Ventilation is a crucial factor in the life of a roofing shingle. Heat build-up in the hot summer months, as well as the cold weather of winter will accelerate the aging process of your asphalt roofing shingles. Proper air circulation, regardless of the weather outside, will greatly reduce the chances of leaking, blistering, distortion, curling, rotting of wood structure, wet insulation and many other potential problems.
It is also important to note that adequate ventilation is required to validate the shingles manufacturer warranty. In Canada for example, minimum requirements prescribed in the National Building Code must be respected. In all cases, the most stringent applicable building codes must be followed.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Quality Roof Repairs
Most of the roof leaks that people experience in their homes are the result of improper installations and defective flashings. Roof leaks can happen anywhere; they are especially prominent near the chimney, step, apron, pipes, and any points at which two roofs meet.
Roof leaks also frequently occur as a result of roof shingles being installed improperly or gutters that aren’t draining correctly. Here at Bella Roofing we have seen it all, and we are ready to provide any type of roof repair solution that your home may need. But if you wait too long to get the problem fixed, it could lead to serious structural damage to your entire home and the spread of life threatening black mold.
Our team of experienced roofing professionals is ready to work on just about any type of roofing system, including three-tab shingles, algae resistant shingles, tile shingles, hot tar roofs, architectural shingles and many more. From the smallest roofing repair jobs to the largest projects, we have the tools and knowledge to tackle it. We can repair any type of damage, whether it is caused by wind driven rains, overflowing gutters, faulty siding, faulty windows, chimneys, attic fan leaks, step flashing, condensation build-up, solar energy panels, and rotten wood, just to name a few.
Regardless of the type of shingle roof repair you require, or even if your roof is just dirty or you’re just ready for a change, we can help. Bella Roofing can provide almost any kind of roofing solution you may need. In addition to roof repair we also offer roof replacement services, siding repair, roof cleaning, and other aesthetic services. We’re happy to work with you to determine the best roof repair service for your home and it never costs anything to meet with us for a no-obligation quote.
The team here at Bella Roofing understands how urgent the situation can become when you need roof repair, and we will work hard to get your roof repaired as efficiently and affordably as possible. Your home is such an important place, which we understand, so we always complete all of our repairs using the highest quality materials. And though we’d love to see you again in the future, we do everything in our power to make sure you don’t need to call us again for repairs any time soon.
Roof leaks also frequently occur as a result of roof shingles being installed improperly or gutters that aren’t draining correctly. Here at Bella Roofing we have seen it all, and we are ready to provide any type of roof repair solution that your home may need. But if you wait too long to get the problem fixed, it could lead to serious structural damage to your entire home and the spread of life threatening black mold.
Our team of experienced roofing professionals is ready to work on just about any type of roofing system, including three-tab shingles, algae resistant shingles, tile shingles, hot tar roofs, architectural shingles and many more. From the smallest roofing repair jobs to the largest projects, we have the tools and knowledge to tackle it. We can repair any type of damage, whether it is caused by wind driven rains, overflowing gutters, faulty siding, faulty windows, chimneys, attic fan leaks, step flashing, condensation build-up, solar energy panels, and rotten wood, just to name a few.
Regardless of the type of shingle roof repair you require, or even if your roof is just dirty or you’re just ready for a change, we can help. Bella Roofing can provide almost any kind of roofing solution you may need. In addition to roof repair we also offer roof replacement services, siding repair, roof cleaning, and other aesthetic services. We’re happy to work with you to determine the best roof repair service for your home and it never costs anything to meet with us for a no-obligation quote.
The team here at Bella Roofing understands how urgent the situation can become when you need roof repair, and we will work hard to get your roof repaired as efficiently and affordably as possible. Your home is such an important place, which we understand, so we always complete all of our repairs using the highest quality materials. And though we’d love to see you again in the future, we do everything in our power to make sure you don’t need to call us again for repairs any time soon.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Preventative Maintenance
Although some roof systems take less maintenance than others, all roof systems should be checked periodically to be sure that they are free of debris and drains are clear. Bella Roofing recommends that you inspect your roof quarterly.
The best preventative maintenance that one can do is perform semi-annual inspections to identify and solve problems as they occur. Roofs get more abuse from the elements than any other part of the building, and preventative maintenance is a key element to saving money on your roof by providing a longer service life. This section will provide some general guidelines to help keep your roof in good working condition for as long as possible.
Asphalt Shingles
* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
* If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Keep algae off of the roof surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
* Dab some roof cement under any loose shingle tabs. One dab on either side should do.
* Replace any damaged shingles.
* Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal. If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover. Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630. It works very well. Paint the valley with Rustoleum® or similar product afterward.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
Built-Up and Modified Bitumen Roofs
* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
* If your roof has a gravel surfacing and there are some bare spots present, clean the bare spot thoroughly using a broom and a wire brush if necessary. Be sure to remove all loose dirt generated from brushing and sweeping. Blow on the area if need be. Spread a thin layer of asphalt roof cement (mastic) over the bare area about 1/8 inch thick. Gather some loose gravel from other areas of the roof and embed it in the roof cement.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Check the edge metal. Make sure that it isn’t separating at the seams. If it is, then the repairs need to be made as soon as possible. This can usually be done easily by yourself or by any local qualified contractor.
* Check for blisters in the roof. DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM. Call a local qualified contractor to patch them.
* Clean out and refill any pitch pockets where the filler is cracked and/or shrinking.
* Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Water test any sump drains twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall before winter sets in. If they don’t drain properly, call a plumber and get them working properly. Drains will often leak if they are holding water.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants on flashings and copings. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
* Keep all fungus and algae from the surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on the chimney, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
* Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal. If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover. Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630. This stuff works very well.
Single-Ply Roofs
* Remove all debris from the roof surface. This includes vegetation, dirt, loose nails and screws, unused equipment, etc. With a single-ply roof, you have only one layer of protection, so if a nail head gets stepped on and penetrates that one thin layer, then eventually there will be a leak.
* Check the seams. If they are coming apart, then they need to be patched as soon as possible.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Check the edge metal. Make sure that it isn’t separating at the seams. If it is, then the repairs need to be made as soon as possible. This can usually be done easily by yourself or by any local qualified contractor.
* Check for bubbles and blisters in the roof. DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM. Call a local qualified contractor to patch them.
* Clean out and refill any pitch pockets where the filler is cracked and/or shrinking. .
* Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Water test any sump drains twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall before winter sets in. If they don't drain properly, call a plumber and get them working properly. Drains will often leak if they are holding water.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants on flashings and copings. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration.
* Keep an eye on any blisters you see. If they get large enough that they split open, you will need to contact a foam contractor to repair them but they still should not leak.
* Any yellow exposed foam should be covered with polyurethane caulking.
* Any splits, punctures, or other forms of damage to the roof should be repaired using polyurethane caulking.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Clean out all drains and water-test to ensure they aren't plugged.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
The best preventative maintenance that one can do is perform semi-annual inspections to identify and solve problems as they occur. Roofs get more abuse from the elements than any other part of the building, and preventative maintenance is a key element to saving money on your roof by providing a longer service life. This section will provide some general guidelines to help keep your roof in good working condition for as long as possible.
Asphalt Shingles
* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
* If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Keep algae off of the roof surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
* Dab some roof cement under any loose shingle tabs. One dab on either side should do.
* Replace any damaged shingles.
* Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal. If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover. Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630. It works very well. Paint the valley with Rustoleum® or similar product afterward.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
Built-Up and Modified Bitumen Roofs
* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
* If your roof has a gravel surfacing and there are some bare spots present, clean the bare spot thoroughly using a broom and a wire brush if necessary. Be sure to remove all loose dirt generated from brushing and sweeping. Blow on the area if need be. Spread a thin layer of asphalt roof cement (mastic) over the bare area about 1/8 inch thick. Gather some loose gravel from other areas of the roof and embed it in the roof cement.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Check the edge metal. Make sure that it isn’t separating at the seams. If it is, then the repairs need to be made as soon as possible. This can usually be done easily by yourself or by any local qualified contractor.
* Check for blisters in the roof. DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM. Call a local qualified contractor to patch them.
* Clean out and refill any pitch pockets where the filler is cracked and/or shrinking.
* Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Water test any sump drains twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall before winter sets in. If they don’t drain properly, call a plumber and get them working properly. Drains will often leak if they are holding water.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants on flashings and copings. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
* Keep all fungus and algae from the surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on the chimney, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
* Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal. If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover. Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630. This stuff works very well.
Single-Ply Roofs
* Remove all debris from the roof surface. This includes vegetation, dirt, loose nails and screws, unused equipment, etc. With a single-ply roof, you have only one layer of protection, so if a nail head gets stepped on and penetrates that one thin layer, then eventually there will be a leak.
* Check the seams. If they are coming apart, then they need to be patched as soon as possible.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Check the edge metal. Make sure that it isn’t separating at the seams. If it is, then the repairs need to be made as soon as possible. This can usually be done easily by yourself or by any local qualified contractor.
* Check for bubbles and blisters in the roof. DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM. Call a local qualified contractor to patch them.
* Clean out and refill any pitch pockets where the filler is cracked and/or shrinking. .
* Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Water test any sump drains twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall before winter sets in. If they don't drain properly, call a plumber and get them working properly. Drains will often leak if they are holding water.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants on flashings and copings. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration.
* Keep an eye on any blisters you see. If they get large enough that they split open, you will need to contact a foam contractor to repair them but they still should not leak.
* Any yellow exposed foam should be covered with polyurethane caulking.
* Any splits, punctures, or other forms of damage to the roof should be repaired using polyurethane caulking.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Clean out all drains and water-test to ensure they aren't plugged.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.