June 2024 – Interlocking Driveways

If your roof isn’t in tip-top shape everything else in your home is on borrowed time. Every day that goes by with unchecked damage to your roof lets moisture into the structure, causing mold, mildew and other problems.

Look for staining, a musty smell, or other signs of moisture. Also inspect flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights. Visit https://www.fresnoroofingexperts.com/ to learn more.

The shingles that cover the roof are usually the first to show signs of wear. Look for bare patches, missing shingles, or discolored and wavy areas. The granules that protect the asphalt layer of the shingle from the sun’s UV rays and provide fire resistance may also start to erode or become dislodged. These granules may wash away in rainstorms or be carried by wind into gutters and downspouts, where they can clog them and lead to water leaks.

Shingles should be replaced when they are brittle, curled, or otherwise damaged. Ideally, replacement shingles should match the existing shingles in color and texture to maintain a consistent appearance. This is particularly important for a roof that is visible from the street.

Before starting to replace shingles, it is a good idea to gather a few basic supplies. First, check to see whether you have any old shingles in the garage or shed that can be used as replacements. If not, you can purchase a bundle of shingles at a home repair store for about $15 to $20 per square foot.

You will also need a pry bar, a hammer, and a utility knife. When working on the roof, be sure to use a secure ladder and have someone to help keep you steady as you work.

Before you begin replacing shingles, it is important to inspect the entire roof for damage. If you find a large area of damage, it may be better to remove all the shingles and replace them instead of trying to repair them individually. It is also important to make sure that the gutters are clear and that there is sufficient ventilation in the attic.

To remove a damaged shingle, slide a flat pry bar underneath the shingle and carefully lift it up to break the adhesive seal. Then, remove the nails from the shingle and the nail strip. Repeat this process until all of the damaged shingles are removed. If a shingle is cracked or torn but not fully broken, it can often be repaired simply by applying a thick bead of roofing sealant (about $4 for a 10-oz. tube) under the corner and weighing it down with a brick; leave it weighed down for 24 hours.

Flashing

Flashing is thin pieces of impervious material installed in the joints around penetrations like chimneys, skylights, roof vents, dormers, and wall openings to decrease water leakage into buildings. It’s important that flashing is installed correctly to prevent leaks and other problems, including rotting and mold growth.

If you notice the signs of roof flashing damage, don’t delay addressing them! The longer a leak goes untreated, the more serious (and costly) your roof repair will be.

A leaky roof puts your home at risk of water damage and can lead to a host of other issues, such as shingle deterioration, attic insulation degradation, wood rot, and structural issues. It can also create a damp atmosphere that encourages the growth of mold. If the moisture seeps into your attic, it can affect your home’s indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory illnesses and other health issues.

Flashing is a vital part of any roof, but it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. If you’re not familiar with the seven different types of roof flashing, here is what you need to know:

Step flashing is a type of roof flashing that overlaps in “steps” where a joint meets a vertical surface like a dormer or chimney. This method of flashing protects against leaks by directing water to the gutter, where it can drain properly.

Chimney flashing is used to seal the area around a chimney, and it’s typically fitted alongside the chimney base. Valley flashing is used in a similar fashion, but it’s designed to reinforce and redirect water away from the vulnerable v-shaped wedges that are found at roof intersections.

Drip edge flashing is a strip of metal that’s set along the edges of a wall to protect it from moisture ingress and direct water towards gutters. Through-wall flashing is embedded in walls to prevent water ingress or to direct any that has entered back outside. Cap flashing is used above windows and doors to prevent water from leaking into the home. Other types of flashing include base flashing and counter-flashing, which are both used to reinforce the bottom of a wall.

Built-up roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofing, or BUR, has been around for over 100 years and is one of the most widely used materials for low-slope or flat roofs. It is durable and cost-effective, making it a great choice for commercial buildings. It is also energy-efficient, reducing cooling costs. Unlike single-ply membranes, built-up roofing has more layers that help to prevent thermal transmission between the exterior and interior of the building. It also offers greater flexibility for mechanical systems, solar energy, vegetative (roof gardens) and other uses.

While it has many benefits, built-up roofing does have some drawbacks. For example, the multiple layers can add to the weight of a roof, which may require structural considerations when installing or replacing a built-up roof. Additionally, the use of petroleum-based materials can make a built-up roof less eco-friendly than some other roofing options.

The most significant disadvantage of a built-up roof is that it can leak, especially if the roofing system has been installed incorrectly or not maintained properly. The seams can degrade over time, leading to water infiltration, so it is important to have a professional inspect the roof on a regular basis.

Fortunately, a build-up roof can be repaired by replacing the damaged section of the roof with a new layer of ply sheets, felts or bitumen. In addition, a professional roofer can apply an elastomeric coating to the surface of a built-up roof. This will prevent water from seeping into the roof and protect it from future damage.

Built-up roofs are durable and long-lasting, but they do need some maintenance to keep them in good condition. For instance, a BUR roof should be inspected on a regular basis to identify and repair any problems before they become major issues. Then, a professional can seal the damaged areas to prevent further water infiltration and prolong the life of the roof. A well-maintained BUR roof can last for 20 or more years, so it is a good investment for commercial buildings. Consult with an experienced commercial roofing company to learn more about this roofing option.

Gutters

Gutters are a key component of any roofing system, but they’re often neglected. They funnel rainwater off your roof in a clean and organized manner, reducing the risk of water damage to your home’s interior. Moreover, they protect your foundation, basement, and crawl space from moisture. Gutters are also essential to prevent moss and mildew from growing on your roof and around the perimeter of your house, which can threaten your family’s health.

