The start of the spring season can mean lots of work for homeowners. One of the most important things to check after the winter season is the roof of your home. Winter is a tough season on the structure of  a home, especially the roof, and necessary checks and repairs should be done in order to ensure the home is ready for the warmer season.

Gutters

Depending on where you live snow can be likely in the winter season. Snow can weigh a lot when it condenses into tight spaces like gutters. In the fall season the leaves and branches began falling from trees, plus with the snowfall extra branches are likely to fall. This is why it is so important to tend to the gutters along the roof at the end of each winter season. Sometimes they can become dislodged, clogged, or cracked. If this happens they will only deteriorate quicker with the spring rains. Without proper flowing water to safe areas of the roof the water can become clogged, creating holding areas on the roof and further water damage.

Shingles

Shingles can become damaged from the weight of debris, snow, rain and also heavy winds. Any shingles which has become loose or broken should be repaired as quickly as possible and if it cannot be repaired then it should be replaced. Shingles works together to form a protective coating on the roof deck, and if one is missing the surrounding ones become much more susceptible to fall or penetrate  as well. If you spot any loose or beaten up shingles on your roofing then you should call a licensed roofing contractor right away.

Connection areas

Any place on the roof where there is a corner or bend should be inspected as well. This especially means but is not limited to sky lights, around windows, slopes, and vents. There is often caulking in these areas, which can dry out or peel off, and create the prime location for future water or mold damage. This can easily be caulked before the problems grows too large.

Chimneys

Chimney and ventilation pipes should be inspected along their seams and tops. Most materials compress and shrink slightly in the winter months, and with the expansion caused by warmer spring weather the can mean cracks in undesirable locations.http://www.tbcredit.ru/zaymyi.html

Soffit and Fascia

Soffit and Fascia are the overhead area of the roof that extends beyond the wall of the home. They often extend a short distance with an exterior panel, as well as under panel which can be seen when you are standing under it or near the house. These areas should be checked for mold, insects, and damage, for both aesthetics as well as for a healthy roof. Since they are located on the edges wind and moisture can easily penetrate the rest of the roof.

Checkups like these on the roof are fairly easy and straightforward. They can save much larger amounts of time and money if neglected and the damages grows. When the warmer wealthy and rains of spring come we should be prepared and ready for the upcoming year. We always recommend hiring solely GAF Master Elite roofing contractors, as it’s hard to trust the materials and quality of the job when not using GAF.

Contributed by: SS Roofing Boston 1 International Place Suite 1400 Boston, MA 02110 (617) 313-7775

Roofers use different materials for flat roof solutions depending on the specifications of the homeowners and needs of each structure. Among the materials used are BUR (Built-up Roof Membrane), Elastomeric/Plastomeric Roof Membranes (which include EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer, Neoprene, PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride, TPO (Flexible Thermo Polyolefin) and Polymer-modified bitumens) and Fluid-applied Roof Membrane.

Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are improved versions of the others. For instance, modified bitumen incorporates modifiers such as APP (tactic polypropylene) and SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) to improve the performance of asphalt.

No matter what material is used for flat roof solutions, deterioration eventually sets in and the roof membrane has to be repaired or replaced to keep the roof in optimum condition. The usual factors that lead to deterioration of flat roofs are as follows:

1. Temperature

Fluctuations in temperature with the accompanying contraction and expansion of roof materials create strain on the roof structure. Flashings could break at the seams, roof material could tear and mortar could crack. All these create entryways for water to seep inside.

2. Sunlight

The volatile components of asphalt or tar on the roof evaporate when exposed to the heat of the sun. The heat also oxidizes asphalt and makes it brittle. The roofing material eventually loses its elasticity and the surface could crack or flake, exposing the felt membrane below the surface.

3. Settlement

Strains are sometimes exerted on flashings after the walls settle. In some cases the roof could settle below the drain pipe level. These occurrences cause floodwater to back up the roof or allow water to seep through the leak on the drain.

4. Roof Traffic

Most roof materials are not designed to withstand constant foot traffic or extra accessories. Walking on top or placing objects on the roof could causes serious damage to the materials and roof deck.

5. Water

Once cracks appear on the surface of the roof, water could seep inside and cause damage to the structure if left unattended. Water or moisture left inside can turn into ice under cold or freezing temperature, which could tear new holes.

