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.

A blizzard is defined as a severe snowstorm accompanied by strong winds that last for several hours. The strength of the wind is what differentiates a snowstorm from a blizzard. A blizzard must have sustained winds of at least 35 mph for a prolonged period of time. This could really take a toll in your roofing Wichita, KS.

The snow dumped by a blizzard accumulates so fast that your entire roof will be covered by a thick coating of snow without you realizing it. By that time, you will be worrying whether your roof has the capacity to support that much snow. Attempting to shovel it off your roof could prove hazardous because of the risk of slipping and falling from the roof.

Preparation is the Key

The best protection against blizzard in your roofing Wichita, KS is preparation. Prepare your home both inside and out. To do so, pay attention to weather warnings on impending blizzard. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare your home against an oncoming onslaught of wind and snow.

A house’s first line of defense against bad weather is the roof. Since it absorbs all the force of the weather, it should be tough enough to withstand all the pounding of the wind and weight of snow and ice.

A fresh snow can add up to 20 pounds of weight per cubic feet. Partially thawed or refrozen snow adds as much as 60 pounds per cubic feet. Most roofs are, in fact, built to withstand this additional load. Homes located in snow-prone areas are fitted with roofs that can support even more weight.

Determine the combined weight of your roof in Wichita, KS and snow after a blizzard using these guidelines:

1. Freshly-fallen Snow

One foot of new snow weighs around 5 pounds per square foot on the roof. Assuming that your roof can handle up to 20 pounds per cubic feet, your roof can support up to four feet of snow before you start worrying about the load.

2. Old or Packed Snow

Packed or old snow about 3 to 5 inches thick is more or less equal to one foot of fresh snow. Your roof’s load limit will be at 2 feet thick of old or solid snow.

3. Ice

An inch thick of ice is roughly equivalent to a foot of fresh snow. The threshold limit for ice on the roof is around four inches.

Remember that the higher the pitch or slope of your roof, the lesser is the snow accumulation. Be wary if you have a flat roof because snow and ice buildup is imminent. Be always on the lookout for these load limits on your roof.

Accidents happen at work. They are sometimes unavoidable even if you observe utmost safety precautions. Roofing, in particular, is a hazardous job that exposes individuals to different risks, including falls, cuts, heat stroke and exhaustion. If injuries do occur, call medical assistance immediately and help the victim by applying first aid while waiting for help to arrive.

Below are the common injuries sustained from roof repair Houston accidents, and the steps that you can do while medical help is on the way.

1. Broken Bones

If the skin breaks and the bone protrudes, immediately stop the bleeding by applying pressure and control the swelling by applying ice packs. Look for any available strong and straight objects nearby and affix to the affected part to keep the limb immobile. Do not touch the bone pushing through the skin or attempt to set it back in place.

2. Minor Cuts

Clean the wound with water and soap to disinfect it and apply pressure with clean cloth or gauze. If no materials are available that could be used as dressing, thoroughly wash your hands and apply pressure to the wound using your fingers. Do not remove a blood-soaked bandage, simply apply a fresh one on top. For severe bleeding, raise the affected part above the heart level.

3. Head Injury

Make the victim lie down and ensure that breathing is not blocked. Place pillows or soft cloth under the head and shoulders and turn the head to one side. This will prevent accidental chocking while the victim awaits medical attention.

4. Heat Stroke

This condition is categorized as a medical emergency. Remove the victim from direct sunlight and into the shade. Putting the victim in an air-conditioned room is preferred. Apply ice or cold wet cloth on the armpits and neck area to cool the body. Never give water to a vomiting or non-alert individual.

5. Heat Exhaustion

Promptly get the victim out of heat and into a cool or air-conditioned room. Apply the cool compress, give the person a cold shower, spray water to cool the body temperature and give a cool sponge bath. If the victim is alert, give non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drink to rehydrate.

6. Puncture Wounds

Remove the object that caused the wound, if it is small and could be easily removed. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with clean cloth or gauze. Clean the wound with water and soap then apply antibiotic cream. Wrap the wound with sterile bandage or cloth to prevent dirt from getting in.

Wearing the right safety gear while doing construction work is important. You face the risk of injury if you are not properly attired for the task. Equipping yourself with the right outfit should substantially minimize if not completely eliminate some of the dangers associated with your work.

Choosing the right shoes while doing roofing work is important because you are working on an elevated area where falling to the ground and sustaining injuries are possible. A pair of shoes that will keep you securely on the roof will make roofing jobs easier and safer.

