North Port FL Roofing maintenance is essential to protecting your facility and ensuring that your roof warranty remains valid. Performing routine inspections and taking action on minor problems can prevent severe and expensive damage in the future.
A professional inspector looks at the condition of the shingle from the ground to see signs of curling, peeling, and missing shingles. They also look at the condition of field drains and auxiliary drains.
Asphalt shingles are a budget-friendly and durable roofing option for residential homes. They offer a wide selection of color options, styles, and shingle grades to accommodate many different home exteriors. The affordable material also offers superior resistance to weather elements such as wind, rain, and ice. In addition, most shingle types can be found with varying levels of fire and hail resistance.
However, despite the durability of asphalt shingles they are not impervious to damage or premature wear. Common roofing maintenance tasks include repairing damaged or missing shingles, replacing cracked or torn flashing, caulking or patching around chimneys, skylights and other roof penetrations, and maintaining the integrity of the gutter system. These routine tasks will help prevent leaks and protect the interior of the home from water damage.
A common issue with asphalt shingles is the growth of moss and algae. It is important to regularly remove this growth using a gentle cleaning solution, preferably one with a bleach and water blend. Do not use a power washer, as this can dislodge the protective granules on the shingles.
Another issue commonly seen on asphalt shingles is the loss of the heavy oils in the paper. This can be caused by the sun’s rays or from exposure to chemicals in the roof environment. This process happens most rapidly along eaves and complex rooflines where the water is channeled more quickly. Eventually this can cause the shingle to shrink, which exposes the nail heads and causes water to seep into the house.
The best way to extend the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof is through regular maintenance and inspections. Be sure to follow the recommended maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer of your shingles. This will help ensure that the warranty on your shingles is in good standing and that the roof is functioning properly to protect your home. Additionally, a well-maintained roof will increase the comfort of your family and add value to your home. It is easy to ignore your roof until there is a problem, but regular maintenance will keep your home in good condition and protect your investment.
Wood
Wood shingles and shakes are an attractive roofing option for homeowners who want to maintain a rustic, natural look. However, these roof fittings must be regularly maintained to extend their useful life. The materials are vulnerable to weathering, which degrades wood by soaking in water and sunlight, and to organisms that attack the material. These problems can be mitigated with regular cleaning and treatment.
Wood preservatives are available that arrest the degradation caused by moisture and light. These are usually surface treatments that contain a mixture of waxes, resins and fungicides to resist moisture uptake and UV radiation. They can also contain pigments that absorb ultraviolet radiation to keep the wood from fading or changing color. Some treatments contain algaecides to kill mosses and mildews, which degrade the roof surface.
The longevity of a wood roof is also related to the amount and temperature of rainfall it receives. Rainfall that is hot and wet will cause wood to degrade more quickly than rain that is cool and dry. In addition, the pitch of the roof influences how quickly a roof will shed water; steeper roofs will tend to shed more rapidly than shallow ones. Overhanging trees and vegetation also retard the shedding of water by shading the roof and dropping debris that can retain moisture.
In the Pacific Northwest, cedar is the preferred wood for shingle and shake roofs because it holds up well in wet conditions. Other species that can be used include western redcedar, bald cypress and southern hemlock. However, all woods eventually degrade. Chemicals in the soil and rain slowly degrade the wood, and repeated wetting and drying cause physical changes to the shake or shingle.
The type of shingle or shake also affects how long it lasts. Shingles are machine-sawn, with cuts that range from along the grain to against it. Shakes are hand-split, so one of the shakes’ sides is always along the grain; this gives the shakes more strength and durability. The quality of the shingle or shake is important, too. A grade of #1 is the best, taken from the heartwood and containing only edgegrain with no defects; this is typically used for roofing or sidewalls. A grade of #2 is more economical, but allows a certain amount of flatgrain and knots above the clear portion; it is used for siding and as a starter course.
Metal
Metal shingles are designed to be long-lasting and durable, but they still require maintenance to ensure their durability. Surface maintenance involves a general look-over and includes things like removing dirt, debris and scuff marks, as well as checking for signs of corrosion or damage.
For most metal roofs, a soft-bristled brush or a non-metal scrubber and a solution of water and detergent should do the trick. A mild solution of trisodium phosphate (“TSP” found in hardware stores), laundry detergent, or even non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner will work, but make sure that your cleaning solution is not too strong, as it may damage the protective coating on the roof.
Walking on a metal roof is usually not recommended, as it can cause scratches and damage the panels. It’s also important to avoid walking in low points and over support purlins, as this can damage the panel seam and lead to leaks. Keeping nearby trees properly trimmed can also prevent branches from rubbing against the roof, which can scratch or scuff the paint and cause further damage.
If you have a screw down metal roof, it’s a good idea to check the screws every 20-30 years. They can loosen over time due to lack of expansion and contraction, which in turn can lead to rust spots. The screw head should be inspected for deterioration as well, as holes in the heads can allow water to get inside and potentially damage the underlayment.
It’s a good idea to clean your gutters and drains at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Cleaning your gutters will help them function more efficiently, and will ensure that they are not clogged with leaves or other debris. Pooling or standing water can cause corrosion, as well as leaks in the home. A professional can recommend and install a drainage system that will help prevent these issues. It’s also a good idea to inspect for any dents or punctures from storms, hailstorms or falling debris. These should be repaired as quickly as possible to minimize damage and extend the life of the metal roof.
Composite Shakes
Cedar shakes are beautiful roofing material that is durable, weatherproof and has a long lifespan. Like any other roofing material, it needs regular maintenance and inspections to prevent damage. If left unchecked, the natural materials that make up cedar shakes can deteriorate and lead to problems such as mildew growth, mold, moss, rot, small cracks, wood damaging fungi and moisture in the attic. To avoid these issues, homeowners need to perform visual inspections of their shake roofs at least once a year and clean the shakes periodically with a soft brush or low-pressure washer to remove dirt and debris. Moreover, it is recommended to apply a cedar-friendly sealant or wood preservative every few years to protect the shakes from moisture and UV damage.
Composite shingle manufacturers have developed products that are designed to mimic the look of slate and shake shingles while also providing excellent durability. DaVinci Roofscapes, for example, offers several faux shake and slate products including Bellaforte shake that is molded from actual cedar shakes and multi-width slate products that give the appearance of hand-split real slate.
These products are crafted using a 3D computerized image of the original product and exact molds for liquid polymer casting that are carefully set in place to replicate natural details. The finished product is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, down to the chisel marks for a more authentic look.
Because they are made from a polymer, these products have a long life span and do not require the periodic re-staining and oiling that traditional shakes require. In addition, they are fire resistant and do not rot, dry out or decay, making them an attractive alternative to the more vulnerable natural materials that were used in the past.
While these materials may be a good choice for new construction, it is important to note that they are not as effective in protecting buildings during severe weather such as hail storms. In addition, they tend to be more expensive than other roofing products that can offer a Class 4 Hail Impact Rating.
When it comes to the protection of older historic properties, however, the best option is CeDUR. It is an energy efficient roofing product that can be installed over existing shingle or shake roofs and improves the R-Value of the home. This insulation helps to keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.