Roofing Helena MT maintenance is essential to prevent small problems from turning into large, expensive ones. Facility staff should inspect the roof for accumulated dirt, which can clog drains and cause rot or decay; blistering, cracking or holes; and fungus or moss.
Also, make sure the roof is free of debris such as pine needles, rocks, and leaves. This will ensure that moisture has fewer places to soak in.
Soffits and fascia are a vital part of your roof’s structure, helping to protect it from moisture damage, wind and pests. These components are a bit more difficult to assess than shingles, but there are telltale signs that you should be watching for that can alert you to the need for repair or replacement.
The most obvious sign of soffit or fascia damage is if it appears to be decaying or rotting. If you see any wood that is soft, mushy or crumbling, you will need to contact a roofing contractor right away to have these elements replaced before the problem gets out of hand.
Another obvious sign of damage to your soffit or fascia is any gaps or holes. These can be caused by a variety of issues, including bird droppings or rodent activity. Rodents love to chew through soffits and fascia boards, damaging the insulating material and wiring inside the attic. They can also leave behind excrement that can turn into a biosphere for bugs and other unwanted pests, making it critical to inspect these areas of your roof regularly and immediately address any problems.
Fascia protects your roof from moisture and is crucial for the proper function of your gutter system. If your fascia is damaged, your gutters may pull away or sag, which can lead to overflow and pooling. It’s also possible that moisture can get under the fascia, causing wood rot and other problems that threaten the integrity of your roof and its framing and rafters.
If you notice any black streaks on your fascia, this is a good indicator that your soffit and fascia are absorbing excess moisture. This is a common problem that can lead to the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms that you will want to address as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to clean these areas regularly, using either a power washer or bleach solution. This will not only improve your home’s curb appeal but will help to keep the area free of dirt and grime that can cause a number of other problems for your roofline.
Inspect the Flashing
Flashing is a roof’s most vulnerable point, so it should be regularly inspected for damage. Extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on this crucial part of the roofing system, and minor problems can escalate into significant issues that require expensive repair or even a full roof replacement.
A professional roofer should be consulted to thoroughly inspect the flashing, as it’s not safe to climb on a roof without proper safety equipment or training. However, homeowners can perform a basic inspection themselves using binoculars and a ladder large enough to safely reach the roof.
The first thing to look for is any areas of rust or corrosion on the flashing, which are a clear sign that moisture is entering the home. If the flashing is corroded, it should be replaced immediately to prevent water intrusion and potential damage to the rest of the roof.
Another common problem is small holes in the flashing, which can let rainwater seep through the shingles and cause further damage. It’s possible to repair these small holes with caulk, which is typically made of a waterproof material such as silicone or butyl.
The flashing should also be inspected for any signs of separation. If the flashing is separated from the shingle, it should be replaced as soon as possible. A loose flashing can cause water to seep under the shingles and into the attic, causing severe moisture damage.
Other common flashing issues are cracks or holes, especially in places like valleys where different roof slopes converge. These can be hard to spot, but a thorough inspection will help find them.
Checking the flashing is particularly important in cold weather, as heavy snows and ice can cause them to bend or break. In addition, the winter elements can lead to moisture leaking into areas that aren’t protected by a roof membrane or shingle underlayment. Moisture can then cause further problems, such as rot or mold.
Trim Tree Branches
Tree limbs that hang over your roof are the source of much of the damage to roofs that we see after severe weather. These limbs can break and fall on the roof, causing extensive damage to shingles, and they also prevent proper airflow through the roof system, which leads to moisture problems. The best way to prevent this type of damage is to trim trees regularly so that they don’t hang over the house.
While it is possible to do some basic tree trimming yourself, the job is best left to a professional. There are many safety concerns involved in pruning a tree, and the process can be difficult. In addition, the proper order and positioning of cuts is critical. We often see torn bark on branches that have been improperly pruned by homeowners.
To avoid this problem, start by cutting the branch on the underside of the trunk or main stem. This will create a barrier that will help prevent the weight of the branch from ripping the bark off the tree. Next, move up the branch and make a cut that is just outside of what is called the branch collar. This is an enlarged area of stem tissue around the base of the branch, and you can usually identify it by a slight swelling or rougher bark on the trunk.
The final cut should be made just above the stub of the branch. If the stub is too long, it can prevent a callus from closing over the wound and will allow insects to access the interior of the tree, which can lead to rot. To avoid this, always remove the stub when it is noticed and cut back to where the stub meets the branch collar.
Once the stub is removed, it is important to finish the pruning by removing any remaining bark and making sure that the cut is completely clean. This is a good time to check for insects and other problems that may be lurking in the wood. Once the wound is closed, be sure to water the tree well to encourage healthy growth. Finally, mulch should be applied to the base of the tree to retain moisture and promote root growth.
Clean the Gutters
A roof’s gutters are essential for keeping water away from the home’s foundation, basement and walls. However, they can also be a place where debris can build up over time, making them clogged and unable to channel water properly. This can lead to water damage around the house, rotting fascia, and other costly problems.
Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least twice per year, but more often is ideal to keep them flowing smoothly. Late fall and spring are the best times to perform these cleanings because of the accumulating leaves that can block gutters, but after a storm is a good time too.
Aside from removing all of the gunk that has built up, gutters should be checked for loose or missing sections. If you have a section that is broken or loose, it will need to be repaired immediately to prevent water leaks and other problems. It’s also a good idea to check the gutter hardware as well, especially the fasteners. If you notice any of the screws are rusty or missing, they should be replaced.
Another reason to clean your gutters is that clogged ones can become heavy and pull away from the roof. This can lead to other problems, including leaking into the roof and causing structural damage. It can also create a habitat for pests, including mosquitoes and rodents. If you live in a climate that experiences cold winters, clogged gutters can also cause ice dams, which can be extremely damaging to the roof and the house.
Taking the time to clean and inspect your roof and gutters can be an important part of your roofing maintenance, but it’s always better to leave the job to professionals who have the right tools and equipment for the task at hand. It’s also crucial to remember that working at heights can be dangerous, and it’s best to work with a partner when inspecting or cleaning roof components. Attempting to clean the gutters from the roof can be especially dangerous because you’re working on a slanted surface that is easy to overbalance and fall off of.