6. Wind

Strong winds may push water inside cracks or splits on the surface, particularly at defective seams or joints. They may also tear the roof at its weak spots such as at loosed seams. In addition, storms accompanied by strong winds have been noted to move or sway the roof structure itself.

7. Chemicals

Acids, saturated animal fats and pollutants have the potential to damage roof materials. That is one reason why manufacturers recommend the application of coatings and ballast covering to protect the roof membrane from these harmful chemicals.

Flat roofs need more maintenance than pitched roofs because debris and water tend to collect or pool on the surface. A roof with less than 15 degrees of pitch is considered a flat roof. Flat roofs have normally long lifespan but only if proper maintenance is observed. Of course, the roof’s lifespan also depends on the kind of materials used.

The traditional felt-based roofs suffer from some shortcomings such as blistering, water ponding and splitting. Through regular maintenance, you can prevent damage to your flat roof and prolong its usable service life.

Here are practical flat roof solutions maintenance tips to ensure the durability of your home:

Blistering

Blister occurs when air is trapped between the felt substrate or layers of felt. Heat causes the air to expand, which pierces the felt when it breaks out. Blistering has more chances of occurring when the air bubble is large and occurs on a join. Water can now pass through the blisters and into the roof. We advise getting professional help to clean and fix the area to eliminate the blisters and make sure that waterproof condition is restored.

Ponding

Water ponding is one of the most common problems of flat roofs. This is indicated by standing pool of water on the roof’s surface or water mark around an area of the roof during dry conditions. You can use automatic water pump to collect water in the middle area of the roof or hoppers to collect the water near the edge. Ponding is easily remedied through regular maintenance to detect early signs of the problem.

Splitting

There are different causes of splitting such as pressure, stress, water ponding and freeze thawing. It could also be caused by poor workmanship quality. Foot traffic, walking on the surface or failure to maintain the reflective paint may be the culprits too. Large splits have to be repaired by professionals. Small splits or cracks may be fixed by the owner using commercially-available patch kits.

Proactive Maintenance

Performing regular maintenance with a proactive approach will prevent the occurrence of major problems that might necessitate costly roof repairs. If your roof was not built to be used as an outdoor roof deck, standing on it to clean debris and dirt may damage the material or slant of the roof, which allows water to run down. Using a leaf blower is an option to remove leaves and dirt on the roof. Better yet, engage the services of professionals to safely clean the roof.

Trees pose a problem too when they are allowed to grow high where their branches could scrape and damage the roof. Fallen leaves and branches could block gutters and downspouts as well.

The roof is an integral part of your house. It performs a vital function by keeping the elements out of the home’s interior and protecting everything inside. Being constantly exposed to harsh weather, your Orange County roofing will deteriorate in time and need repairs or replacement. Detecting early signs of roof going bad will enable you to fix it, prevent further damage and spending more money.

Here are the most common signs of a problematic Orange County roofing:

1. Uneven or Damaged Shingles

Conduct a visual inspection and look at the shingles on your roof. Do they look flat or uneven? If they look like the latter, it may indicate damaged shingles that need to be replaced. Inspecting your roof after a storm or severe weather condition is advisable. Shingles may be damaged from strong winds, snow or hail. Delaying the repair of your roof could lead to serious damage later and cost you more.

2. Higher Electric Bills

We use power to cool our homes during the hot summer months and to heat them during the cold winter months. A good roofing system helps insulate your home against drastic temperature fluctuations by maintaining relatively uniform temperatures inside. If you suddenly find your monthly electric bills going up without your having bought or use new appliances or equipment that could explain the increase in power consumption, you might be losing cold or heat through your roof.

3. Spots on Ceilings and Walls

Water leak on the roof is the usual culprit when you see spots on these areas. Molds grow on damp places and indicate the something is wrong with your roof. Mold may also be caused by poor ventilation or damaged shingles. A professional is the best person to determine the problem.

4. Cracked or Peeled Paint

Paint is a good indicator of the roof’s condition. A cracked or peeled paint on the exterior or underside may indicate rust or other issues with the roof. An inadequate or impaired attic ventilation is one of the common causes of peeling paint.

