Repairing, replacing or renovating your roof is a major commitment and not a small decision. The rising cost of shingles these past several years is the least of your concern. There are other factors involved in roofing and this endeavour needs proper planning.
These tips will help you to carefully manage your roofing plan.
Think Safety First
You may think that attempting to try and find a leak as soon as it happens, meaning while it is raining, is the easiest way to spot them. But this idea will also put you in the hospital. Waiting for the perfect condition is the most practical solution. For what is the use of a good roofing when instead of enjoying it in the safety of your warm, cosy home, you are in the emergency room and suffering? Wait for mother nature to give the green light before tip-toeing on your roof. You don’t need the hazards of rain to spot the leaks for you can always take a garden hose on the roof and spray the shingles to find them.
Take Precautions
Being on a roof is dangerous. Always take safety precautions like wearing anti-slip rubber sole. Also, use a harness and never work alone.
Keep Gutters Clean
Clogged gutters are one of the major sources of leaks. Dirt and grime that accumulate in the gutters cause water to build up during rain.
Avoid Dry Rot
Dry rot is caused by the absence or lack of ventilation. If a roof repair is right in the middle of the roof, chances are, it is because of deterioration of plywood. The roof will normally sag in and causes the shingles to crack and leak. To remedy this, a ridge vent must be installed. Holes have to be drilled through the soffit vents to allow air circulation.
Fix Roof Boots
Roof boots are often missed by many people. Roof boots should never be allowed to dry up. Roof boots are easily replaceable. Purchase replacements from any construction or hardware stores to prevent these from causing leaks.
Inspect Materials
Sometimes shingles are faulty and will begin to crack after they've been nailed down. Improper installation with nails and shingles can also play a big part in leaks. Nails that are nailed too low normally start pushing back up. Please use correct materials when installing the roof to prevent this problem.
Check Valleys
A valley also referred to as the ridge, is the intersection of two roofs that meet at the top. Valleys are very common sources of leaks because that's where the water from the roof eventually ends up and start sloshing back and forth.
It's important not to get discouraged when a leak can't be found. Roofing repair is mostly an elimination process. If after repairing a section, the leaks are still there, at least you have eliminated a spot. It is time to move on to other spots that may be the cause of leaks.
By following this tips you make sure that your roofs will do just fine, or much better if you will call a roofing expert like Mr Highlights Roofing to check if your roof needs to be repaired.