Extending Your Roofs Life

How To Extend Your Roofs Life: Take Care Of It!

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“Take care of your roof” is the simple answer says Rosie on the House Certified Partner, Tyler Johnson of Johnson Roofing. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are the keys to meeting or exceeding the expected lifespan of your roof, just like anything else.

What can go wrong with my roof?

Oh, that’s an ominous question!

Other than simple wear and tear on any roof, some things can affect your roof’s longevity.

• The original construction was not performed 100% correctly. That could mean a tile may not be straight or correctly connected or flashing installed incorrectly.
• Hazardous weather events could cause damage from debris or wind upending tiles or shingles.
• The roof ventilation is inadequate. That is quite common in homes older than 30 years. The building codes since the late 1980s have required sufficient ventilation.

These are just a few things that can impact the longevity of your roof.

So, what can I do to care for my roof?

Let’s look at each of these circumstances individually.

• Original construction. Climbing onto the roof to inspect the work is out of most people’s wheelhouses. Even if we could get on the roof, would we know what to look for? Tyler tells us that might be the primary reason to sign a maintenance contract. Typically, these contracts provide for an annual inspection of your roof and all its related components. An inspector will look at the condition of the roofing material, be that shingle, tile, or foam, along with flashing, roof penetrations, and the condition of tile underlayment where observable. A report will be provided that includes the cost of repairs or maintenance issues to be addressed. Tyler also says that roof inspections can be a one-time event or on an as-needed basis. You can decide.

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  Damage from hazardous weather. In Arizona, we are known for potentially powerful and damaging storms. Hail damage is more common than we would like and can cause more widespread damage to a roof. More often than not, the entire roof will require replacement. Wind-driven debris or just the wind can damage your roof. A loosened tile or shingle can usually be replaced without much hassle. Following a huge storm, Tyler recommends walking in and around your house to look for any signs of damage. You might find a piece of roofing material on the ground, though you can’t see the whole roof. Or you may see a new water stain on the ceiling. If you do, this would be a good time for the one-time inspection.

• Roof ventilation. Roof ventilation can be an invisible malady that infects the roof system. We said improper ventilation may occur in homes older than 30 years. However, Tyler suggests that if your home is 10 years old or older, consider having a professional look at the ventilation.

The purpose of ventilation is to regulate the temperature of the attic and control humidity. Specific calculations in residential building codes determine the correct ventilation needed for your attic. The calculations are based on the square footage of the attic space and the type of ventilation used. Passive ventilation requires more surface area for a vent than a mechanical or fan-driven vent. Having a roofing professional do the calculations for you is best.

We all know that the temperature in attic spaces can exceed 200F. High temperatures can damage roofing material, from the shingles to the underlayment. Poor support for roof material can lead to potential failure if plywood underlayment or roof deck becomes delaminated.

Humidity build-up can lead to mold development and moisture damage, which is difficult to catch.

Flashing, an unsung roofing hero.

Let’s face it, your roof would not work without flashing.

Flashing is a piece of metal or specialty fabric that allows your roof to function in areas where shingle or tiles are not designed to. The goal is to create continuous protection for your home by assuring water courses its way off your roof.

Common locations for these products include roof penetrations for piping or ductwork from the HVAC unit, where roofs abut walls or a chimney, and where differently sloping roofs meet what is commonly called a valley.

When things go from bad to worse.

A common mistake homeowners make is not fixing their roofs as soon as they are aware of a problem. A broken tile, missing shingle, and clogged gutters are bad enough. When needed repairs are ignored for months or even years, the damage will get worse. Once water penetrates the barrier that is your roof, the damage grows along with the cost to fix it.

Tyler tells the tale of a roof with a missing shingle he drove past every day for months. The missing shingle was not replaced for several months. When it was fixed, what should have been a simple replacement turned into 400 square feet of damaged roofing, along with roof sheathing that had to be torn out due to the unchecked damage.

The moral here is to fix it when it breaks. The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” rings true here. In the case of your roof, it could mean a difference of a few dollars or thousands of dollars.

We would urge you to walk around your home and look at your roof. If something is out of place, call one of our Rosie Certified Roofing Partners to come out and have a look see!

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Content Partner | Johnson Roofing

Since 2004 Johnson Roofing has been offering the highest quality roofing services in the Valley of the Sun. You can feel confident that you are getting not only the most professional service available, but the best pricing for your particular need. Johnson Roofing specializes in roofing repairs, replacements, and new roof installations. Doesn’t matter if it is residential, commercial, or industrial, Johnson Roofing can assist you with any home roofing need.

PODCAST

Was your roof install performed correctly? Is it ventilated properly? Why is flashing important? And are roof repairs done in a timely fashion? Tyler Johnson of Johnson Roofing has the answers and more to keep that roof over your head in great shape for years to come.
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