It’s not uncommon for roof decking to receive less attention than it deserves. After all, it’s often out of sight. And unless you perform regular roof maintenance, it can be hard to tell when it is exhibiting some problems. That said, the importance of paying close attention to this component can’t be stressed enough. Since the roof decking is attached to the trusses and joints, which make up the basic framework of your roof system, any damage to the roof decking can result in significant consequences.[…]
roof maintenance
Asphalt shingle is a very common roofing material in Venice and Englewood. Shingles are relatively easy to install and are more cost-effective than other types of roofing materials, such as tile, slate or stone. Although these types of shingles do not exhibit the overall longevity of their counterparts, they still offer up to 20 years -and often more – of useful life. Given that the average Florida homeowner will move to a new residence every 9 years on average, one new asphalt shingle roof is likely to last for the duration of their ownership. However, often property owners will notice a build-up of asphalt shingle granules in their gutters and downspouts. This accumulation of granules is generally an indication that your shingle roof needs attention and maintenance. Why Asphalt Shingle Granules are Important to the Life of Your Roof Asphalt shingle tiles have come a long way over the last several decades. Now available in a range of colors, homeowners can match their home’s paint color and are no longer relegated to the standard gray palette (although that is still a very popular option). Tiles are comprised of more fiberglass than in recent years, which makes them even more affordable. However, for those looking for a sturdier, more traditional tile, organic asphalt shingles are still available. Asphalt shingle tiles are traditionally made by soaking a mat with asphalt and covering the tile with granules, which are made of a mixture of slate, schist, quartz, vitrified brick, stone, or ceramic. The surface granules are instrumental in blocking ultra-violet light, providing some protection to the asphalt core and resulting in more overall longevity for the roof. In South Florida, consumers may also choose a lighter color of asphalt shingle granules, which will help to reflect sunlight and keep the roof a bit cooler. However, with the granules absorbing the brunt of our harsh Venice sunshine, they can deteriorate due to the persistent heat. Relentless rainstorms over the spring and summer months can also cause the granular protective coating to erode and may cause the roof to begin shedding granules. Flying debris, low hanging tree branches, and algae and moss build up can all contribute to granular loss on your shingle roof. If you are noticing granules in your gutter system or downspouts – or if you simply notice that the tiles are “balding”, this means that your roof materials are eroding, and do require some attention. Tiles with granular loss are even more susceptible to cracking, breaking and curling due to weather conditions. Once a tile is deteriorating, you run the risk of water intrusion or damage to the underlayment. The Good News About Asphalt Shingle Repair Very often, it is just an area of your roof which needs repair due to granular loss. Because asphalt shingle tiles are relatively easy to replace – and are cost effective – you may be able to do spot repairs. The biggest problem that homeowners report is a difficulty in matching the shades on their […][…]
When examining the integrity and health of your roof, you understand that a roofing professional will inspect the exterior of your roof, as well as the roofing materials. What you may not expect is that an expert roofer will also perform an attic inspection. The attic inspection is actually a very important part of understanding the overall condition of your roof. Why is an Attic Inspection Necessary? If at all possible, a roofing professional will request access to your attic when assessing your roof. There are several key areas of information which can be gleaned from taking a look underneath the exterior. Check the Insulation: The attic is one part of the house in which the insulation can be clearly seen. Not only does having the proper amount of insulation help you to keep your home cooler during the hot summer months, but looking at the insulation’s condition can give us clues as to any water intrusion which may be taking place. If your insulation is matted down, compressed and/or damp, there is a very good chance that water is leaking in from somewhere. While you may not see any visual deterioration and damage on the exterior, wet insulation will necessitate further investigation into where the leak is occurring. Evaluate the Ventilation: One of the more critical aspects of roof construction is how well the attic space under the roof is ventilated. Household moisture often makes its way up into the attic, and in the Venice area, the attic is also likely to be very hot. A well ventilated attic will work to release some of that heat and moisture – which will help with energy efficiency and a less-stressed air conditioner. Too much attic moisture can lead to mold growth and wood damage. A properly ventilated attic will have plenty of vents along the lower portion of the attic space to allow air in, while the upper part of the attic will provide enough venting to allow hot air and humidity to leave the space. Take a Look at the Framing: An attic inspection will include inspecting the wood framing, which is not visible in most parts of the home – but can give important clues as to the quality of the roof construction. Remember, the attic framing and roof sheathing is part of the overall roof system. Proper construction practices are necessary to not only ensure that the roof is properly supported, but in South Florida, to ensure that the house is protected against the high winds we are susceptible to. The catastrophic effects of Hurricane Andrew, which devastated areas of Florida in 1992, were responsible for a radical change in the building codes. However, if a home was built prior to 1996, those codes may not have been implemented. Look for Signs of Water Intrusion: Aside from the insulation, an attic inspection will also look for stained roof sheathing/framing; as well as stains or water marks on vent pipes which protrude through the roof. Some stains may […][…]
The South Florida summer storm season is right around the corner, so now is the time to think about preparing for all the wind and rain.[…]
The great majority of the time, any issues identified during a roof inspection can be fixed and remediated before they become a larger problem.[…]
Your roof is often out of site, out of mind. But the truth is, there are several things you can do that will preserve and extend the life of your roof.[…]