Roofing Repairs and Replacements

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A building’s roof protects it from rain and other weather elements. Without roofers, structures would be vulnerable to leaks and other damage.

Roofing involves working on residential and commercial buildings, often using ladders or scaffolding to access the roof. Resources on safety include ladder safety mobile apps, infographics and tipsheets, and training in safe work at heights. Contact Burlington Roofing now!

Choosing the right roofing materials is an important part of any home improvement project. Whether you’re repairing a leaky roof or installing a new one, there are many different options for materials and designs. Each type of roofing material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to find the right fit for your needs and climate.

Shingles and shakes are popular roofing materials because they offer a natural look. They also provide natural insulation and are eco-friendly, but they require routine maintenance to avoid damage from rot or insects. Wood shingles and shakes typically last 30 to 50 years and are available in a variety of species, including redwood and cedar.

The underlayment is the layer of wood used to secure shingles and other roofing materials to the roof deck. It protects the roof from moisture and helps prevent leaking. There are two types of underlayment: felt and self-adhered. Felt underlayment is usually made from wood cellulose or fiberglass, and it’s available in several weights. The thicker 30-lb. underlayment is recommended for areas at risk of leaking, such as the eaves and valleys.

Rubber membranes are a great choice for flat or low-sloped roofs because they’re durable, waterproof and fire-resistant. They’re also inexpensive and easy to install. Some of the most common rubber membranes include EPDM, TPO and PVC.

BUR (built-up roofing) is another common option for flat or low-sloped roofs. It’s composed of layers of organic or glass-fiber mats that are saturated with bitumen. The top layer is coated with asphalt, coal tar or cold-applied adhesive. It’s usually installed over a concrete or wood deck and is resistant to chemicals, punctures and UV radiation.

Tile roofing is an expensive option that can add a unique aesthetic to your home. It’s available in a variety of colors and styles, and it can resist extreme heat and rain. However, it can become fragile in extremely cold temperatures and requires regular maintenance to keep water from seeping into the home. Other options for tile roofs include concrete, terracotta and slate.

Installation

Before starting any roofing work, it is important to protect surrounding objects and landscaping using tarps and to cover them with a layer of protective material. Ensure that any vehicles or lawn furniture are moved away from the area and that the work space is large enough to accommodate a worker moving about on the roof. The contractor should also protect the eaves with drip edge flashing and install valley flashing along the roof valleys, as well as ice and water sheathing. They should also use flashing around chimneys, wood stove pipes, and certain vents.

The roofer will then begin installing shingles. They will overlap each row by at least six inches and nail them in a pattern that combines close nails near the edge and more spread out nails towards the center.

Maintenance

A roofing system is an integral part of any building and needs to be kept in good repair to ensure it remains in service. This is particularly important in geographic areas that experience a wide range of weather types and temperatures.

Ideally, roofs should be inspected regularly (on a biannual basis, once in the Spring and once in the Fall) by trained personnel to enable early detection of problems that can otherwise remain hidden until they become major and expensive. Regular inspections should also be made after extreme weather events and after construction activities that could affect the condition of the roofing system.

During these inspections, the entire surface of the roof should be surveyed for visible damage, including missing shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys and vents, and any wear around the edges of the roofing system. A maintenance checklist can be useful for documenting these findings, and a procedure should be established to follow it regularly, possibly tailored to each roof type. Safety equipment should be on hand for workers, especially when working at heights.

Repairs

If your roof has suffered damage or is showing signs of aging, a repair may be necessary. Unlike a replacement, repairs are targeted solutions meant to address issues in specific areas of your roof. They can be more affordable and are ideal for roofs in otherwise good condition with isolated problems.

Leaks are a common concern for homeowners, especially with built-up roofing (BUR). To fix leaks in a BUR roof, carefully inspect the area to identify and correct the source of the problem. Remove the damaged layer of the roof to reveal the underlying felt, clean and dry the area, and apply roofing cement to repair the leak.

Structural changes, full tear-offs, and changing the shape or weight of a roof often require a permit from the DOB. Be sure to work with a licensed contractor who can create official plans and submit them for approval.

