Regular roofing maintenance can help prevent minor problems from escalating into major ones. It only takes a few minutes, and it should be done on a regular basis — ideally, twice a year, as well as after any extreme weather events. Checking the condition of the soffit and fascia is also important. Look for cracking, sagging, and gaps. Also, make sure the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is in good condition.
Clean the Roof
Keeping Cedar Park Roofing clean is one of the best ways to prolong life and improve the look of your roof. If the dirt and grime build up on your roof, it will start to discolor and may eventually deteriorate the material. It can also trap moisture, which can lead to rot and encourage the growth of mold, mildew, and moss. In addition, the accumulated debris can clog gutters, causing water overflow and damage to the home.
To keep the roof clean, it is recommended to perform a regular cleaning. During this process, the professional will use a broom or blower to sweep away any loose debris, leaves, twigs and dirt. Then the cleaner will be sprayed onto the surface, making sure it reaches all areas and crevices. Before applying the cleaner, it is important to make sure that the ladder is stable and that you are using a safe climbing technique. It is also a good idea to have someone on the ground who can hold the ladder while you are on it, as well as grab any tools or products that you might need. It is a good idea to wear safety glasses and a mask, as the chemicals used in the cleaner can be irritating to the eyes and lungs.
Once the cleaning has been done, a professional should inspect the roof for any signs of damage or potential problems. Holes or missing shingles can be easily spotted during the inspection, and these issues should be addressed as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to trim any trees that overhang the roof, as they can drop leaves, twigs and branches on the roof, resulting in dirt and grime accumulation.
If the roof is stained, a professional should consider using a soft wash method to remove it. This is a technique that uses low water pressure to wash the stains and clean the surface of the roof. This method is much less invasive than traditional high-pressure washing, and it is safer for plants and pets. Before a professional starts the job, they should thoroughly wet any plants and patio furniture in case the runoff from the cleaners gets on them.
Inspect the Flashings
The flashings are the metal materials surrounding chimneys, dormers, vent pipes and skylights that redirect water away from these areas of the roof. If they get damaged, a leak may develop. This could lead to rot in the structure of the building and cause problems with interior walls, such as mold. A professional inspector will look for areas of the flashing that have been damaged or rusted and repair them if necessary.
They will also examine the caulking around these areas. Since these are prone to movement due to temperature and humidity changes, the caulk can deteriorate and leave gaps that can allow water to seep in. The inspector will remove the caulk from these areas and re-caulk them if necessary.
Flashings are made of sheet metal fabricated into a specific shape, and they’re installed in areas where the roof meets other structures or protrusions. This is where most roof leaks occur. The professional inspector will check the flashings for any signs of rust or damage, and make sure that the flashing is snug against the shingles to prevent water from seeping in.
A professional inspection should also inspect the gutter system and downspouts to ensure that they’re functioning properly. They will check for any debris that might be blocking the flow of water, and they’ll inspect the gutters for any signs of clogs or breakage. They will also look at the condition of any downspout extensions or eavestroughs that might be required to keep rainwater from flowing off the roof into other parts of the home.
A professional inspection should also look at the condition of any ice dams that might have formed on the roof, and they will use commercial steaming equipment to remove them. These ice dams can be a major contributor to the formation of leaks. They’ll also take the opportunity to survey any extra features on the roof like chimneys and skylights to make sure that they’re in good condition as well.
Inspect the Attic or Crawl Space
Home inspectors typically begin their evaluation of a home’s attic and crawl space from the exterior roof surface. However, if the home is newer and has housewrap or other barriers that prevent access to attic insulation, it’s important that professionals be able to enter crawl spaces to look for problems.
Crawl spaces are treasure troves for deferred or haphazard maintenance items that should be inspected regularly. It is important for homeowners to know that these areas are not just storage rooms, but that they serve as a key component of the structural integrity of their homes.
For example, moisture in the crawl space can cause the flooring to sag and even rot. If the moisture is not addressed, it can also affect electrical systems and plumbing. Likewise, rodent droppings and other debris can contribute to air quality issues in the home. The resulting odors can be so strong that they can even permeate the entire house.
If your crawl space is infested with pests, it may be time to consider installing a set of exclusion doors. This will allow the current rodents to escape, while not allowing new ones in. In addition, a professional can help to clean up the areas where mice or rats have left droppings.
Another common issue in crawl spaces is water intrusion. It is important to inspect the crawl spaces during rainy weather in order to see if there are any active leaks. Most leaks occur at and around roof penetrations such as bathroom vents, dryer vents, kitchen exhaust ducts and air handler exhausts.
If you are concerned about the condition of your attic or crawl space, call Envirosmart Solutions for a complete and thorough inspection. We provide high-end attic and crawl space services that will address any concerns or issues before they become serious problems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified inspectors. We offer free estimates and can help you create a plan of action to keep your home in the best possible condition.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are designed to collect and carry rainwater away from the foundation of the house, so they can’t do their job if they’re clogged with leaves, debris and other junk. Leaving your gutters to become overflowing or fully clogged can lead to expensive water damage. Gutters should be cleaned out twice a year, once in late fall and again in early spring. Alternatively, you can install gutter guards that prevent leaves and other things from getting into your gutters.
When you’re cleaning your gutters, be sure to wear gloves and a mask to avoid breathing in any gunk that might be stuck inside. You should also set up a ladder so you can reach without too much leaning or straining. Start on the end of the roof where your ladder is positioned and work your way along the gutters, scooping out the gunk with a hand trowel as you go. You can also use a hose with a high-powered nozzle to blow out the gutters and downspouts. Don’t forget to clean the downspouts, too, as they can be a breeding ground for mildew, algae and other unwanted organisms.
A clogged gutter can cause water damage to the fascia boards and wood siding of your home. The constant flow of water can swell and weaken the boards, and it can also work its way behind the siding, around windows and into the flooring of your home. It can even seep under shingles and into the foundation, causing serious structural problems for your home.
A clogged gutter can lead to roof collapse or other costly repairs, so it’s important to keep them clean. The best time to clean your gutters is in the fall when most of the leaves have fallen from the trees. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of snow and ice, be sure to clean out the gutters during the winter as well. If you’re not comfortable working on a ladder or cleaning your gutters yourself, consider hiring a professional to do the work. If you decide to hire someone, be sure to get references and a written estimate before the work begins.
