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The flashing is an essential component of any residential roofing system. But as with any construction elements, it can fail over time, especially if it wasn’t installed properly or maintained regularly. This guide provides a concise overview and looks into the possible causes, signs and effects of roof flashing failure. We also discuss how to prevent it from occurring.
[Read more…]Now that summer has officially come to an end and as winter weather draws closer, it’s the ideal time to perform some routine maintenance for your BC roof. These small and simple tasks can prevent costly damage from harsh winter storms. Use the following checklist to ensure your roof is ready!
General BC Roof Maintenance
• Check for any signs of damage to roofing material.
• Repair or replace missing shingles or tiles.
• Repair or replace missing flashing.
• Check around vents, skylights and chimneys to ensure seals are intact.
• If you have a chimney, have it inspected and cleaned, if necessary, to prevent dangerous chimney and roof fires.
• Trim back tree branches that are growing too close to your roof so there is 3-4 feet of clearance.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
• Remove debris that might have accumulated on your roof since the last maintenance checkup.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. This may need to be done more than once during the fall months.
• Ensure that water is flowing properly through the guttering system and away from the foundation of your home.
Check Ventilation
• Be sure attic vents in the eaves are not covered by insulation to allow proper ventilation.
• Clear debris away from ridge and soffit vents.
• Keep out unwanted guests with bird and rodent screens on attic vents.
If you would rather not deal with the hassle of fall roof maintenance, Crown Roofing LTD can assist you with comprehensive roof inspections and professional repairs. We’ve satisfied thousands of homeowners in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby and throughout southern British Columbia. Call us today at (877) 907-3066.
Summer months are the perfect time to spend some quality time with the exterior of your home or business, preparing for winter’s harshness. However, many Vancouver homeowners don’t have time to deal with roof replacement, installation or maintenance — leading to procrastination and big future repairs! To avoid this type of situation, be sure to schedule annual or semi-annual preventative roof maintenance to stay abreast of the condition of your BC roofing and keep your home safe from outside damage. By enlisting in a roof maintenance program with a roofing contractor in Vancouver, you can avoid certain types of damage that plague improperly maintained homes everywhere.
• Flashing leaks. Research shows that the main cause of roof leaks is loose or damaged flashing. Flashing can be found around chimneys, fan vents and skylights, as well as along valleys and high watershed areas.
• Extreme weather damage. It is important to have BC roofing checked by a professional after a severe weather incident hits your area.
• Loss of support. Standing snow, puddles and ice can cause serious damage to your roof and become a safety issue for your family. If a sagging roof is not properly identified and replaced, your home will be at risk of a complete roof collapse.
A BC roofing maintenance program is the easiest way to ensure that your roof is in top shape, and your home and family are being protected. Crown Roofing LTD would be proud to be your dependable roofing company in Vancouver. We will be able to identify existing or potential problems and offer solutions that will keep your home protected for many years to come. Contact us at (877) 907-3066 for a free inspection.
We have found that many customers who call us for a quote on roof replacement are pleasantly surprised when we tell them a roof repair in Richmond will be just as effective, at a much lower cost. However, sometimes replacement really is the best option when roofs in the Lower Mainland reach the end of their practical lives.
When to Repair
Small leaks in a roof that is otherwise sound will typically permit roof repair in Richmond. The cost could range from $10 for a tube of roof cement to fill a gap along the flashing, to $1,000 to repair water damage to a roof valley. Damage from weather will likely be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, so be sure to inspect your roof and report promptly if you notice leakage following a storm. Otherwise you should check the condition of your roof twice per year, in the spring and the fall, to assess any roof repair in Richmond that may be needed.
When to Replace
Roofing system failure can be caused by a number of factors, such as the age of shingles and/or decking materials, damage from severe weather, poor workmanship, defective materials, improper specification of roofing materials, abuse or failure to adequately maintain the roof. You should re-roof your Vancouver home only when all repair and restoration alternatives are deemed incapable of bringing a roof back to serviceable condition, or at your own discretion.
Making a decision between repair or replacement on your own can be difficult. Contact Crown Roofing LTD in Vancouver at (877) 907-3066 for trustworthy advice and a free inspection. We will be able to identify existing or potential problems and offer solutions that will keep your home protected for many years to come.
Last week we briefly covered some of the most important components of every Richmond roof. This week I would like to take a closer look at flashing, why it’s important and how you can ensure it prolongs the life of your roof.
The roof of any residential home has one overall purpose: to protect against the elements. Of all those elements, rainfall is the hardest to control and can be the most damaging over time (think mold growth and wood rot). When properly installed, roof flashing acts as a last line of defense against water leaks. You may observe roof flashing around chimneys, fan vents, skylights and other items that project out of a roof, as well along valleys and high watershed areas. Should you experience a residential roof leak, chances are it’s due to a problem with the roof flashing.
Flashing materials include plastic, roofing felt and rubber, but galvanized metal is the smartest and most popular choice (steel, aluminum or copper). Any material used must be quite durable and able to accommodate movement from the constant expansion/contraction process of roofing materials. For example, hot sun beating on a roof will cause the surface materials to expand as the day progresses, while cooler night temperatures will result in contraction. Flashing must be able to withstand all of this and remain leakproof.
The flashing installation process requires careful attention and is vital to ensuring proper water management of the roof. Nails must be completely secure and edges sealed. When flashing is correctly installed, gravity and the flashing material will work together to shed water onto the regular roofing materials, where it is then directed harmlessly away from the home. Because flashings are the most technical aspect of a Richmond roof, and the protect the most vulnerable areas, the skills and knowledge of a quality British Columbia roofing contractor will prove invaluable.
