The Importance of Roof Inspections
During a roof inspection, Roofer Clearwater will look at your entire roofing system. This includes examining the exterior, interior aspects of your home and recommending the next steps to keep your home safe.
They will also examine the flashing details like chimneys, vent pipes and skylights for rust or leaks. They will also look for areas where debris, trash and leaves are clogging drains or causing ponding.
Roof Repairs
When your roof is damaged, you need to act fast. Leaks, missing shingles and other roofing problems need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. The best way to find these issues is with a professional roof inspection. The roofer can spot the problem areas, take photos and note roof measurements before taking action.
The Roofer Clearwater will also look at the on-roof surface, noting any flaws or gaps that might serve as entry points for water. They will also perform a moisture test to identify the source of the leak. This step may require removing shingles or sections of the roof to access the leak area. Once the roofer has found the leak, they can seal it and repair any water-damaged areas of your home.
A roof inspection will also check the flashing, which is the metal trim surrounding chimneys, vent stacks and skylights. These areas are especially prone to leaks. The roofer will look for cracks, crevices and other signs of wear around these areas and other transition points, such as where the roof slopes up and down.
Another thing the roofer will look for is ponding, which is a sign of serious roofing damage. They will be looking for areas where water has sat for long periods of time, as this could lead to rot or structural damage. They will also check for debris like branches, leaves or trash that have clogged drains or roof corners.
In addition to identifying the cause of a roof leak, the roofer will also recommend any repairs that are necessary. For example, if the leak is caused by a faulty gutter, the roofer can remove the clog and install a new gutter to prevent future problems.
In some cases, the damages to a roof are too severe for simple repairs and will need to be replaced. When this happens, the roofer will walk you through your insurance claim and manage it on your behalf. This is a great way to get the new roof you need for your home without having to pay for it out-of-pocket.
Roof Replacements
A strong roof is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. It protects the home for years and raises the property value. However, even a sturdy, beautiful roof will wear out over time and need repair or replacement. During a residential roof inspection, our team of expert roofers will identify any problems and provide a detailed report. This will help the homeowners to decide whether roof repairs are enough or if it is time to replace the entire roof.
If the shingles have lost their granules, that’s a sign that it’s time to schedule an appointment for a roof replacement. The granules serve as a protective barrier, and without them, water will easily penetrate the sheathing and rot the wood in the attic.
During a roof replacement, the Roofer Clearwater will remove the old shingles and felt paper, and they will install a new layer of shingle, an underlayment and a moisture barrier. Depending on your region’s climate, the roofers might also add an ice dam protection. This will prevent melting ice from backing up under the shingles and penetrating into your house through the sheathing boards.
It’s important to choose a roofer that has a permanent business location in your community. This will ensure that the roofer has the right tools and knowledge to properly install your roof. In addition, a company with a permanent business location is more likely to be a trustworthy and reliable contractor than a fly-by-night roofer working out of his or her garage.
Before the roofers arrive, prepare your yard for them by clearing toys and furniture away from the house. This will prevent the roofers from tripping on kids’ toys or tripping over your patio furniture as they work. Also, talk to your neighbors and let them know about the noise, dust and possible stray shingles or nails that might land in their yards. They will be more cooperative if they know ahead of time that their yards may be disturbed for the duration of your roof replacement. In some cases, the neighbors will even agree to unlock their gates for the roofing professionals.
Roof Maintenance
Roof maintenance is important to protect your investment and minimize costly repairs. It includes regular sweeping, blowing and washing away debris that can cause damage and/or allow algae to grow on your shingles. It also includes inspecting and cleaning the gutters, downspouts and roof penetrations to make sure they aren’t clogged and that they’re working properly. It can also include replacing damaged shingles and installing new ones as needed. Performing these tasks on a regular basis can help extend the life of your roofing system.
Ignoring signs of deterioration can lead to serious issues and expensive repair bills in the future. Having a professional inspection done before the start of each season can help you identify and plan for future needs.
In the case of metal roofs, they often leak from deteriorating panel seams or flashings. These are caused by expansion and contraction of the panels due to temperature changes. This can cause the sealant to crack and fail, creating an opening for water and other weather elements to enter your home.
For tile roofs, a qualified inspector will look for cracked tiles that have been discolored from hail impact. The roof should also be inspected for leaking valleys and sagging areas. They can often be easily repaired by a skilled contractor. Additionally, they will check for deteriorating chimney flashing and examine the roof field membrane to ensure it’s not physically damaged or showing signs of environmental deterioration.
Other items that may be examined during a roof tune up are ventilation issues (checking fan blades, turbines and ridge vents for proper function), animal intrusions, workmanship issues from other service providers, storm damage and workmanship on skylights, solar panels or other roof-mounted equipment. In addition, gutters and downspouts will be checked to make sure they are clog-free and that long gutter runs are pitched correctly to reduce the chance of water overflow.
Finally, specific roof treatments like moss control strips and zinc or lead flashing should be checked to see if they’re still effective. These are best applied in the fall so that they have time to work over the winter.
Roof Installation
Whether you’re filing an insurance claim for roof repairs or hiring your roofing contractor for a full roof replacement, a thorough inspection is an important first step. A quality roof inspection can validate that your home is ready to reroof, provide guidance on the best materials for your new roof and help you avoid the many pitfalls of a re-roofing project.
During the roof installation process, a quality contractor will carefully remove old shingles and panels to inspect the wood decking underneath for damage or decay. The wood underlayment will be replaced if necessary.
The roofers will also carefully inspect any vents, chimneys, ridge caps or other structures that penetrate the roof. These openings are often leak sources and should be properly sealed to prevent water seepage.
After the roofing material is removed, a layer of breathable synthetic underlayment will be installed over the roof sheathing. The underlayment is designed to protect the roof from moisture and fungus. Once it is in place, a pre cut starter course shingle will be placed on the roof to seal the first layer of shingles down.
If the homeowner has opted to have their roof shingled, the expert roofing team will inspect the chosen shingles for proper color and thickness. The installer will also look for any granules, bare spots or other signs of wear that may need to be repaired. In addition, the roofing contractors will install any metal flashing around valleys, vents, eaves or chimneys to ensure a tight and watertight seal.
Finally, the roofers will examine gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clog-free and well-connected, and that long gutter runs are adequately pitched to prevent flooding. Gutters and downspouts are crucial to directing water away from the house, and a poorly functioning gutter system can result in basement flooding and expensive repair costs.
After the roofers have completed their work, they will thoroughly clean up your property. They will tarp or cover any plants and structures that they cannot remove completely, and they will sweep the area of dropped shingles to keep them out of the yard. Depending on your situation, it may be helpful to prepare your yard ahead of time by marking any plants that need extra care or protection from falling shingles.
During a roof inspection, Roofer Clearwater will look at your entire roofing system. This includes examining the exterior, interior aspects of your home and recommending the next steps to keep your home safe. They will also examine the flashing details like chimneys, vent pipes and skylights for rust or leaks. They will also look for…