The roof is one of the most important parts of any home or business. It protects against heat, rain and storms damaging its contents. When something goes wrong with a roof it is imperative that you obtain the services of an experienced Bucks County roofing company as soon as possible.
Common types of roof damage are:
Snow Damage
Many parts of the country experience a heavy snowfall in the winter. For roofs that are not properly maintained this can not only cause structural damage but interior damage as well. Common damages are:
• Snow weight can cause roof leaking, sagging or even a complete collapse.
• Warmth from the interior of the building can cause snow to melt, flow to the edge and re-freeze, damaging roof edges and gutters.
• If any shingles are loose, snow can seep under them and cause leaking.
To prevent this kind of damage, it is possible to obtain the services of a roofing snow removal company who can clear your roof. They will have the tools and equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently.
Poor sheathing
When a roof is installed it needs material underneath that is strong and properly laid. This type of material is called sheathing and is fastened to the roof frame. Plywood, OSB, and particle board are commonly used for this purpose.
At times people have tried to use a flimsy material which will not stand up under the weight of a shingled or tiled roof. Using the proper material will lay a good foundation for a strong and long lasting roof.
This problem can be prevented if careful attention is maintained when the roof is being installed. Be sure only high quality sheathing is used.
Loose Shingles
Asphalt and wood shingles can suffer from five different problems. These are:
• Cracked due to age
• Contract and expand from changes in the weather
• Curl if not enough tar is applied
• Asphalt shingle granules can flake off
• Blistering if poor materials are used or there is excessive heat
Loose or damaged shingles need to be taken care of immediately. Keeping a close eye on your roof will allow you to reduce this problem to a minimum and allow you to have a roofing company make the necessary repairs.
Improper Installation
The importance of proper installation of a roof cannot be overemphasized. This can include any of the roof materials as well as faulty metal flashing.
Poor installation can cause roof materials, such as tile, shakes, metal and other types, to develop leaks that can cause wood rot underneath or cause condensation in the attic. It does not take long for this to cause expensive damage to the building and requires the expertise of a professional to correct.
A reputable roofing contractor will be happy to explain materials as they are installed and explain its benefits.
Cheap Underlayment
Building regulations require that felt, or another type of underlayment, be placed over the sheathing to create a waterproof barrier.
There are three main types of this product. They are self-adhering roofing paper, synthetic roofing paper and roofing felt. They are available in a variety of grades which makes it extremely important, to make sure a good grade, such as FelTex, Tri Flex 30 or Roofshield is placed under your shingles.
Preventing roof damage requires you not wait for damage to occur but be aware that this important part of your structure needs a roofing inspection from time to time. A good roofing contractor will know what to look for and often will make an inspection and provide an estimate at no charge.