If you’re dealing with a leaky roof, time is of the essence. Every day you wait means more moisture and more potential damage to your house.
The first thing you need to do is find the problem. This can be done by visually examining shingles, gutters and roof edges as well as flashing around chimneys and dormers. Contact Roof Repair Erie PA now!
Shingles are an important element of a roof and one of the most common sources of damage to a home’s roofing system. A damaged shingle can compromise the overall integrity of your roof and lead to leaks and other costly problems. The good news is that there are a number of signs that can help you spot potential shingle damage early on.
Shingle damage can result from a variety of causes, including weather damage, general wear and tear, and aging. Common symptoms of shingle damage include cracks, chips, missing granules, and curling edges. If you see any of these symptoms in your home, it’s a good idea to contact a professional roofer as soon as possible.
Another sign that shingles may be damaged is water spots or leaks. If left untreated, moisture can cause serious structural damage to your roof and interior walls. It can also lead to mold, mildew, and rot.
If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bill, it could be a sign that shingles are leaking. This is because a poorly sealed roof allows warm air to escape and cold air to enter, resulting in higher utility bills.
A shingle’s lifespan is usually 20 to 30 years, but it can be damaged by a variety of factors. In addition to normal wear and tear, a shingle can be damaged by a sudden temperature change or impact from an object such as hail or a falling tree branch.
Other signs of shingle damage include dark streaks or spots. These can be caused by moss or algae that grows as a result of moisture buildup. This can affect the shingle’s durability and can be unsightly.
If you’re noticing any of these signs in your home, it’s a great idea to contact a local roofer as soon as possible. It’s a relatively simple and cost-effective job for a professional to repair shingle damage, so it’s worth the investment to protect your home.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Known for their durability, BUR roofs are a popular choice for flat roofing in commercial buildings. Unlike single-ply membrane systems, which are vulnerable to punctures and tears from mechanical damage, BUR has multiple layers that resist water infiltration. In addition, their rugged construction provides an extra layer of protection for the building structure against foot traffic and impact.
A key benefit of BUR is that it requires fewer repairs than some other roof types, making it cost-effective in the long run. Its multiple layers also offer enhanced energy efficiency. It can reflect sunlight, reducing heating and cooling costs. In addition, it can be installed with insulation, increasing energy performance.
BUR is typically composed of several layers that include the base sheet, reinforcing fabrics, and bitumen. The base sheet is nailed or fully adhered to the roof deck, which creates a waterproof barrier and a solid foundation for additional layers. The reinforcing fabrics can be made of fiberglass or felt, which adds strength and durability. The bitumen, which is usually coal tar or asphalt, bonds the materials together. Depending on the roof type, the bitumen can be applied hot or cold.
Once the reinforcing fabric and bitumen are in place, a surfacing material is added. The most common option is a “flood coat and gravel” coating, which uses a hot adhesive poured over the roof and then covered with a layer of gravel to help bond it together. BUR also comes in a smooth version that skips the flood coating and gravel layer.
While BUR offers a wide range of benefits, it is important to maintain the roof to keep it in good condition. A qualified roofing professional can perform regular inspections to identify and repair potential problems. It is particularly important to inspect the roof after strong weather to check for water pooling, which can lead to leaks.
While many building owners are switching to single-ply roofing systems, like Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), due to their ease of installation, BUR still remains a popular choice for flat roofs. With proper care and maintenance, a BUR roof can last up to 20 years or more.
Fascia
Fascia is a network of connective tissue that wraps around and supports every muscle, bone and organ in your body. It creates a smooth surface so structures can move easily without pain. Inflammation or overuse of muscles and tendons can damage fascia. Scar tissue, called adhesions, forms to repair the injury. Adhesions can pull on other tissues and cause pain, limiting movement and inhibiting proprioception.
A cyclist may feel stiffness in their legs the day after a long ride. This is a result of fascia adhesions releasing and returning to its normal elasticity. Taking a warm bath or receiving a massage can help to loosen fascia. Acupuncture and dry needling can also be used to release trigger points in fascia, allowing it to relax.
When fascia is healthy, it acts like a glove, holding and giving shape to the muscles as they work during exercise including road riding or mountain biking singletrack. It is spongy until the muscles contract and then it stiffens to support the muscles as they work. Fascia contains nerve endings, so it also helps the body sense where it is in space.
If a cyclist feels fascia discomfort it is a good idea to find an experienced physical therapist familiar with this condition. These professionals can use BLACKROLL tools to strengthen connective tissue, self-massage and loosen glued fascia and help the body to recover from injury by improving flexibility and increasing circulation. It is also important to eat well to keep fascia healthy and avoid inflammatory foods.
Before starting to repair the fascia it is a good idea to clean the gutters, soffit and fascia boards by blowing away spider webs and dirt with a cordless leaf blower. Once this is done it is a good idea to test the integrity of the fascia by tapping on it with a hammer and then using a putty knife to scrape off any paint that has begun to chip. If the fascia is rotting, it should be replaced.
Once the fascia is repaired, it can be painted over to match the color of the house. It is a good idea to use a high quality exterior wood stain, and then apply multiple coats.
Flashing
Flashing is a term you may not hear often, but it’s one of the most important elements of your roof. It’s a thin strip of water-resistant material that’s installed in places where the roof meets vertical walls or projections, such as chimneys and dormers, and around windows and doors. It seals the gap and guides water away from the wall to prevent water penetration or seepage into the structure of the home.
Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, including lead, copper, zinc, or galvanized metal. It’s also typically covered with shingles to create a seamless look and prevent it from rusting or corroding. Flashing is most commonly found in the valleys of a roof where two slopes meet and direct water flow down the roofline, in the corners of a roof, around chimneys and dormers, and around window openings.
It’s a good idea to inspect the flashing on your roof regularly, especially after harsh weather events. In addition to checking for cracks and rust, you should also be on the lookout for raised shingles that may indicate the flashing has been damaged and is no longer doing its job.
When you notice any signs of faulty flashing, you should contact a roofing professional to determine whether or not it needs to be replaced or repaired. It’s always best to repair a problem with flashing before it leads to roof leaks, which can damage or even destroy the rest of your home.
In many cases, a new roof will replace all existing flashing. However, there are certain circumstances where a roofer might choose to reuse the old flashing. If the existing flashing is in a good condition and has not been damaged by wind or hail, it can be salvaged and used again.
When installing new flashing, it is important to follow the proper installation methods to ensure a long lifespan. Make sure to wear work boots and safety glasses, and use a ladder that is in good condition before climbing on your roof. It’s also a good idea to have a pair of tin snips or a utility knife handy so you can cut the flashing to size and dry fit it before you secure it in place.