5. Old Roofs

Roofs are built to last for decades depending on the material type used for the roof. Metal roofs generally last longer but cost more. If your roof has been protecting your home for years and has reached its estimated service life, it may be time to consider making a replacement. A proactive approach to roof maintenance means checking your roof and replacing parts before a real problem arises. Proactive maintenance could save you money in the long run.

These early warning signs of a roof going bad should alert you to take remedial actions to prevent further roof deterioration.

A leaky roof is a common problem. Each one of us has experienced it to varying degrees in our lives. In fact, roof leak is one of the most common problems for houses and buildings.

Leaky roofs occur because of different causes. Sometimes all it takes is a simple visual inspection of your roof to identify the cause; at other times, you have to call the services of a professional roofer just to determine the source of the problem.

To help you easily identify the causes of the problem, we listed below its six most common causes to make your roof leak detection easier:

1. Clogged Gutters

You can easily verify if your gutter is clogged when it is raining, and no water is trickling out of the downspout. Leaves, dirt and debris are the most common culprits of a clogged gutter. Regular inspection and maintenance cleaning will prevent this from happening.

2. Damaged Shingles

Shingles eventually degrade through time and constant exposure to harsh elements. The time will come when they finally crack, erode, sustain damage or be blown off the roof. Identifying broken or missing shingles is easy though since they are the exterior layer of the roof and can easily be seen.

3. Damaged Skylights

Skylights enhance the aesthetic appeal of your house and allow sunlight to penetrate the interior of the house for more natural lighting. They are, however, a common cause of leaks due to improper installation or damage sustained over time. Observing a regular maintenance schedule helps prevent this problem.

4. Cracked Flashing

Flashing is used to provide water protection to the roof and usually placed on joints, seams and other transition points. Since flashing is made of metal, it is susceptible to corrosion, rust, dent and bending from strong winds, accidental bumping or shift in structure. Damaged flashing could lead to tricky water leaks that only professional contractors could identify and repair.

5. Cracked Chimneys

One of the places first inspected for leaks are chimneys. Whether your chimney is made from brick, stone or metal, the material deteriorates with time and could sustain cracks, corrosion or swelling making it susceptible to water leaks.

6. Ventilation and Plumbing Leaks

Some houses have their plumbing and ventilation systems run through their roofs. While this is not advisable, it is a fact that many houses have such setup. If you experience a leak on your roof, and you have hoses and pipes used for plumbing and ventilation situated near it, the likely cause of the leak is from the ventilation or plumbing system.

One of the most irritating problems homeowners encounter in the maintenance of their homes is roof leak. Unlike other problems that are plainly visible through inspection and easily repaired such as damaged windows—where you only have to replace the broken parts—roof leak requires you to first locate the source before you could fix it.

As if locating the leak source is not difficult enough, finding a product that actually works in patching the leak is another problem faced by most DIY practitioners.

Practically every homeowner had experienced using a product specifically designed to stop leaks that did not exactly perform as they were expected to. These could be paints, adhesives, membranes or sealants that were supposed to prevent roof leaks.

Sashco Through the Roof Sealant

If you are tired of experimenting with these products and wasting your money, we suggest you give Sashco Through the Roof sealant a try. It permanently fixes persistent water leaks to keep rain and water out of your house.

This metal roof sealant has been proven to last 20 times longer than asphalt, giving you valuable returns for your money. The price itself is very reasonable at $50.12 per gallon container.

The sealant is ultra-clear when you first use it from the can and stay clear over time. For those who hate seeing yellowish tint on the roof, under the gutter and downspout, this product is right for you.

The advantage of the metal roof sealant over similar products is shown by its superior elasticity that enables it to flex with changes in temperature and wind condition. That means the sealant stays put and will not crack or loosen when exposed to extreme elements.

Sealant Sticks on Wet Surfaces

One of the most remarkable characteristics of Through the Roof is that it can be applied even when it is raining and the roof is wet. The sealant sticks to wet surfaces, allowing you to fix leaks on the spot.

The sealant adheres to different kinds of roofing materials including metals (steel, aluminum and brass), plastics (PVC, urethane, polycarbonate, acrylic Sheet and nylon) and other surfaces (asphalt, brick, concrete, stone, wood, glass and porcelain).

