Whether a roof needs repairs depends on the extent of damage, weather conditions, and other factors. Typically, it’s cheaper to repair a roof than replace it.
Before repairs can begin, shingles and other materials must be removed to access the flashing. The flashing channels water away from the wall-roof junction. Click Here for more information.
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a time-tested roofing system that uses multiple layers of materials to protect your building. These resilient roofing systems are known for their longevity and are highly cost-effective.
A BUR roof typically has three components: a base sheet, a bitumen layer, and a surfacing material. The base sheet is either fiberglass or organic felt and is adhered to the substrate using bitumen or asphalt. Bitumen is then applied over the base sheet, saturating and forming a waterproofing layer. Then, a layer of reinforcement fabric is placed over the bitumen layer to increase strength and durability. The surfacing layer is often made of granules, mineral tar, or a reflective coating.
This last layer helps to keep the underlying layers protected from the elements, and it can also improve your building’s energy efficiency by reflecting the sun’s rays. The insulating properties of a BUR roof can help you save money on heating and cooling costs.
One of the main reasons that many building owners and managers are choosing to switch from traditional shingle roofs to BUR roofs is that these roofs can be easily customized. They can be used as a platform for solar energy, mechanical equipment, or vegetative (roof gardens).
Another reason that a BUR roof is a great choice for your building is that it’s durable and resistant to environmental damage. Its multiple layers and redundant construction provide robust protection against moisture, fire, wind, and other environmental hazards. BUR roofs are also known for their low maintenance requirements, but regular inspections can help to extend their lifespan and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
While a BUR roof is a great option for your commercial property, it can become damaged over time if you don’t perform regular maintenance and inspections. It’s important to repair any damage promptly, as it can lead to leaks. If your BUR roof is damaged, then you’ll need to find a reliable roofing contractor to fix the problem and restore its protective layers. If you’re looking for a fast and cost-effective way to repair your BUR roof, then consider a spray foam roofing system. It’s a great repair option for both smooth and non-smooth BUR’s.
Shingles
Shingles are the thin, flat pieces of tin or other material that cover your roof. They are usually attached with nails that have been sealed with caulk or roof cement. Missing or damaged shingles must be replaced immediately to prevent water leaks.
Regular shingle replacement and roof inspections can keep your home protected from the elements for years to come. The best way to know if your roof needs repair is to examine it carefully, from both inside and out. During an internal inspection, look for damp or discolored wood beams that indicate water damage has begun. Also pay attention to the ceiling directly below your roof, in the attic if you have one. Look for stains or other indications of water penetration, and check for rotted areas of the roof decking or underlayment.
For a more thorough external examination, climb up onto your roof (with a ladder if necessary). Use a pair of binoculars or a camera to record your findings in high-resolution pictures. Check for shingles that have been blown off or are loose, as well as flashing that has become cracked and ineffective, often creating gaps around chimneys and roof vents where rainwater can seep in. Also look for moss growth that can rot the underlayment beneath your shingles.
If you find any of the above problems, it’s a good idea to call in a professional roofing contractor for an emergency roof repair. For minor repairs, such as a few missing or cracked shingles, it is often possible for homeowners with some basic construction and roofing experience to do the job themselves.
However, it is important to remember that the type of roof and extent of damage determines whether a simple repair or a complete replacement is the better option. For example, replacing a small section of shingles will generally be much less expensive than removing and installing new rafters or trusses. Also, if you have a wood-shingle roof that’s nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be more cost effective to replace the entire roof than to just repair or patch individual areas.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin sheet of water-resistant material that’s installed at roof intersections and projections, around windows and doors, and along the tops of foundation walls to direct rainwater away from your home. Without flashing, water would pool at these points and seep into the roofing materials and into your home. Flashing prevents this by sealing the joints, seams, and cracks in your roofing materials where water may penetrate.
Most serious building projects will involve some sort of flashing installation, and while it’s easy enough for a do-it-yourselfer to take on, it’s generally best left to a professional. Regardless, you should always keep in mind the role flashing plays in your roofing system and ensure it’s functioning properly.
Essentially, flashing is sheet metal that’s bent into the shape of a joint and used to protect the area from moisture infiltration. It’s typically made of galvanized steel, which helps it resist rust and corrosion over time. Ideally, flashing is nailed to the shingles or underlayment and covered with cement to ensure it stays in place.
When flashing isn’t installed correctly, or if it’s damaged or worn, it can let moisture into the roofing system and cause damage to the rest of the structure. This is why regular inspections and maintenance are so important. If you have a leaky roof, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible in order to minimize damage and potential disruption to your daily life.
Some areas of the roof are more prone to leaks than others, so you might need more than one type of flashing to protect these spots. For instance, roof valleys are a common place where leaks are likely to occur; these are the spots where two downward slopes meet. You’ll also need to install flashing around roof penetrations, such as chimneys and plumbing vents.
Step flashing is a type of flashing that’s used in these situations. It consists of rectangular pieces of flashing that are bent into an L-shape and nailed to the roof. The base of each L is nailed to the roof and the upper edge of each is nailed to the wall of the dormer, chimney, or other protrusion.
Gutters
Gutters are an important part of your roofing system. They help to keep water away from the eaves, and prevent mold, mildew, wood damage and structural problems. They are attached to the fascia boards and work with downspouts to move water off of your roof. A well-functioning gutter system also helps to keep water from flowing down your home’s foundation, which can cause major problems.
Gutter repair is necessary when a gutter becomes damaged, leaking or clogged. It is important to regularly clean your gutters to ensure that they are functioning properly. Typically, homeowners perform this task twice per year.
While you are cleaning your gutters, you should look for cracking or sagging. A sagging gutter will not drain correctly, and can lead to rot or damage to the face trim. You should also check for a clogged downspout or a leaky gutter joint. If your gutters are leaking, you will need to replace them.
Leaky gutters are usually caused by ice dams. These are formed by snow melting on your roof and then freezing again. This can force water under your shingles and into your home. If you have a leaking gutter, it is recommended to install heat cables to prevent ice dams from forming in the future.
Another common reason for a leaky gutter is that the fascia board is damaged. The fascia board is a long wooden board that protects the lower edges of your roof from rain and other weather conditions. This board can become damaged from termites, fungus or other insects, and may need to be replaced.