Knowing Your Roof's Structure Makes For Easier Maintenance
The roof on your home is an important part of how you protect your investment in it. Taking the time to maintain your roof is vital for avoiding issues like leaks that cause expensive water damage. However, just examining the shingles on your roof can be a costly mistake. Check out these tips for ensuring all the layers of your roof remain in good condition.
The Support Structure For Your Roof
Most homes have wood beams that create the structural support for their roof. If your house does not have proper attic and roof ventilation in place, moisture from condensation can build up the support beams, creating water damage that starts with mold and mildew. Inspect the beams in your attic for signs of mold and mildew. If you see any, contact a roofing contractor like B And D Construction for learning more about the installation of ventilation fans and vents.
Getting Trapped In The Layer Of Insulation
In newer home construction, contractors began to add insulation between the support beams and the layer above it, usually plywood. Most contractors use spray foam insulation in these areas, so it fills in well and helps to prevent air loss. However, if the support beams in your home are experiencing moisture damage, the insulation could also become comprised. Again, the need for attic ventilation is important to prevent this repair issue.
Water Can Greatly Damage Plywood
If your roof has a few missing shingles and you do not replace them, water can reach the plywood underneath them. As water seeps under the shingles, it creates serious damage that could mean total replacement of plywood and shingles. Taking the time to make sure your roof's shingles, tiles or other exterior roofing material is in place can prevent more expensive repairs later on.
The Metal Parts Of Your Roof Matter
Some parts of your roof are metal and are put into place to prevent water from reaching underneath shingles. Flashing, usually copper or stainless steel strips, is placed against chimneys, skylights or crickets where shingles or other roofing materials ends and other structure begin. Ensuring flashing on your roof is in place and doing its job can also help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
For most people, the investment they have in their house is one of the biggest they will make in their lifetimes. Taking the time to protect your home is the same as protecting your money in it, so learning more about roof maintenance is vital.