Common Places You Can Find A Roof Leak

Roof leaks can be such a nuisance. You’re lounging around your house and all of a sudden, you hear the telltale tip tap.

While you can see roof leaks most of the times, it can be difficult to trace the precise location. If you’re working with a small leak, it can be pesky to find the spot.

You will have to inspect the roof to begin your investigation. If you’re uncomfortable doing that, call our residential roof repair technician to find and fix the roof leak. Here are the places you’re likely to find a leak:

1. Roof Shingles

If your house’s roof is old, the leak can possibly be in the roof field. This includes the expanse of slate, shingles, shakes etc. On an asphalt shingle roof, you can easily walk around. If you have other roofing materials, make sure you don’t end up cracking it.

Look at the vertical knockouts for missing colored granules. Also, see if you can find cracks. See if a nail or two has backed out of the roof sheathing. Note everything and inform the roofer for repairs.

2. Valleys

It is the line where the two planes of the roof intersect. Valleys may be made of shingles, metal flashing or other material.

With shingles, you need to trim them properly. Otherwise, water will travel along the top of it to find its way in your house. If you are unable to determine whether the shingles have been properly trimmed, ask our expert roofers.

3. Head wall and wall step flashings

Metal flashings when placed for roofs ending at a vertical wall, must extend at least three inches over the shingles. Roofing cement or other such material should never be used for this. If you see a cement patch, it is probably there to hide a leak.

Step flashings may also show signs of rusting or holes. This indicates the presence of a leak.

4. Chimneys

Does your house sport a chimney? They can be a source of several leaks…

Chimneys have four different types of flashings. If any of these fail, you will have a roof leak to deal with!

Hairline cracks above the flashings allow huge amounts of water to run behind them. Search for soldered corners that might be broken or have holes. Don’t use caulk; call up our roofer to find a permanent solution for this problem.

5. Ice dam leaks

These leaks can happen even if your roof is technically fine! Ice dams created on the roof can block water drainage. This water will start to back up under shingles, flashings and other roofing material.

You can choose to get a preventative membrane installed. This will avoid the water to pool up and your roof will not leak.

Are you tired of the roof leaks? Then let our Barberton roofing contractors know; they’ll come right away and fix it for you!

Winters Can Damage Your Roofs–Protect It Today!

Who doesn’t love a white December? Well, your roof, for starters.

Roofers around the world recommend proper roof inspection after extreme weather conditions. No matter how good or expensive your roof is, without proper maintenance, it can’t protect your property.

Whether you have a sloped, flat, or a low slope roof, certain environmental factors can result in damage. This includes heavy rainfall and ice damage.

As an owner, you must check up on the roof before the weather takes its usual nasty turn. Your roof will thank you for it! 

1. Inspect the roof for obvious signs of concern. If you have a steep roof, don’t do this by yourself.

Call in an experienced professional with proper equipment, and one who is trained for fall protection. This inspection should cover loose chimney caps, loose tiles and shingles, and vent covers.

2. On low slope roofs, walking over can help you notice signs. Secure loose flashings and metal trim to prevent moisture and ice from seeping in.

3. Clean the roof by removing leaves and other debris away. Loose objects, including beverage bottles and other containers, must be removed too. Make sure any loose wiring and conduit is collected, secured, supported and moved away as well.

4. Also, ensure roof drainage is unimpeded. If water is allowed to freeze because of a nonfunctional drainage, it will weigh down on your roof. Furthermore, the resulting ice can clog drains, gutters, scuppers, conductor heads and downspouts.

5. Make sure maintenance personnel haven’t left behind any mechanical equipment. This can cause damage to shingles and other roofing material.

6. Trees hanging around the roof are also a source of damage. Wind can cause small branches and leaves to fall over the roof. Trim trees and make sure no branches or leaves are left behind.

7. While you may want to show off your attractive roof lighting, some of the roofing materials may get penetrated by screws, resulting in damage. Avoid decorations that have the potential to clog the drain, increase snow buildup, or penetrate a roofing material.

8. Limit the access to roof to only one or a few individuals. An increase in foot traffic can cause harm too.

9. Snow loads vary from region to region. Roof collapse is becoming more common owing to excessive snow build up. Keep an eye out on the weather and know how much snow is predicted. Remove snow when you can to prevent freeze thaw cycle and roof damage.

