fastened along the edges. Flashing should be layered under the shingles, rather than on top of them, to prevent water seepage and consequent damage. According to the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, counter-flashing installed along hard surfaces, such as stone or brick chimneys, will often be installed and fastened incorrectly. Check these areas closely for any gaps in the installation or sealant that could allow water access.

Pressure Washing the Shingles

We are very conscious of how our roof looks – we see it every time we pull in the driveway – and the itch to clean it can be strong when it appears dirty.  Bringing a pressure washer to the roof with the intention of washing away some dirt can do far more harm than good. Blasting streams of highly pressurized water at composition roof shingles will remove more than dirt.  Roof shingles are comprised of water-resistant materials including asphalt granules that protect your home from leaks. Pressure washing the roof will remove dirt and strip these granules from the shingles, leaving your home unprotected.  If you strongly feel that your roof needs a cleaning, your best course of action would be to contact a professional roofer to discuss options you may have to improve the appearance of your roof.

Improper or Inadequately Ventilated Roof 

A properly ventilated roof will allow moisture caused by temperature differences in the inside and outside air to escape from the attic areas of your home.  Improper ventilation can trap this moisture causing mold and algae growth throughout your home’s structure.  Improper ventilation can also encourage ice dams to form causing further damage in areas with snowy winters.  Proper roofing ventilation can extend the life of your roof, saving you money over the long run.

Not Planning for Ice Dams

If your home is located in a cold climate, you should plan for the formation of ice dams during the winter months. An ice dam is a layer of ice that forms along the eave line of a roof.  Generally when you see icicles hanging from the edge of a roof, there is an ice dam behind it.  Ice dams are formed when the temperature of a roof is uneven, generally warmer at the top and colder along the eaves. Snow will melt on the warmer portions of the roof and form sheets of ice at the colder edges called ice dams. These ice dams force water under the shingles, if the roof is not insulated enough.  Guard against water damage from this ice formation by making sure to regularly clean out your gutters.

Not Diverting Water from Drains Away from the Base of Your House

If you keep water out of and away from your home, you will significantly increase the life of the building.  Foundation erosion, basement flooding, and soil deterioration all occur due to improper water drainage.   According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an extended rain spout of at least five feet should be sufficient to drain water from your rooftop and eaves and away from your home. Draining water away from your home will prevent foundation erosion and resulting mold caused by constant dampness due to rain and snow melt.

Utah Roofing Repair

Your home is more than your castle; it is your single most important financial investment. Simple preventative steps today, such as checking for properly functioning flashing and water diversion, can greatly reduce the chances of water damage and costly headaches down the road.

Why it is Important to Maintain Your Home’s Gutters

Cleaning and maintaining your gutters is important to prolong their life and keep potential problems from arising from water damage. Gutters that are left full of tree debris can cause damage to the gutter system, water damage to parts of the exterior of the house, and can become breeding grounds for molds and mildew. Depending on what types of trees and how many trees are near your gutters will determine how often they should be cleaned out.  Generally, gutters should be cleaned between two to four times per year. Additional cleanings may be necessary if birds or small animals build nests in the gutters.

Selecting the Right Ladder for the Job

Several types of ladders are available for different jobs, and it’s important to choose the correct type for optimal safety. Before climbing up any ladder, someone should be notified in case there is an accident. A fall from a roof  can result in serious injury. For single-story homes, a four-legged, sturdy ladder is optimal. Because a bucket to collect the debris from the gutters is needed, choose a ladder that has a shelf that can support at least a five-gallon bucket. For two-story homes, a reliable extension ladder should be used. Always secure the bucket used for collecting debris with a lanyard. It is not ever recommended to use an orchard ladder for gutter cleaning because these ladders can be very unsteady and unbalanced.

What to Wear When Cleaning Your Roof’s Gutters

Good work gloves should always be worn while cleaning gutters. Decomposing leaves in the gutter can contain bacteria and animal dropping. Gloves will also protect your hands from cuts caused by any torn metal parts of the gutter or from any twigs mixed in with the leaves. Always wear secure work shoes when using a ladder because sandals are never safe for this type of job.

Scoop the Goop

All of the leaves scooped out of the gutters make for great compost; so if you have a compost pile, put the gutter cleanings there. When clearing out the gutters, remember to also check the downspouts for clogs and blockages. If a downspout becomes blocked with leaves or other debris, rainwater will not drain properly from the gutters and can cause sagging. This can end up being a much more expensive fix than a simple cleaning. When water does not drain from the gutters, it’s likely that mildew will form making subsequent cleanings even tougher. To scoop the gutter debris, always use a plastic gutter scoop over a metal one as metal scoops can damage aluminum gutters. Buying an extension pole for your gutter scoop will reduce the number of times you will need to climb down and move your ladder.

Check Gutter Flow After You Scoop

After you have cleared out all of the leaves and twigs from the gutter, use a garden hose with normal water pressure and a spray nozzle attachment to both wash out and check the drainage of your gutters. Spray in the direction of the downspout so that any small, leftover debris is washed down and won’t remain in the gutters. In some houses, the downspout may be connected to an underground drain that leads to the street sewer system. If this is the case, the downspout should be disconnected at the bottom so that when you spray water to wash out the little debris, it does not collect or cause any blockages in the underground drain. If you find a clog in the downspout, use your garden hose without the nozzle attached and work it up the downspout from the bottom to loosen the clog.

Check for Leaks After Cleaning

If you notice any drips or leaks while spraying out your gutters after cleaning, be sure to identify and fix the problem areas. If the gutters have holes or leaks, then water damage to the house is more likely, and damage to the ground under the gutter can be unpleasant. Carefully check any areas that have been previously patched or repaired. Also, check all of the seams to ensure they are still properly fitted. Any old caulking can be scraped out with a chisel and should be thoroughly dried before being repaired. The best sealant to use in gutters is a new bead silicone to prevent leaks from reoccurring in that area.

Utah Roofing Professionals

If you need roof repair or replacement near Salt Lake City, Utah, contact a qualified roofing professional that uses only GAF roofing products that are guaranteed for LIFE!