(ARA) - Sandwiched between summer storms and
winter snow, fall typically offers a nice break in the weather that’s ideal
for home repairs. To avoid heading into winter without the protection of a
properly functioning roof, homeowners should use this season to assess their
roof for damage and then prioritize any needed repairs. But, how do you
evaluate your roof?
Neil Robinson of TAMKO Building Products, Inc. offers the following key
components for a basic fall roof assessment:
1. Keep gutters and downspouts clean, allowing water to drain properly. This
will help prevent water from backing up onto your roof. |
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2. Remove all debris, such as dirt, twigs and
leaves, which blocks proper drainage. Trim any overhanging trees so that
branches don’t scrape or rest on your roof.
3.
Check flashings around the chimney, stack vents and skylights. Wear-and-tear in
these areas, as well as gathered water or debris build-up in valleys, can lead
to leaks in your home.
4. Look for broken shingle tabs and loose or missing shingles and schedule
routine maintenance.
5. Maintain ventilation on the roof to avoid heat build up in your attic, which
can affect roof performance. Check to make sure vents are clear to allow proper
airflow. Excessive heat build up in your attic space will also decrease your
home’s energy efficiency.
6. Consider consulting a professional roofing contractor for expert inspections
or follow-up questions.
If
you have an asphalt roof, you should assess for excessive granule loss. Some
granule loss is common with asphalt roofs after severe weather, especially heavy
rain or hail. Walking the rooftop for home repairs may also lead to granule
loss. All new asphalt shingles will shed some “hitchhiker” or “rider” granules
during shipping, application and the first couple of years in the roof’s life.
These are granules that were not embedded in the asphalt coating, but may have
been wedged in between and on top of embedded granules. Older shingles will also
lose granules as the roof ages normally over time.
According to Robinson, you should generally inspect shingles for areas of
exposed asphalt, which accelerate the roof’s aging and reduces curb appeal. “If
the asphalt is still covered by granules, and the shingles are not cracked or
punctured, your shingles should still be providing protection,” he says.
No matter what material makes up your roof, snow and ice can also cause severe
damage. If you live in a region that receives a lot of snow and ice, you may
want to consider adding snow guards to your roof to keep shingles in tact as
snow and ice melt. This will help prevent a rooftop avalanche and any subsequent
damage.
If many of your shingles are severely damaged, it might be time for a new roof.
Laminated asphalt shingles have traditionally been the first choice, but new
residential shingle options are available. Composite shingles are extremely
durable and high-performing and many homeowners are upgrading to this material
when replacing their roofs.
For example, TAMKO’s Lamarite composite slate and shake and MetalWorks steel
shingles feature 50-year limited warranties, Class A fire resistance and are
warranted against damage from winds up to 110 mph. For more information about
high-performance composite roofing and durable steel shingles, as well as
traditional asphalt roofing, visit www.TAMKO.com to explore your roof
replacement options.
To protect your investment in your home, roof repair or replacement should be a
priority. And because not every roof repair project can be completed in a short
time frame, it is important to inspect your roof and start planning now. Make
sure your roof will perform through winter and, if needed, develop a repair or
re-roofing plan
Courtesy of ARAcontent

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