For any home or business; the roof is one of the most important functions of any dwelling. Roofing is also one of the most practical functions as it protects you and your home from the elements. Whether you’re buying a home, renovating a home, or just making some repairs; due diligence should be taken into consideration before the project begins.
There are many different types of roofing to choose from nowadays whether it’s made from rubber, slate, metal, or composite (asphalt). Every one of these options is great, but your current location and climate can dictate which material is best for you.
Roofing vs Weather Conditions
The Weather; either you hate it or you love it, but one thing goes to show and it’s that we have no control of mother nature and her fury. Weather conditions will more than likely give your roofing issues than any other circumstance. Rain, ice, sleet, snow, and the wind are the culprits that tend to wear down the roofing material. Though roofing material can last for many years; the weather conditions surely speed up the process of degradation. Storms have a knack for destroying homes/business and its weapon of choice is strong winds. Strong wind not only propel objects like missiles in the air, it can cause a vacuuming effect as it blows over the edge of a roof. The uplifting pressure can damage the roofing membrane by ripping it.
Water is probably the most destructive force to a structure. If your home has a leak then you better find it and have it sealed immediately. Water will literally cause the roofing and the walls of the home to collapse. The liquid substance can enter the home through roofing holes, near chimneys, and it can sit inside clogged gutters. Good quality contractors will implement some form of “flashing” to counteract these devastating effects. Here are a few things to look for when inspecting your roof.
- Deteriorating counter flashing
- Improper or poor design
- Broken or ripped seams
- Brown stains on the interior walls or interior roof
- Clogged gutters with stagnant water
Choosing A Quality Contractor
If you’ve noticed any type of damage to your home’s structure, then you should seek professional services immediately. Time is of the essence and the longer you wait, the more you’ll end up having to spend. When seeking these vital services, there are a number of things to look for such as work experience, resume, certification, and high quality standards. What you don’t want to do is to choose a company who only offers rock bottom prices. In many cases, these are “fly by night” companies who are looking to make a quick buck.