A gutter system consists of troughs attached to the edge of a building’s roofline to collect and discharge rainwater from the roof. Once the rainwater reaches the gutter, it flows through downspouts, which are angled away from the house’s structure and allow the water to dispense onto the ground or into an underground drainage system.

If a gutter is damaged, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible. Leaks in gutters can cause rot and other structural problems. The good news is that fixing gutter leaks isn’t difficult, especially if you catch them early. The first step is to remove any debris that has accumulated in the gutters. This can include leaves, twigs, and even dead animals. If you’re unable to remove these items, hire a professional to do it for you.

Once the gutters are free of debris, you can use roof and gutter repair tape to seal any leaking spots. This can be purchased at most home centers and hardware stores. Before applying the tape, scrape off any old tar or caulk, and wire-brush the metal thoroughly to create a clean surface. You should also consider replacing the gutter if it’s too old or rusty.

Clogged gutters can be a major problem for homeowners, and it’s usually best to have them cleaned twice a year. A professional roofer can handle the job quickly and safely, using a tall ladder to reach all areas of your gutters.

Another easy way to keep your gutters functioning well is to add a downspout extension. This can help prevent overflows, and it can reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning.

Water Intrusion

Stucco resists water well enough to stand up to most weather conditions, but consistent contact with moisture can eventually penetrate the stucco. This is especially true if the stucco has been installed incorrectly, which can lead to cracks and leaks. This is why regular inspections are important. Stucco repair specialists can help identify the sources of moisture and address them properly to prevent extensive damage.

Moisture intrusion is often caused by poorly installed flashing and sealant. This is particularly common around windows, doors, roof intersections, and utility penetrations like vents and electrical fixtures. This is why it’s important to inspect these areas regularly and caulk any gaps or cracks.

Water penetration can also occur if the stucco has been damaged, which allows moisture to seep in and cause damage to the underlying structure of the house. In these cases, it’s usually necessary to rebuild the exterior of the building. This can be costly, but it’s far better than the alternative — having the entire stucco wall collapse under its own weight.

If moisture is allowed to build up behind the stucco, it can rot the wooden beams that support the wall and other parts of the building. This can be extremely dangerous and should be dealt with immediately. If left unchecked, a wall that is not structurally sound can collapse without warning.

A waterproof barrier, or weather-resistant barrier (WRB) is essential to prevent water from leaking into the stucco and causing damage. This can be applied directly to the wall or over the framing, or it can be used in conjunction with a stucco system. Regardless of which method is chosen, the WRB should be applied according to manufacturer instructions and overlapped with any joints or seams.

There are a number of different tools that should be used for the inspection process, including a moisture meter and a thermal imaging camera. These will help identify any problem spots and allow the homeowner to evaluate repair options. Other items that should be included in the toolkit include a pry bar or chisel for stucco removal, a caulk gun, stucco mix, trowels, a new weather barrier and flashing, and personal protective equipment like gloves and safety goggles.

Do-It-Yourself Applications

Stucco is a durable exterior finish that can look great, but it can crack over time. These cracks are not just cosmetic, but they can allow water to enter the wall and cause damage that requires a stucco repair company. Fortunately, there are ways to patch these cracks and help them last.

Start by assessing the damage to your stucco. Look for signs that a crack is starting to form, such as a hairline or spider pattern in the wall. You might also notice a discoloration that is not the same shade as the rest of your stucco. This could mean that mold has started to grow inside of the waterproof layer, which is a sign of significant issues that will likely require professional help.

Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time to prepare the area for the repair. Cover any areas that might get dust or dirt on them while you’re chopping up the old stucco. Next, pull back the old metal lath from the non-damaged areas of the wall. This is important, because it will help to prevent moisture from getting behind the new stucco and rotting the wood beneath it. Once the old lath has been pulled back, cut a piece of new metal lath to fit over the hole in your wall and then tie it in place with metal ties.

You’ll then need to mix the stucco patching material according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It will be a combination of Portland cement and acrylic bonding agent. It is important to use the right mixture for your stucco, because too much water can make it too loose and unusable. If you need to add more water, do so gradually and keep mixing the concrete until it reaches the right consistency.

Once the patching is mixed, apply it to your walls using a mason’s trowel. It should be applied in a 1/4 inch thick layer over the crack. Then, use a rubber float to smooth out the patch and blend it into the existing texture of your stucco. When it dries, you can touch up the surface with paint if needed.

Reputable Companies

Stucco is a favored exterior finish for many Tucson homes, known for its beauty and durability. But, just like any other material, it can suffer damage over time. If left untreated, cracks in stucco can lead to water intrusion that weakens the structural integrity of a home or building. This could cause foundation problems and other expensive issues for homeowners. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot stucco damage and take action right away.

Professional stucco repair contractors specialize in fixing cracks and other damages to stucco finishes on homes and buildings. They bring a high level of expertise and knowledge of materials, helping to ensure long-lasting repairs. They can also diagnose and fix underlying problems that are not immediately visible, preventing future issues. They also often offer warranties, providing additional peace of mind for homeowners.

A good contractor should provide a detailed contract that includes an overview of the work to be done, the cost and timeline, and any warranty or guarantee details. This will help to protect homeowners from scams and other issues, and ensure that both parties have clear expectations. It’s also a good idea to choose a contractor that works in your area, as this will make it easier for them to evaluate the environment and understand any challenges that may arise.

Stucco is a highly durable and attractive exterior wall cladding system that can stand up to harsh weather conditions. It’s also a great choice for homeowners who want to increase energy efficiency in their homes. Its insulating properties can reduce energy costs by keeping the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can add up to substantial savings on a homeowner’s energy bills over time. In addition, the fire-resistant nature of stucco can save lives and property in the event of a fire. This makes it a smart investment that can pay for itself over time.

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