Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Common Roofing Questions from Homeowners

Installing a roof on your home isn’t going to be a one time deal. Weather can wreak havoc on your roofing system and the hot rays of the sun will cause shingles to weaken over time. Here are answers to some of the common questions we get:

So, how do you know when it’s time to replace your asphalt shingle roof? There are some clues and things to look for that will help you know when the roofing system has reached its end. If your roof is 20 years old or more it is most likely time for new asphalt shingles. But asphalt roofs with less years can fail too. It is wise to have your roof inspected once a year. Look for shingles that are lifting up, crack or missing shingles, curled up edges and dark smooth areas where the granules are wearing off. From inside the attic on a sunny day you can look at the underside of the roof. If you see light or pinholes of light coming through you’ll know that your flashing is shot.

roofig underlaymentWhen installing a new roof, what is the best type of underlayment to protect the valleys? Your roofer should install a water and ice shield across the entire roof. This shield is made from polyethylene and a rubberized asphalt which will prevent water from getting underneath the shingles. In wetter climates it is a good idea to install two layers of the water shield on the lower section of the roof along the eaves, next to the dormers and around the chimneys. The valleys are then covered with a metal flashing or a metal weaving. This should eliminate water leak problems with your new roof.

What is felt paper and why is it important? The felt paper on your roof is an additional line of protection for your roof. It is a lightweight material that goes between the deck and the roofing materials. If a shingle or tile breaks during a heavy storm the felt paper can help minimize the water leak – it won’t stop it but it might block some of the water. Different weights are used depending on the type of roof being installed. You’ll want to refer to your roofer for guidance on the best felt paper for your application.

How do I get rid of algae on my roof? Algae on the roof won’t cause roofing leaks but it can cause the roof to deteriorate quicker and it looks bad. Algae on the roof is more prevalent in humid climates because it thrives on moisture. Algae lives on the minerals that can be found in some types of roofing materials. To get rid of the algae you can use a pump sprayer to wash your roof. Use a mix of two parts water and one part bleach. The bleach will harm your plants around the foundation so cover what you can and rinse them thoroughly afterwards. Once you’ve sprayed your roof with the mixture, use a soft brush to gently scrub the surface of your roof. Don’t apply to much pressure or use a high pressure sprayer that will damage the roof shingles.

If you’re looking for good, reputable Denver roofing contractor give us a call or contact us and request an estimate or inspection of your roof.

Share

The post Common Roofing Questions from Homeowners appeared first on Mountain State Roofing.

No comments:

Post a Comment