With its strong adhesion to surfaces, Through the Roof is suitable for use on the most common roofing fixtures and materials such as gutters, chimneys, skylights, shingles, vents, flashing and even rubber roof membranes.

If you have to continue roofing work the next day, you can just leave Through the Roof sealant in your unheated garage without worrying about freezing. Take it out the next day and it is ready to use.

Roofs may be constructed from different materials, including metal, wood, clay, shingle and concrete tiles. Whatever your roof type is, the formation of algae, moss and fungus on your roof is unavoidable.

Since moss and algae need water to multiply, places with more rainfall and humidity have higher infestation of these unwanted roof guests. Large trees that produce shade on the roof could advance the growth of moss and algae since water and dew on the covered areas tend to evaporate slower because of their lesser exposure to sunlight.

Different solutions are available for the homeowner affected by these unsightly growths on their roofs. One effective method of preventing moss and algae from growing on the roof is through the installation of a zinc or copper strip just under the ridge of the roof.

One such roofing repair product preferred by buyers is the Roto Metals Zinc Armor zinc roll. It is available in a three-inch wide roll that is 50 feet long. Its manufacturer claims that it prevents the formation of moss, algae, fungus, lichen and mildew on the roof by inhibiting their growth. The product is said to be effective for up to 20 years.

Distinguishing Features of Zinc Armor

These are the great features of Roto Metals Zinc Armor:

• It can be used on practically any type of roof, which include wood, concrete, metal, asphalt shingles and tiles.
• It can also be used on other areas of the roof where the growth of moss and algae can occur.
• Ideal for both professional and do-it-yourself roofer because it is easy to install. Just put the Zinc Armor along the entire length of the roof ridge.
• It is safer compared to other products such as chemical moss control.
• Cost-effective as against repairing or replacing your roof. It lasts longer than traditional moss, fungus and algae killing methods.
• Environmentally-friendly and is not harmful to human, animals and plants.

Positive Customer Review

Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly encouraging. Positive comments about Zinc Armor and suggestions to further improve effectiveness of the product include:

• The product is easy to use. A two-person crew can do the job.
• Moss problem has not returned after using the product.
• Zinc Armor is better than other solutions because it is maintenance-free since you only have to install the zinc strip once, and it will do its work for years.
• Prevents moss from growing on new roof.
• Customers suggest carefully following the instructions, particularly nail intervals.

With so many products to choose from when it comes to roof repair, homeowners are sometimes confused which ones are effective and which ones are not. There are also products suited for specific types of roof while others are more versatile because they can be used for a wide variety of roofing materials.

UBW425 Quick Roof Ultra Bond

In this article, we examine one of the better-known products in the market that claims not only to patch up your roof and effectively stop leaks but to do its work quickly and without fuss. This is the Cofair UBW425 Quick Roof Ultra Bond with Steel-Loc Adhesive.

Quick Roof Ultra Bond is available as a roll type adhesive that is marketed to permanently repair leaks on different roofing materials, including EPDM, metal, PVC, modified asphalt, wood, tile, TPO, vinyl and fiberglass. The product is self-adhesive and may be applied to damp or even wet surfaces.

What the Product Says

Its manufacturer guarantees the product will not crack, shrink or harden when properly applied. Quick Roof Ultra Bond may be used not only on cracked and leaky roofs but also on other parts of the house such as flashings, gutters and skylights. In fact, because of its form—an adhesive roll—it may also be used on mobile homes and RVs, trucks and trailers, tarps and garden sheds.

What the Customers Say

Most customers who bought the UBW425 Quick Roof Ultra Bond are satisfied with its performance. They particularly praised the adhesive strength of the product to stick to the surface. People who bought it used the product to repair different surfaces, including car trailers, asphalt roof, RV roof and rubber membrane flat roof.

Another positive quality of the product that customers rave about is the convenience and ease in which it can be used. Most customers were literally surprised how easy it was to use the adhesive tape.

Quick Roof Ultra Bond was used on different surfaces and under various circumstances. Some cleaned first the old materials used on the roof before using the product. Others applied additional liquid sealers on top of the adhesive. One customer used it on joints between the roof and metal flashings. Its positive performance was overwhelmingly recognized after customers noted the absence of leaks after heavy rains.

