All roofs experience wear and tear, but how soon and how often you’ll need residential roof repair services in Bowling Green, OH, will depend on a few factors. Roofing issues have a tendency to build up over time, forming first in areas of the roof that are most vulnerable to the elements. Your entire roofing system needs your attention, but by prioritizing the maintenance of these vulnerable areas, you can reduce the risk of costly damage.
1. Gutters
Your gutters main job is to direct precipitation away from your property, protecting your home and foundation’s structural integrity. The gutters are designed to catch rainwater, but due to their open nature, debris can build up in them, creating a clog.
This can cause your gutters to overflow when it rains. This means water can get into places it shouldn’t, ruining your landscaping and promoting moisture damage in your roofing system. Another thing that can cause your gutters to overflow is if they were improperly installed, with the wrong pitch. This will prevent your gutters from draining thoroughly, leaving standing water in troughs, which creates a breeding ground for insects.
2. Fascia
Basically your roof’s trim, your fascia runs horizontally around your roof as the front board located right under the roof edge and along the roof line. Its main function is protective, forming a barrier between your roof’s edge and outdoor elements, especially water. Consequently, moisture is the leading cause of issues with the fascia.
It’s important to make sure your fascia is in top shape because damage to it can compromise your roof’s performance as well as your home’s curb appeal, since the fascia is a highly visible element of the roof.
3. Soffit
Your soffit is the exposed area underneath the overhanging section of your roof’s eaves or the finished surface located below your rafters and your fascia. When vented, the soffit features small openings that promote air circulation, helping draw moisture and heat away from your home. This aids not just in ventilating your attic but preventing rot as well in rafters and sheathing.
Check vented soffits regularly to look for holes, rot and cracks. This will let you prevent moisture and insect intrusion from worsening, leading to serious damage and pest problems.
4. Flashing
Made of pieces of metal, the flashing is used to seal gaps in the roofing material such as in valleys, corners and around protrusions. By covering interruptions in roofing material, the flashing protects against moisture intrusion, which can give rise to leaks and even structural damage.
Because they protect against water, the flashings are subjected to frequent moisture exposure, which leads to deterioration that can make areas they cover prime sources of leaks. Additionally, it’s also possible for flashing to simply come loose. Regularly checking flashing for loose parts, dents and rust will help reduce the risk of water damage to your roof.
5. Outer Roofing Material
Outer rofing materials have different characteristics resulting in different levels of durability. This means they deal with weather exposure and other outdoor threats differently, which in turn gives them different lifespans. How roofing materials fare throughout their lifespan will depend on the weather conditions they’re exposed to. For example, asphalt shingles are likely to develop algae if they are exposed to a lot of moisture, so they are not ideal for areas that experience high humidity levels. They are, however, great in areas that experience a lot of snow.
The most common issues you’ll see on outer roofing materials are holes or cracks. These can develop for a variety of reasons and are sure to turn into leaks when it starts raining. To check for damage, simply examine the roof from the ground using a pair of binoculars. If you spot damage or missing roofing material, call a residential roofing contractor in Bowling Green, OH, right away!
The Importance of Regular Roof Inspections
Having your roof regularly checked is a great way to catch damage that isn’t immediately obvious, especially after severe weather hits. What does this mean for you?
For starters, it means preventing roofing issues from worsening and entailing costlier repairs (or even replacement!) to fix. The sooner you identify a problem, the sooner you can take care of it. Smaller issues require less effort to remedy so they are also cheaper to resolve, which is always a plus. While paying for an inspection might seem like an unnecessary expense right now, it will cost you less than major repairs for serious damage that the inspection could have prevented.
Addressing Roofing Problems
Should a problem be identified, act quick but don’t choose a roofing contractor haphazardly. To make the most of your investment, whether you simply need repairs or are opting for roof replacement service in Bowling Green, OH, make sure you only work with reputable roofing contractors. With their expertise, they’ll be able to provide you with the roofing solutions you want and need exactly, guaranteeing your 100% satisfaction.
Finding the Right Roofing Contractor
As you will be entrusting your contractor with your home, you should take the time to vet prospective roofers carefully. To help you narrow down your options, make sure you only consider those that are properly licensed to operate in your area and are bonded and insured for your protection. You should also look for roofing contractors that are certified by top brands in the industry.
Certification means a roofer has undergone and passed stringent training, and has met other requirements set by leading roofing manufacturers. Choosing a certified contractor lets you rest easy knowing you are working with a roofer that industry leaders themselves trust. As a bonus, certified roofers have the distinction of being allowed to offer manufacturer warranties, which are some of the most generous around.
Lastly, go for a roofing contractor with experience. The more years they have been in business, the better, but also factor in the kind of work they’ve done since they opened their doors. You can be confident that an experienced roofer has what it takes to address your particular roofing needs.
Taking care of your roof is a big responsibility. With the right professional by your side, you can be sure that all your requirements will be met, allowing you to make the most of what your roofing system has to offer.