Special Shoes for Roofing Work

Using ordinary sneakers while doing roofing work is not recommended. Since roofers have to go up on the roof with heights exceeding several feet above the ground, you need to wear shoes that could protect you from dangerous falls by preventing accidental slips.

Qualities of a Good Pair of Roof Shoes

Good roofing shoes should be able to offer the following advantages to the wearer:

• Comfort to the feet
• Safety while working on the roof
• Prevent damage to the roof
• Extended stay on the roof

In selecting a good pair of roofing shoes, we recommend looking for these qualities before buying any product:

• Suitable for all types of weather by providing protection to the feet against both heat and cold
• Protected shoe lacing design against welding sparks
• High-quality rubber soles that afford superior grip and traction on roof surface
• Adaptability for use on different roofing materials and surfaces
• Insulation against electrical shocks

There are several roofing shoes and boots in the market that you can choose from if you are to engage in serious roofing work. Each one has its own distinct qualities and style. Among the more popular products are the following:

1. Cougar Paws

One of the most popular roofing shoes and boots are Cougar Paws. These shoes are designed specifically for roofers. They come with removable pads designed to prevent damage to roofing materials.

2. Timberland

Considered one of the best roofing shoes because of their toughness and ability to withstand demanding roof work. The thick rubber sole ensures gripping action on most roof surfaces.

3. Thorogood

These shoes are made from sturdy leather and maintain their looks even after grinding roof work. Designed to last through years of hard labor, these shoes also provide comfort to the wearer.

4. Red Wing

These shoes offer both comfort and protection to the feet. Durable leather materials are used to create the shoes so that it could withstand tough working conditions on the roof.

No one likes to have bats living under their roof, attic, ceiling or chimney. The chimneys on Atlanta roofing offer an ideal place for bats to roost because they feel safe from predators. Bats present several inconveniences for homeowners, foremost of which is that bats carry diseases that humans could contract. They also produce noise that is annoying to some people. Their droppings are not only messy and smelly but have the potential to transmit diseases.

If you have bats living in your chimney, you can follow these steps to eliminate and prevent them from staying there.

Step One

Check the damper and make sure that it is close. This will prevent bats from gaining entrance to your house and flying around, which is not a pleasant experience for your family.

Never start a fire on your chimney while the bats are inside. You will have to open the damper to start a fire. For some reasons, bats fly down to the bottom than to the top and therefore, get inside the house. Starting a fire could kill the bats too, which is not only cruel but could be illegal in some places. They may fly into small areas around the house such as those found on walls and attics as well.

Step Two

Identify entry points. Bats find their way into your chimney and attic through holes and openings. Once you do, install a one-way exclusion device over the openings. This device is designed to let bats fly out of the chimney but not back in.

Finding the entry points of bats on chimneys is not difficult. It is obviously the big hole at the top. However, this is not the only point that bats enter the chimney. They go in through gaps between the chimney and roof, or in other holes such as those caused by decays. A thorough inspection is therefore recommended if you are to identify all the entry and exit points of bats.

Step Three

Seal all openings that bats could get in the house, not just the chimney where they roost. For houses with loose trims or fascia, you can use either a sealant or steel bolt to eliminate the gaps. For tile roofs, both a sealant applied on cracks and gaps and netting laid over the roof will work.

Bat repellents and electronic sound devices are not recommended for preventing bats from going into your chimney and home. There is no evidence that these products are effective and actually drive bats away. The best method is still physically excluding bats from entering gaps and holes.

Working on the roof is not an easy task. The job requires balance, skill, concentration and absence of fear of heights. Accidents can happen at any time to anybody, which may result to serious injuries or loss of life. Below are some of the common roof repair Denver accidents that could occur at work.

1. Falls

Fall from high places is a common cause of accident for roofers. These invariably result to injuries and sometimes deaths. Working on a steep slope roofing accounts for more injuries from falls than those working on a low slope roofing.

A major contributor to falling accidents among roofers is the failure to observe a proper fall protection system. Accidents and fatigue also play important roles in falls from roofing work.

The nature of injuries sustained from falls vary depending upon the circumstances such as the height of elevation, the ground surface and parts of the body that hit the ground. The most common injuries sustained by roofers from falls are:

• Broken Bones

  Broken bones are the direct result of fall from a high place. As most professional roofers manage to land on their feet after accidentally falling, broken legs and ankles are very common.