Weather Protection

Roofing is designed to protect the interior of homes and businesses from extreme weather conditions like rain, heat and cold. In addition, roofing helps to protect from wind, heavy snow and hail. However, some roofing materials are better suited to certain types of weather conditions than others.

During a storm, debris such as broken tree branches, dirt and mud, and acorns can become lodged against the roof and cause damage. A roof should be regularly inspected to make sure that there are no weak spots or holes that could allow rain to leak into the house.

To help prevent further damage, a temporary roofing solution like Stormseal can be used to shield the building until permanent repairs can be made. This polyethylene film is heat-shrinkable and securely wraps the entire damaged area, protecting it from further wind, rain and hail until the repair work is complete. Unlike tarps, this innovative product is installed once and stays on for as long as it takes to get the building back in service.

Another form of weather protection is to fit an extra layer of water-resistant material under the shingles on the top part of the roof. This is known as weather guard or ice shielding and is an essential part of any Inclement Weather Plan. This will safeguard against water infiltration into the home’s plywood, insulation and drywall when ice dams or gutters become blocked. Also, it prolongs the lifespan of the shingles on the roof by keeping them dry. This can be done easily with a little forethought and planning.

Curb Appeal

Few elements of a home or building have as much impact on the overall aesthetics and curb appeal as the roof. A well-chosen and beautifully maintained roof can elevate a property’s look, and it can even enhance its value.

The term “curb appeal” is often used to describe the attractiveness of a property from the street or sidewalk, and it encompasses everything from landscaping and exterior paint to windows, doors, and even a house’s number plate or mailbox. Curb appeal can make or break a first impression on visitors, and it is an important element to consider when designing a new home or renovating an existing one.

Many homeowners focus on enhancing their property’s curb appeal, and many of these tasks are relatively inexpensive. The most common ways to improve a home’s curb appeal include a fresh coat of paint, cleaning up the landscape outside, or replacing items like an outdated light fixture or mailbox. While it may seem obvious that a well-maintained lawn, fresh paint, and attractive landscaping are critical to curb appeal, it is also important to remember that the roof plays a major role in protecting a property and defining its visual appeal.

How To Properly Maintain Your Gutters Throughout The Year

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Gutter systems help to divert water away from the house but can become clogged with debris. It’s important to regularly inspect and clean gutters, preferably twice a year.

Gutter cleaning involves removing leaves, twigs, and pine needles to ensure proper drainage. It’s also a good idea to test downspouts with a garden hose to ensure water is flowing freely. Hire a professional by clicking here at https://www.guttersandmoregutters.com/.

gutter maintenance

Fall

Gutter cleaning is a homeowner maintenance chore that needs to be done regularly, regardless of the season. It helps prevent water damage, foundation issues, landscaping problems, and pest infestations. It is important to keep in mind that there are a variety of materials that can cause gutters to become clogged, depending on the season and outdoor climate.

When the autumn season rolls around, leaves begin to fall from nearby trees, making it crucial to clean your gutters to avoid expensive home repairs. In areas that experience heavy rainfall or snow, gutters can easily overflow and cause damage to your home’s exterior, roof, siding, and landscape.

In addition to leaves, fallen twigs and branches, bird nests, and other debris can also accumulate in your gutter system, leading to clogged drains and overflowing gutters. Gutter guards are a worthwhile investment to help minimize the amount of debris that enters your gutter system.

Another important step to take during the autumn season is to inspect your gutters for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, cracks, or sagging sections. This can indicate the need for repairs or replacement. Additionally, it is essential to ensure your gutters are securely attached to your house and that the downspouts are properly directing water away from your foundation.

If you’re not comfortable climbing up on a ladder to inspect and clean your gutters, it is recommended that you hire a professional service. They will use a ladder and a gutter scoop to remove debris, flush the gutters, and test water flow. Additionally, they will check for clogged downspouts and untie or clear them if needed.

It is also important to check your gutter spikes to make sure they are tightly fastened and are not bent or corroded from the weight of ice and snow. A poorly secured gutter can pull away from your house, causing it to lean and possibly collapse. In addition, it’s critical to check for icicles and detachments that can cause serious structural damage. If icicles are present, it is suggested that you use an ice-melting product to break up and remove them.