Some users suggest additional steps to further improve the performance of the product:

• Apply a primer first over the surface before using Quick Roof Ultra. The stick factor is apparently increased by the primer.
• Cut the tape in manageable lengths, especially if you are working alone since it could twist up and become unusable.
• Use a roller to flatten the tape and improve its adhesion process.

Cracks in concrete are fairly common in the construction industry and sometimes unavoidable. There are as many causes of concrete cracks as there are methods to repair or prevent them. Each type of crack has to be addressed and handled individually.

The owners need only to understand that not all cracks affect the structural integrity of the roof and the building, although they may be visually unappealing. In these instances, the owners could address the issue on their own using commercially-available products.

The Black Jack All Weather Roof Cement

One of the most widely-used roofing repair products is the Gardner Gibson 6230-9-34 Black Jack All Weather Roof Cement.

Black Jack is an asphalt-based patching compound designed to fix cracks, holes and seams in roofing materials. It effectively seals cracks and holes and creates a waterproof protective layer on top. The all-weather cement is used by applying it on the roof around chimneys, vents, skylights, exhaust pipes and valley.

Features of the 6230-9-34 Black Jack

Black Jack’s versatility is proven by its suitability for new construction such as setting flashings, roof material edges and drip edges. Its applications extend to being used as underground damp proofer and water proofer. A gallon of Black Jack roof cement can cover a roof area of 12 square feet when applied around 1/8-inch thick. For small and narrow cracks, just apply the product over the surface and force the cement between the cracks while trowelling. For repairing cracks on a larger area, supplementing with a strip of reinforcing fabric is recommended to improve the effectiveness of the product.

After application on the roof, the cement gradually stiffens up and cures through time for that weatherproof coat. Since a can of Black Jack covers a relatively large area of the roof, you just have to reseal the can tightly after each session to preserve its consistency for future application.

This all-weather roof cement cannot be painted or used with brush but applied on the surface using a trowel.

Positive Customer Feedback

Customer feedback consistently found the product to work as marketed. Those who bought and tried Black Jack note that it has the right consistency out of the can for easy trowelling. Others though had to immerse the can in hot water for around 30 minutes to warm the cement before applying it on the roof using a trowel.

The mixture does not drip run while being applied, therefore avoiding a messy experience during application.

Gaskets play an important role in a mechanical assembly. They act primarily as the seal between two attached parts so that no leak occurs between them. To function as they are designed to, gaskets must produce an initial seal and maintain this seal over a period of time. Once the time comes, they must also be easily removed and replaced.

Gasket Materials

Gaskets are usually made from flexible and soft materials such as rubber and often utilized as seals to prevent leaks in pipes. They have other purposes, however, such as dampening vibrations and as mounting.

Rubber gaskets are preferred because they are soft and have inherent properties based on the kind of materials used. One of the most popular types of rubber gasket is EPDM gasket because of its desirable qualities.

EPDM Gasket

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic elastomer rubber with a wide range of industrial and commercial uses. This substance is used for seals (in those times when silicon is unwanted), electrical insulation, solar panels, belts, tubing, radiators, garden hose, washers and electrical insulation.

Qualities of EPDM Gasket

Its main properties include its exceptional resistance to heat, ozone and weather. The product is also well-known for its electrical insulating properties and resistance to ordinary diluted acids, alkaline and ketones.

EPDM gasket is, in fact, one of the most widely-used sealants for its superior performance even in extreme weather conditions. It maintains stability at temperatures range of -50°C to 150°C.

The product does not leave stains on PVC window frames.

It is compatible with hot and cold water and fireproof hydraulic fluids.

Compared to gaskets manufactured from different materials, EPDM gasket is resistant to extreme weather, ageing, wear, oxygen, ozone and UV light. That is why it is ideal for exposed applications.

Common Uses and Application

EPDM gasket’s most common use is in the automotive industry where they are widely applied in automobiles as window seals, trunk seals, door seals and hood seals.

It is also a popular choice among contractors and roofers as roofing membrane. A desirable quality of the product is that it does not contaminate rainwater, an ideal situation for rainwater harvesting.

EPDM granules are combined with polyurethane binders and sprayed on asphalt, concrete, wood, bricks to produce soft and non-slip safety surface for wet areas such as pool decks.

Another useful application of the product is its use as safety surface for playground equipment to lessen injuries from falls.