• Back Injuries

  A fall can cause back injuries, particularly when the roofers fall and land on their backs. However, it is not the only cause of back injuries. Carrying heavy objects such as tool boxes, paint containers and ladders may also be the causes.

2. Heat Injuries

Working outdoors on the roof leaves many roofers susceptible to heat-related injuries such as heat stroke, exhaustion and sunburn. These are serious risks and should never be taken lightly by anyone working on the roof exposed to direct sunlight.

3. Repetitive Motion Injuries

Persons doing the same motion at work are apt to suffer from repetitive motion injuries. These include constant hammering of nails and cutting through steel objects with saws. The best known injury under this category is the Carpal Tunnel, which affects even those typing on their computers for several hours.

4. Puncture Wounds

This type of injury is very common in the construction industry where nails, screws and other sharp tools and implements are normally used. Usual culprits for sustaining these injuries are unknowingly stepping on nails, falling to upturned nails and careless use of hammers.

5. Equipment-Caused Injuries

. Roofers use dangerous tools and equipment when repairing roofs such as lifts, cranes, saw, hammer and nail guns. Negligence or improper use of these tools can cause severe injuries to roofers.

Critters are often found in ceilings, under the floor and seldom-used cabinets. One of the most unwanted inhabitants found in the ceilings of Atlanta roofing are rats, which pose both health and safety hazard. They are known to transmit diseases, including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever and plague. They also contaminate household food and water.

Wirings and house insulation are not safe from rodents, which gnaw on them, and therefore, expose your house to fire hazard. The best way to eliminate the danger posed by rodents is to prevent them from taking up residence in your ceiling. However, if critters have already migrated to your house and living under your roof, the ideal method to deal with them is through the use of traps.

Snap Traps

One of the most common methods employed by households to control rodent infestation are snap traps. Snap traps are very effective against roof rats and are recommended for indoor use. To attract rats into the trap, use food baits such as fruit, nuts and peanut butter. Place traps along paths usually travelled by rats. To catch roof rats, which prefer to travel off the ground, you can fix a trap along the horizontal pole of chain-link fences.

Glue Traps

These are made of either paper or vinyl and coated with thick adhesive on top. When rats walk over a glue trap, their feet get stuck to the glue rendering them immobile. Most of the time the struggling rat ends up having its face and body stuck to the adhesive, causing its death. These traps are scented with aromatic compounds to attract rodents.

Inspect the infested area and place the glue rats along the walls since rats prefer to travel near walls. Put the traps in those places where rodent activity is highest.

Electronic Traps

As the name implies, this type of trap electrocutes the rat that enters the box. These are battery-powered traps and disposable, so there is no need for you to remove the rat inside. The product is available to accommodate different rat and mice sizes. Because of its design, this type of trap is more expensive than the common snap trap.

General Trap Use Guidelines

Whatever type of trap you may be using, the number-one rule in using traps is to place plenty of them. Rat population is normally higher than your expectations, so you will be needing a lot more traps than anticipated. Position multiple traps to maximize area coverage and increase the chances of rats crossing over them. Since rats are suspicious of new objects, place unset traps to make them familiar to rats.

Critters living in the ceiling of your Tampa roofing will likely cause damage to your house. A more serious risk is the threat that they pose to the health of your family. There are several ways to keep your roof and ceiling free from rodents and other unwanted critters. We listed the most effective and mentioned those that are not proven to work.

Habitat Modification

Rats are found to be sensitive to changes in their environment. They could move elsewhere and do their activities in other areas by introducing modifications or changes in their habitat. One of the best ways to affect habitat modification is through general sanitation.

• Do not leave food in the open.
• Store garbage in rodent-proof plastic containers.
• Place materials properly.
• Remove food and water sources, including birdfeeders, pet foods and water. Rats require water source, especially during hot weather.

Roof rats travel from one house to another using branches, vines, fences and wires. Drastically reduce their mobility by eliminating these aerial pathways.

• Trim shrubs and bushes that they can use to hide.
• Remove ground plants that reach at least one foot high.
• Prune crowns of palm trees and remove dead leaves.
• Trim the branches so that they do not reach down to the ground.

Exclusion

One of the most effective methods to prevent rats from entering your house and residing in your ceiling is by blocking their points of entry to your home. This is called the exclusion method.

Rodents enter houses through every possible entrance such as an ill-fitting garage doors, utility wires that go through the building or through pipes. They can go through even small openings and easily climb through windows. You must seal all possible entry points to your house.