Winter

Gutters that aren’t properly maintained throughout the year can be susceptible to ice dams and frozen downspouts, which can lead to water leakage inside of the house. Regular cleaning and inspections will help prevent these issues by reducing the amount of debris that enters your gutter system. It’s recommended that homeowners perform at least two cleanings per year, with one occurring during the fall.

During these cleanings, property owners should remove debris from the gutters and downspouts. They should also check for pests and birds that may be nesting in the gutters. These pests can create blockages and contribute to the deterioration of the gutters over time.

Property owners should also inspect the gutters for any leaks or cracks. These should be addressed as soon as possible to minimize the damage they cause. If a leak is discovered in the gutters, it’s important to fix it as soon as possible so that water doesn’t seep into the foundation of the home.

Another thing to look for during the winter is icicles that can form from snow and ice melting off of the roof. Icicles are dangerous and can pull down the gutters or lean them away from the home, creating serious structural damage. In addition, icicles can form on the gutters and pull down the fascia boards. Gutter guards can help protect the integrity of the gutter system by preventing the formation of icicles.

Property owners should also inspect the gutters for rust or any other signs of deterioration during the winter. This is especially important if the gutters are not properly installed or made of corrosion-resistant materials. Rust can corrode the joints and seals of your gutters, which can eventually result in leaks. In addition, rust can also lead to the expansion of cracks and openings within your gutter system. This can result in gaps between straight connectors, loosened hangers, and sagging gutters.

Spring

As spring arrives, it’s time to start thinking about cleaning your gutters. This is a necessary task for any homeowner that helps prevent water damage and pest infestations and extends the life of your gutter system. While this task may seem daunting, it is well worth the effort to keep your home in tip-top shape.

During the spring, your gutters can become overrun with pollen and tree sap as the trees begin to blossom and shed their leaves. This can cause the buildup of gunk and clogs that are best addressed by a thorough cleaning. Additionally, the warmer weather can also lead to the buildup of ice dams that can be extremely damaging to your gutters.

If you have gutter guards installed, this can significantly reduce the amount of gunk that needs to be removed from your gutters in the spring. However, if you do not have guards, it is best to remove any large debris from your gutters during the spring to ensure they are clear and ready to handle the rainy season ahead.

Cleaning your gutters in the spring is especially important because it allows you to inspect them for any issues that may need to be addressed before a summer thunderstorm hits. A sudden summer storm can send debris flying from overflowing gutters, causing expensive water damage to your fascia boards and landscaping.

Before starting the cleaning process, make sure you have a sturdy ladder and are comfortable working at heights. Use safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. A garden hose with a spray nozzle should be used to rinse out the gutters and downspouts from one end to the other, flushing away any dirt or organic debris. Once all of the gutters have been cleared, it is a good idea to check the hangers and connections to ensure they are secure.

Once the spring rains have begun, it is essential to keep up with your gutter maintenance throughout the year to avoid costly damage and problems in the future. It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.

Summer

Summer brings a welcome respite from the cold weather, but it can also put a strain on your gutter system. Heavy summer storms can cause clogs and debris buildup that lead to water damage to your home’s roof and foundation. Preparing your gutters in the summer can prevent these issues from occurring.

Gutter cleaning is essential during the summer to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that can block water flow and cause overflow. Make sure to take safety precautions by using a stable ladder and wearing gloves to avoid falling or getting cut by sharp debris. Additionally, be sure to inspect the area around your house to ensure there are no overhead power lines or other obstacles that may pose a danger while you’re working on your gutters.

After your gutters are free from debris, it’s a good idea to examine the entire system for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, rust, and sagging sections that could compromise the efficiency of your gutter system. Also, ensure that your gutters are securely attached to your home and that the downspouts are at an effective angle to carry water away from your home.

Regular maintenance of your gutters throughout the year can help protect your home from serious water damage and extend the lifespan of your gutters. By implementing these simple tips, you can rest assured that your gutters will be well-maintained and ready to handle whatever summer storms come your way! Contact us today to learn more about our gutter services and how we can assist you in protecting your home from water damage.