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How To Prevent Leaks and New Elk Grove Roof Installation Tips

Allstate Roofing Blog

How To Prevent Roof Leaks

Water is a major factor in most cases of structural damage to residential and commercial buildings. The property owner may not even realize that the roof is leaking until significant harm has been done to the framing, walls and ceiling. In order to prevent moisture from getting into attic spaces, every layer of the roofing system must be adequately sealed. A roofing specialists can thoroughly inspect the sheathing, underlayment and roof covering along with all the ridges, valleys, eaves and areas of penetration. If openings exist, they can be quickly and easily repaired.

A roof's sheathing needs to be waterproof so that the interior will stay dry if the covering and underlayment get punctured or blown off. Since the decking sheets are laid with a small gap between them to allow for expanding and contracting, they must be taped. Rather than depending on duct tape to stop the potential flow of water, the builder should secure the openings with 4 inch bitumen tape. This "peel and seal" product adheres well to many substrates and is usually covered with an aluminum film for water resistance. The tape can stretch and shrink without losing its functionality. In comparison to metal flashing, bitumen tape often proves to be more effective.

Although the main purpose of underlayment is to guard against water leaks, it is not foolproof. The material, whether felt or synthetic, is water resistant but not normally airtight.

Areas around nails and fasteners can be prone to leakage unless sealant is applied. Some of the new synthetic underlayments on the market are self adhesive and will hopefully increase the level of protection against moisture. With periodic maintenance, this roof layer can be kept in good condition for optimal performance.

Regardless of the roof covering type, heavy rain can make its way past the barriers and wreak havoc on the materials below. Metal panels and roll roofing products leave fewer joints and edges for water to seep through than smaller components such as shingles and tile. However, they are frequently installed on flat roofs and accumulate ponding water. A sloped roof encourages precipitation to flow to the ground freely. At ridges and valleys, a waterproof membrane is a must in order to keep the water from dripping down to the underlayment. Areas of penetration, like around chimneys, require flashing. A drip edge at the eaves is often able to hold up against driving rain. Most roof coverings can benefit from the routine application of a solid, waterproof coating. In addition to keeping rainwater on the building's exterior, an elastomeric coating can stop metal from rusting and prevent UV damage.

In every region with an annual wet season, the residents understand the importance of maintaining a waterproof roofing system. From the sheathing materials that lay directly over the rafters to the covering that offers aesthetic appeal, extensive damage can occur if the property owner does not take precautionary measures against water leaks.

When You Need A New Roof Installation

Sooner or later, every homeowner has to deal with a roofing project. A total roof replacement or even general roof repair can be a terrifying experience for any property owner. By choosing a quality Roofing Contractor in Elk Grove, owners can take the stress of the job and simplify the project at the same time. Setting an appointment with a professional for an inspection and estimate can get the answers the homeowner needs. The first issue that generally needs addressed concerns a replacement or a repair process.

By getting up on the roof, contractors are able to determine if the roof is worn in some locations. If the areas are sporadic enough, some repair work is usually enough to get a few more years out of the roof. However, if the decking is exposed in places or the roof is leaking in several places, a total roof replacement is usually in order. Homeowners should consult with the contractor to determine what their options are.

If repairs are in order determining costs and setting a date are usually all that is necessary, but if a new roof is going to be installed, homeowners have a few options.

The biggest option concerns the type of roofing materials that will be installed. Metal roofing systems can outlast traditional shingle roofs, and the added cost of the material can be offset by energy savings as well. The contractor will be able to offer suggestions on color and specific brands, but the actual material is generally up to the property owners.

Once materials are selected, owners need to focus on the budget. After all, roof replacements can be expensive projects with massive scope. Customers might need some time to plan the project out, and most contractors understand that factor. In order to keep the project as simple as possible, dealing with the same contractor on several phases of the job, like gutters, downspouts, soffit, and fascia, can also be packaged into one cost.

In the end, homeowners that do a little research and take their time making a decision can reap the benefits of experiencing a pleasant roof replacement process. Planning for costs in advance and having an idea of what direction to take the materials goes a long way in making the decision process easier. In addition, homeowners might be surprised to learn that repairs instead of a replacement are in order. Communication with the contractor can reveal all the answers and simplify the job.

Roof Installation Tips For Adding Value To The Property

No matter how long they plan to stay in their current property, all homeowners should view their home as an investment. The money that is put into the home's upkeep is a particularly important asset to that investment. It is vital to plan ahead and think about what types of investments can provide the home with the most value. A new roofing system can be an excellent way to add value to the home, especially if the rooftop has been in need of a replacement for a while. Any Elk Grove roofing professionals can help homeowners optimize their installation, but it is recommended for individuals to think about how a new rooftop can add value to their property.

Studies show that homeowners can add between 15 and 40 percent to their home's existing value just by investing in a new rooftop. The cost of the installation itself is a mere fraction of the potential value that it could add to the home. In addition to the new system itself, homeowners may find themselves improving their property value even further when they strategically plan out the roofing style and material. Depending on market trends, some materials, such as slate and metal, may add more value than others.

In addition to the value that a new roof could have for the property itself, homeowners will find a variety of other ways in which their finances will be boosted by the right roofing installation.

One of the most advantageous ways that the new rooftop can add value to the home is by improving the property's overall energy efficiency. A new roof that is installed with the right amount of ventilation and insulation can allow homeowners to optimize the way their HVAC systems function. The right materials can help keep hot air from escaping as it rises into the attic. This can help save on heating fuel during the winter, as homeowners will need to use less fuel to keep their home warm.

 

A rooftop that is installed with solar panels can be another recommended way to save money. Solar panels can provide the home with free electricity through a renewable resource, allowing homeowners to save on their future electrical bills. In addition to the raw value that such an installation can provide, solar panels can also generate interest among certain buyers, which results in them further adding value to the home. By collaborating with capable professionals, homeowners will be able to see some real savings and value in their home.