Managing Roofing Problems & Re-Roofs in Cambridge

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, 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 shingles. 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.

Roof
Maintenance

Roof maintenance is often forgotten or ignored until a leak appears or the owner's insurance company recommends action. Some homeowners believe that to shingle a roof, all you need to do is to buy some shingles and nail them on the roof. A great deal has changed in the shingling industry. Old shingles have to be removed, any rotten roof sheathing replaced, water shield, felt and flashing installed. At the same time, the peaks and valleys need to be completed and proper ventilation installed.

Deteriorating Shingles

These shingles show the effects of weathering and sun damage. Roof replacement prevents water damage and adds value to your home. Examine your shingles and check the eavestrough for tiny granules. The tiny granules provide weatherproofing and protection from ultraviolet rays. An obvious sign of roof trouble is missing shingles which allow water penetration and deck rotting. Curling and cracking indicate the loss of water resistance.

Water Damage

Out of site, 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.