Kent Roofing is the top layer of protection that protects against rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature. Roofs may be shingled, tiled or made of metal.
If you’re installing a metal roof, check the manufacturer’s website for credentialed contractors. You also want to check with your homeowners’ insurance company.
The corners, roof valleys and areas around chimneys, skylights or solar tubes are a common place for water to accumulate and creep under shingles. When these spots become a persistent issue, they can lead to serious damage and even structural instability. In the worst cases, the water can seep into interior living spaces, creating mold and damaging property. It is important to identify water leaks early on in order to take preventative measures.
Leaks under shingles can result from several different factors, including poor installation, age of the shingle, damaged flashing or weather conditions. However, proper roof maintenance and inspections can help mitigate the occurrence of leaks under shingles.
In the case of a leaking roof, it is crucial to respond promptly to any signs of water damage. A leaky roof can cause significant problems for the home’s structure and interior living spaces, including mold growth and structural instability. Water damage under shingles can also affect the home’s interior, leading to costly repairs and potential health issues for the occupants.
To identify a roof leak, you can look for dark stains on the ceiling or walls. If the stains have a musty odor, it is likely that there is a leak under the shingles. If the stains are located in rooms that receive direct sunlight, you may also notice discoloration of the wall.
Another common sign of a leaking roof is the appearance of peeled flashing. If the flashing is separating from the roof, it is time to call a roofer. The flashing is the metal strip that seals the joint between the roof and a vent pipe, chimney or other penetration on the roof. It can be easily damaged by hail and other severe weather, allowing water to seep underneath the shingles.
Leaking attic insulation and ventilation can also contribute to the occurrence of water damage under shingles. A properly ventilated attic regulates moisture levels and prevents condensation, thereby decreasing the risk of ice damming and leaks under shingles.
It is also important to regularly clean gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are functioning properly. Debris clogged in gutters can obstruct the flow of rainwater, which can cause standing water on the roof. This can then penetrate the shingle and underlayment, eventually causing rot and leaks. Regularly cleaning gutters and directing them away from the building can eliminate this problem.
Ice dams form along the eaves of a roof and prevent water from draining off a home once it thaws. The thick buildup of ice blocks the path of water, which can lead to damage. They can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause leaks in the attic and ceilings of a home. Over time, these leaks can blister exterior paint and cause water damage to wood beams and rafters. They can also lead to mold, mildew, and rot inside the home.
During the day heat escapes from the living area of a home through its ceiling and warms the roof shingles and wood framing. Snow melts over the warmed area of the roof but freezes on the cold edge near the eaves where the temperatures remain below freezing. The resulting ice dam traps meltwater that eventually backs up under the shingles and seeps into the house.
To prevent ice dams, you should rake the snow off your roof often and apply insulation under the attic to reduce heat transfer. If you suspect an ice dam, contact a local roofing company that offers emergency service to remove the ice dams and repair the resulting leaks in your home.
Many companies offer a specialized service to steam off ice dams without damaging the shingles. This method uses a machine that looks like a power washer but uses hot water instead of high-pressure sprays that can damage shingles. It is important to hire a professional with this equipment because trying to chip off ice dams yourself can rip off and crack shingles, leaving exposed areas of the roof where water can leak in.
Another way to prevent ice dams is to install electric heating cable in a zigzag pattern along the roofline and gutters. The cables may look unattractive but they prevent ice dams by keeping the eaves and roof edge warm enough to melt snow and ice as it forms. These cable systems can be purchased from most roofing companies. Homeowners insurance usually covers some or all of the cost to repair roof damage caused by ice dams.
Underlayment is a crucial component in your roofing, providing a protective layer between the roof deck and the shingles. This can be a soft material such as foam or cork, or a hard material such as cement board. In some cases, a layer of underlayment is required for different floor coverings, such as hardwood or vinyl plank flooring. Underlayment isn’t just necessary, but it makes your floors feel softer and more comfortable to walk on, reduces noise, and protects your floors from damage and mildew.
Most shingle manufacturers require underlayment (typically #15 asphalt-impregnated, builder’s felt often referred to as “tarpaper”) to be installed directly over the roof decking, to provide an extra layer of protection if water gets underneath your shingles. It is also required if you are installing a new roof on an existing home.
The subfloor is made of plywood panels or OSB boards that are part of the house’s original construction. It is attached to the floor joists, which are lateral wood frames that represent the main foundational structure of support for the entire framing system.
Once the subfloor is in place, the underlayment can be installed. The type of underlayment used depends on the floor covering you’re choosing, but it generally differs from one soft or hard material to another. It can be as simple as foam padding, or more complicated cork underlayment with built-in moisture and vapor barriers that are good for areas with a high humidity level.
A thin layer of underlayment can make a huge difference in the quality of your hardwood floor installation. It will dampen noise, help prevent moisture and vapor infiltration that can cause mildew or mold, and keep the floor feeling softer for longer. Foam and cork underlayment can also smooth out rough patches in the floor, including barely protruding screw holes and knots. They’re a great choice for older homes, or in cases where the underflooring may have been damaged during a prior renovation. Felt underlayment is the most common option, and it’s easy to install. It offers basic sound absorption and moisture resistance, and is a good choice for homeowners on a budget.
Almost any part of your house gets assaulted by wind, rain, snow, ice, harsh sunlight, and other weather extremes, but the roof typically takes the brunt of the beating. A well-designed and properly installed roof will be able to withstand these conditions, but your landscaping can also help keep water off the surface of your home, away from its foundation. When soil stays too wet, it erodes its top layer washing away important nutrients and causing structural damage to your home’s foundation. Landscaping drainage solutions like catch drains or underground drainage systems can help solve these problems and prevent them from reoccurring. These can be designed into swales, gardens, and other features that make your yard beautiful as well as functional.