Managing Roofing Problems & Re-Roofs in Cambridge
A sturdy roof protects your home or business from the elements. It has to withstand strong winds, heavy downpours, snow and ice accumulation. Whether it’s a repair or installation, your roof needs to be properly maintained to protect your investment. Residential and commercial roofs can suffer from multiple roofing problems such as:
Re-Roofs
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The failure to fix minor problems
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Water pooling on the roof
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Failure of roof perimeters e.g., gravel stops
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Poor design choices
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Weathering and wind damage
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Lack of roof maintenance
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Water damage
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Flashing and drain problem
Does Your Roof Need Repair or Replacement?
Water leaks can damage the roof decking. Further problems indicating a repair or re-roofing may be necessary which could include one or more of the following:
Failure to Correct Minor Problems
The biggest cause of premature roof failure is the inability to locate and correct minor problems; the lower the roof slope, the greater the impact. Insufficient ventilation can markedly decrease the life of the roof. Also, ventilation will not solve the problem of water leaking into the attic.
Water
Pooling
Water collecting on roof can magnify UV rays and decrease the life of the roof, particularly for BUR and bituminous roofs. Root-top units without proper drainage can compound the problem.
Failure in Gravel Stops
The heat on the roof expands and contracts the metal and before long they develop cracks and come away from the base material where leaking develops. While easy to repair, they are often overlooked. Yearly inspections can spot this problem.
Poor Design Choices
This slope to flat roof transition will fail prematurely due to expansion and contraction of the material at the change in deck direction, causing membrane splits. In addition, incompatible roof materials, poor drainage, sagging structure and roof-on-roof designs can all contribute to premature roof failure.
Weathering & Wind Damage
The type of roofing material dictates the life of the product you have; the less organic the material, the longer the life. Damage to roofs can be caused by hail, air pollution and a salt-laden atmosphere. The greatest factor in prolonging a roof's life is adequate fastening of the roofing material to the deck and at the perimeter. High winds tend to loosen the roofing materials and no roof can withstand extreme winds and flying debris.
Water Damage
Out of sight, out of mind: Often the first indicator of a roof issue is water damage. This is particularly true for flat roofs, where it is easy to forget to check drains, to clean off plant residue and garbage from roof when it is not easily seen.
Flashing & Drain Problems
The function of flashing is to provide a watertight connection between the roof and projections. Many early roof leaks are the result of flashing problems and prompt repair will extend the roof's life. The drains provide for the removal of water as quickly as possible and should be inspected for blockages frequently.
A Look at a Few Re-Roof Projects
Built-Up Roofing
TPO
Modified Bitumen
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Get in touch with our roofers in Cambridge to learn more about our inspection services. You can contact us to schedule an appointment for inspection, maintenance and repair.