Seal any openings that might act as entry points for rats. Use copper or steel wool, concrete mortar and wire mesh to seal the opening. A metal flashing for wider openings may also be used. Closely examine your roof to look for possible holes.

Rat guards are effective in foiling rodents from climbing up trees and walls. They are made from metal sheets that are at least 18 to 24 inches wide. They prevent rats from climbing up because of their smooth metallic surface.

Ineffective Methods

Chemical repellants and electronic devices that employ lights, and sounds are not recommended methods to keep away critters from your roof. There is simply no evidence showing that these products, sold as animal repellants, are effective in keeping away critters from your ceiling.

One of the difficult parts in house construction is roofing. Unlike the flooring and walls where you can perform the work while staying on the ground, roofing requires you to go up the house in order to install roofing materials.

Risk of falling is ever present when you go up elevated places, more so when you are working on the roof of a partially-finished house. That is why strict observance of safety precautions is the number one rule while doing roof installation to prevent accidents that could cause injuries.

A roofer’s best friend while working on the roof is a ladder. This common but important tool assists workers to go up the roof and do their work. Just make sure that you are using ladders that meet the safety standards for the type of work you are doing. Also, use the right type of ladder since some ladders work best for particular jobs but not on others.

Among the different kinds of ladders, these are the best for roofing installation:

Step Ladders

This is the most common type of ladder used in the construction industry. They are shaped like an “A” and are self-supporting. This means that you do not have to lean them against the wall to be able to climb on it. If you are working on the edges or near the edges of the roof, step ladder is the best one to use. You can cover more areas of the roof since your ladder is not resting on the walls.

Extension Ladders

Unlike a step ladder, extension ladder needs to be leaned against the wall or other support to use. It consists of a “base” that is placed firmly on the ground and an extension part, called the “fly,” which is used to reach high places. The “fly” is a movable piece that retracts to the base when not in use. Roofers normally use this type of ladder in going up the roof from the sides because it can reach higher areas compared to the step ladder.

Roof Ladders

The ideal type of ladder when working on pitched roofs. This is actually a variation of the extension ladder, typified by a hook at the end. It has two wheels at the upper end designed to prevent damage to tiles or slates when pushed up the roof. Opposite the wheels is a hook that is used to fit over the side of the roof ridge to prevent the ladder from slipping down the pitched roof.

If you want your roof to last long and provide maximum protection to your mobile home for years to come, proper installation is a must as well as regular maintenance. Do-it-yourself mobile home roofing is practical and saves you money from installation costs. However, make sure that you follow the correct procedure in roof installation.

While installing roofs on your mobile homes, remember these practical and useful guides to ensure your safety and the best result from your work.

1. Working on the Roof

Walk near the edge of the roof when walking on the roof because that is usually the strongest area of the roof. For additional safety precaution, use a plywood or boardwalk when walking on the center of the roof.

2. Proper Use of Ladder

Ladder should be extended by at least three feet above the roof for convenience and safety. It is easier to get on and off the roof with the extra ladder protruding on the side of the roof serving as handhold. Secure the ladder with rope or other fastener to prevent accidental slippage while you are climbing.

3. Scaffolding for Convenience

Use a scaffolding instead of a ladder when you are installing foam closure strips or insulating the roof cavity on the edges of the roof. It may not be safe or convenient to use a ladder when doing this part of the work.

4. Wear Protective Gears

Protect yourself from dust and other fine materials when cleaning insulation. Blowing insulation produces dust that is harmful to the lungs and irritating to the eyes. Wear protective gears such as gloves and respirator to protect your health.

5. Preventing Fires

Avoid installing combustible materials within 2 inches of flue pipes. Mobile home flue pipes should have at least double or triple walls. Install extra metal pipe sleeve and metal collar at the ceiling or use noncombustible materials such as fiberglass to further contain the warm surface of flues.

6. Cleaning the Roof

Clean the roof before applying any sealant as the compound will not adhere properly to a dirty roof. Brush away any dirt, leaves or twigs that have settled on the roof. Once it is clean, look for cracks and holes and apply the sealant. Avoid walking on the roof while applying the sealant to ensure maximum adhesion. Use a ladder for those hard-to-reach areas.

7. Apply Sealant Twice

Double coatings are always better than one. Apply the sealant twice on the roof but allow the first layer to completely dry off before adding the second coating. Using a roller is preferable since you do not want to step on the roof while applying the sealant.