Residential roofing systems are built to resist long-term weather exposure. However, certain parts of the roof are more prone to early degeneration, especially if they aren’t properly maintained.
Even roofs built with the most elite materials that are flawlessly installed have their vulnerabilities. This is why it’s critical to understand which areas of the roof are the weakest and what to do about it:
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Roof Valley
The valley is the area of the roof where two sloped sides meet. Rainwater collects here before it enters your gutters and is channeled away from your property. The valley must be protected from water infiltration by a layer of material known as flashing. This component requires regular inspections because it is exposed to so much moisture.
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Roof Edges
To ensure that there are no leaks, your roofing company should carefully check the roof’s borders for moisture. Regular gutter cleaning is also important in maintaining your roof edges.
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Attic Space
Mold and damaged wood are signs of leaks in your attic. A thorough inspection of the attic is a vital part of any roof inspection.
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Eaves
The eaves are the roof’s lower borders. Roof deck damage might occur due to water leaks from the eaves. To avoid future damage, investing in frequent roof inspections is important.
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Ridge Vent
A ridge vent is a roof-mounted air exhaust vent. You’re more prone to have roof leaks in this region because it’s so high up on your roof. You can inspect the ridge vents from the inside of your attic to make sure they’re watertight. Call a roof replacement professional immediately if there are wet areas or stained wood surrounding them.
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Pipe Boots
Vent pipe rubber boots need to be replaced at regular intervals to ensure they continue to perform properly. Leaks will occur when the rubber dries out and cracks, so it’s important to replace them before this occurs. The rubber on your pipe boots should be replaced if it’s more than ten years old or as soon as you notice cracks in it.
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Shingles
From strong winds to hail, ice and snow, your roofing shingles are the first line of defense against Mother Nature’s punishment. They are also the first part of the roof to show signs of wear and tear, so you should constantly be vigilant when it comes to their upkeep. It is a good rule of thumb to have your roof checked out by a professional at least once a year.
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Flashing
Metal flashing protects vulnerable roof surfaces like chimneys, skylights and vent pipes from water infiltration. Obviously, if your flashing is damaged, rainwater will be far more likely to penetrate into your roof and cause leaks. To avoid leaks, you should contact a residential roofing company to inspect your roof on a regular basis.
How to Maintain Your Roof’s Vulnerable Areas
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Inspect Your Roof After Intense Storms
Some of the most prevalent causes of roof damage are excessive rainfall and strong winds. Roofing shingles might be dislodged, gutters can be misaligned and water damage can occur as a result of a single storm. Even if your roof appears unscathed after a storm, it’s still a good idea to schedule a professional inspection in case there is underlying damage you can’t see.
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Replace Missing Shingles
The sooner you repair a missing shingle, the less chance water has of seeping into the substructure of your roof and causing a leak. The integrity of your roof is compromised by even a small amount of water damage to the surrounding woodwork. Don’t wait too long before filling in any holes, as this could lead to flooding, erosion and property damage.
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Look for Signs of Mold Growth
If left untreated, mold growth can corrode your shingles and your home’s support system, reducing the lifespan of your roof and potentially damaging your home. Examine your home’s exterior for signs of black streaks, discoloration and blue-green blotches.
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Keep an Eye Out for Standing Water
Despite the fact that flat commercial rooftops are the most common location for water to pool, low-pitch residential roofs are also at risk of excessive pooling. An experienced roofer can inspect for sagging in the event that rainwater does not drain properly and remains on your roof for longer than 48 hours. Standing water not only adds weight to your roof, but it can also deteriorate your shingles and flashing.
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Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
A fallen tree branch can severely damage your roof’s surface and structural integrity, necessitating costly roof replacement or repair. Because it’s tough to detect when your trees are weak or unhealthy, keep trimming overhanging branches. Allowing them to scrape against your roof on windy days can remove layers of asphalt and gravel, diminishing shingle life.
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Make Sure Your Gutters Are Clean and Properly Aligned
Gutters direct water and debris away from your home’s exterior. Roofing, siding, windows, doors and even the foundation of your house can all be compromised if the gutters are clogged or misaligned. Keeping your gutters clean and inspecting them for damage is something you should do at least twice a year, always prioritizing repairs as needed.
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Check the Condition of Your Roof’s Flashing
Flashing is there to keep water from seeping through the seams around your chimney, skylight and dormer walls. Your roof’s most vulnerable sections will only be protected from costly water damage if your flashing is correctly installed and rust-free.
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Avoid Power Washing
Cleaning your roof is important, but using high-pressure equipment can cause more harm than good. Power washing your roof is ill advised because it can strip away the protective granules on your shingles, leading to premature roofing failure. This is especially true for older roofs that may not have enough granules.
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Clear Off Organic Debris
Leaves, branches and pine needles that accumulate on your roof may not appear harmful. However, organic matter absorbs moisture and stains your shingles. Keeping your roof clean can help avoid deterioration and gutter overflow. It also keeps your property looking more attractive.
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Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Working with a professional roofing contractor to schedule frequent inspections and preventative repairs is the most reliable strategy to keep your roof in good shape.
Hiring a reputable roofing firm will ensure your roof is well maintained and lasts as long as possible. Count on ImproveIT! of Atlanta, LLC for outstanding roofing solutions. Call us at (770) 609-1197 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We work with homeowners in Sandy Springs, Marietta and Alpharetta, GA.
