The roof of your house is composed of many components that are responsible for protecting the inside of your home from all types of weather. Your roof should receive the same amount of care, or better, than any other part of your house. If you neglect your roof and do not inspect it on a regular basis then you will increase the chances of developing major and expensive problems (such as leaks), which can end up costing more than what it takes to actually take proper care of your roof. Here are some tips on how to take proper care of your roof.
Get Your Roof Inspected
Getting your roof inspected on a regular basis is one of the most important steps in keeping your roof in good condition. If you live in certain states, like Montana, there is an added bonus; hiring roofing solutions in Bozeman, MT is affordable. You should get your roof inspected at least once a year, during the fall after leaf season. This is because if leaves are allowed to pile up on your roof then they can block drainage and prevent proper airflow, leading to moisture problems in your roof.
Roof inspections will help you find small issues before they become major problems that cost thousands of dollars to fix. Like anything else, in-house maintenance leaks are not an easy fix! If you want to avoid paying high repair bills then make sure you take good care of your roof by inspecting it frequently and making any necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Your Roof Trusses
Trusses are large triangular sections that are made out of lumber and they are assembled together to make a very strong structure. The roof trusses will be attached to the walls at either end, between the walls, and under the roof decking. If your trusses do not have enough insulation or ventilation then water can get trapped inside them allowing for mold growth. This is very bad as it can cause health problems such as allergies and respiratory distress. Inspection: check that you don’t find any signs of rot or decay on any member of your trusses.
Rafters And Ceiling Joists
These two structures come in pairs and form the framework for flooring and ceiling joists (if you have cathedral ceilings). They should always be checked before starting other inspection procedures because you might need to repair them before moving on.
Rafters and ceiling joists can rot and develop mold, especially near the end where it is cut. They sometimes break due to water damage or heavy snow loads (especially if they were not installed correctly). During inspections check that all members of your rafters and ceiling joist are in good condition, no rotten wood or broken/split ends are present. If you find any problems then start repairing them immediately!
Your Roof Decking
The roof decking is the elevated portion of your roof above the trusses. It is usually made out of plywood panels but some homes have solid wood decks, which last longer but cost more to maintain. The reason for this being that plywood has multiple layers that are glued together to form a very strong surface, while solid wood can warp or crack.
Your Roof Ventilation Ducts And Vents
These ducts and vents play two roles in your roof: releasing moisture by letting air flow (this is important because if there isn’t enough ventilation then condensation will form inside the trusses) and helping keep the roof structure dry by venting warm moist air through them. For inspection, purposes check for signs of rot, rust, cracks, and leaks. All parts should be properly sealed with silicone caulk where necessary. If you find any part that is damaged then get it fixed right away! If water damage gets into your insulation then you might end up with mold problems which are very expensive to fix.
How To Seal Up Leaks
Once you have inspected your roof and found out any weak spots then it’s time to seal them up. First of all, however, you should remove any debris that might be blocking the area (grass, leaves, etc.) and let the surface dry up a bit before sealing it. Water-based products like asphalt emulsions sealants are best for this as they can penetrate deep into the wood. Make sure that your roof is almost completely dry before applying the sealant as well as make sure to apply several coats with enough drying time in between layers.
Your roof is very important as it keeps the elements out and provides ventilation. Because of this, you need to take good care of it by inspecting it frequently and making any necessary repairs as soon as possible (at first signs of damage). By doing this and applying some sealant whenever there are visible signs of leaks or cracks then your roof should last for a long time! Remember to have your roof inspected by a professional.
Published on Holr Magazine