10. Snow guards can also be placed on steep roofs. These are specialized devices which retain ice and prevent buildup on the roof.

We offer both installations and roof repair services. Call our residential and commercial roofing company today for excellent roofing services.

3 Key Factors To Determine The Perks Of Single Ply Roofing

When getting a new roof, every property owner wants a cost-effective, long-lasting solution. Single-ply roofs are often opted for their ease of installation and comparatively lower costs.

Being used as both a residential and commercial roofing option, these roofs host several benefits.

However, the life of the roof is determined by several factors. It is thus necessary that both roofers and property owners consider factors, such as weather, location, use of the building and any regulations applicable.

All these can be essentially combined in three aspects: roof design, installation and maintenance.

1. Good design

This includes choosing the right color and size of the membrane for your roof. Furthermore, you must opt for the best suited insulation method; screws and plates, mechanical attachments, and adhesives can be used for this purpose.

Make sure you choose a system that works with the building functions. For instance, sturdier systems are required for places with high foot traffic. All these specifications and design elements must be factored in.

2. Proper roof installation

A good roof design can only take you so far. If it is not properly installed by a Fairlawn roof contractor, the single-ply roof will fail to serve its purpose.

The contractor has to make sure the metal termination is fastened properly and that there aren’t any gaps bigger than a quarter inch between two insulation boards.

Also, check welded seams to ensure that welds meet the minimum width requirements. Seams must be probed twice a day while installing and enough amount of attachment must be incorporated too.

Finally, access ladders and doors should have walk pads in order to reduce wear. If any of this is not properly followed, the membrane will be weak and prone to damage.

3. Continuous maintenance

It is the responsibility of a facility manager to ensure the roof is maintained in optimum condition.

Timely inspections and repairs can prevent a crisis situation. Also, make sure that the roof repair contractor is using the right materials.

Enforce use of walk pads and keep an eye out for any fasteners poking their heads form the membrane.

Proper care for the new membrane and scheduled maintenance by professionals can help you avoid major roof damage. This will make sure that the roof lasts longer, and stays in good condition.

If you’re continuously facing trouble with your single-ply roof, or want to install a new one, contact our roofing service today at 330-784-4000.

Does Your Shingle Roof Need To Be Replaced?

Asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most popular options for residential roofs. Even though the market is saturated with a number of roofing options, asphalt shingles offer a combination of benefits.

These shingles offer a range of colors and styles, adding to their aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, they are a low cost option, compared to other roofing materials.

While these are durable to some extent, asphalt shingles may show signs of damage over time.

Some of these signs may indicate a need for asphalt roof replacement. If your asphalt roof is showing any of these signs, call our residential roofing company right away!

1. Clawing and curling shingles

Shingles curling on the edge is a sign of two things: one, your roofing system is aging, and two, it is exposed to excessive heat.

These damaged shingles are highly susceptible to both wind and ice damage. Shingles easily become rigid and break down, losing tab edges.

2. Bare spots and missing granules

There may be a number of reasons for this form of shingle damage. Poorly placed downspouts, poorly designed valley drainage and lack of eavestrough can result in a waterfall effect. Over time, this will wash away the granules.

Physical damage or aging of the roofing system can also cause loss of granules and bare spots.

Granules work to protect the shingles, without which they begin to harden upon exposure of heat. This accelerates aging and decay, also serving as the point of entry for water.

3. Missing shingles

Broken and missing shingles can weaken the roof’s ability to shed water. This results in it serving as a point of entry for water. Two major causes for this form of damage are high winds and physical damage.

4. Buckling shingles

Buckled shingles are visible, wavy distortions running up a roof slope in a vertical manner. These are susceptible to wind and ice damage, and are easily torn away in extreme weather.

The age of a roof and wet or poor underlayment installation are the most common causes of bucking.

5. Damaged flashings

Flashings around valleys, rakes, skylights, eaves, chimney and stacks are all susceptible to separation, lifting and caulking.

The lifting and separation occurs because of expansion and contraction. This can cause the fasteners to loosen and make the bottom flashing flange lift up. This will then allow water to enter.

Noticed any of the above signs? Call us for residential roof repairs; we’ll get it replaced quickly!