If you catch a roof problem early, repairs can be a cheaper and less messy option than replacing the entire roof. Look for dents in shingles, and decay around gutters and roof edges.
Check the flashing around vents for deterioration as well. These areas are prone to leaks. Replacing them with a new piece of flashing will keep water out and extend the life of your roof. Visit Website to learn more.
Built-up roofing is a popular choice for commercial properties due to its time-tested durability. It is also highly effective in protecting against a range of environmental threats, including water penetration and UV radiation. Typically, BUR roofs last 20 to 30 years, although they may have an even longer lifespan if maintained properly.
BUR is made of multiple layers of asphalt-saturated felt that are coated in waterproof tar and gravel, providing comprehensive protection for a building’s interiors and exteriors. These layers can be reinforced with insulation to enhance energy efficiency, reducing both heating and cooling costs. Moreover, the multiple layers of asphalt membranes offer superior waterproofing and UV protection. Lastly, the gravel layer provides excellent traction and resistance to foot traffic and heavy equipment, making it an ideal option for industrial buildings.
A BUR roof’s longevity depends on its regular maintenance and inspections. Addressing minor issues like open joints and blisters promptly is essential for extending the roof’s lifespan. Moreover, it is important to choose a tried and true roofing contractor for repairs on a BUR system to avoid costly consequences.
BUR systems are durable and incredibly cost-effective, making them a great choice for commercial property owners. They are also known for their fire resistance, which adds an extra layer of safety to a building’s interiors. Additionally, the granules on BUR roofs provide effective traction and help prevent accidents.
When it comes to repairing a BUR roof, it is crucial to understand that this is a complex project and requires expert installation. It is best to choose a reliable commercial roofing company with extensive experience in this type of work. This will ensure a seamless repair process and a long-lasting performance.
A reputable roofer will ensure that your BUR is installed correctly and meets all local and state requirements for your area. They will also offer guarantees and warranties to give you peace of mind that your investment is protected. In addition, they will use high-quality materials and ensure that all repairs are performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. A facility management software like Q Ware can help you schedule and track these repairs, ensuring that your roof is properly maintained and preventing future damage.
Shingles
The shingles on your roof are the outer protective layer that keeps water and debris out of your house. They are available in a wide variety of colors, materials and textures. They provide an attractive appearance to your home and are relatively low-cost. They also offer a high degree of wind-, sun- and hail-resistant protection. However, shingles are susceptible to damage from pests and moisture. Some common problems include holes, cracks and missing shingles.
The most obvious sign of a problem is water stains on the ceiling or walls. If the leak is significant, a professional should be called for inspection and repair. Persistent leaks or a sagging roof deck indicate more serious problems that might require a full replacement of the roofing system.
Leaks can sometimes be repaired with a tarp until you can make a permanent repair. You can prevent leaks by examining the flashing, which is thin metal sheeting that seals areas prone to leaks around vents, chimneys and other features on your roof. If the flashing is rusty, loose or missing, it needs to be re-nailed and sealed with roof cement.
It’s also important to inspect the vents on your roof, especially those that are exposed to the elements. Look for cracked housings on plastic vents or broken seams on metal ones. If the vents are leaking, they need to be replaced. Check the flashing around them as well and replace any that are loose or corroded.
Also, make sure that any metal support hardware for the vents is rust-resistant, such as aluminum or galvanized steel. If the metal isn’t rust-proof, it will eventually corrode, causing the screws to pull out or break.
It’s best to save old shingles when possible to avoid the cost of buying new ones and ending up with mismatched shingles. You can often use a heat gun to soften the shingle edges and nail holes to keep them down until you can get them replaced. If they are brittle or sagging, you can work them back down with caulk and/or roof cement.
Flashing
Flashing is a strip of metal that lies in the seams where different roofing materials meet. It is typically made from galvanized steel, and it prevents water from seeping into the joints where it could cause damage to the house. Roof flashing is especially important around chimneys, skylights and other roof penetrations. In shingle roofs, it is typically installed between the underlayment and the shingles. In other types of roofs, it may be installed on top of the panels.
A professional roofer will carefully install roof flashing so that it can last as long as the roof. However, flashing can sometimes be damaged by weather or by insects. Regular inspections can help to catch problems like cracks or rust before they become worse and allow water to infiltrate the home.
There are seven different types of flashing used on roofs. Roofers will choose the appropriate type for each location. For example, valley flashing is a type of flashing installed where two roof slopes meet. Drip edge flashing is positioned along the eaves and rakes of the roof to protect the fascia board from pests. Counter flashing is a sheet of metal that slides under a run of base flashing that is up a vertical surface. This prevents water from entering the gap between the roof deck and the fascia.
Wall flashing is a type of flashing that covers the seams at walls and roof penetrations. It is typically a metal sheet with a central opening that is shaped to fit a pipe or vent. Step flashing is a type of flashing used at walls and the eaves of the roof. It is shaped like an L and can be installed in copper to match the aesthetic of the house.
In addition to protecting the integrity of the roof, flashing also helps to insulate the attic. If the attic insulation is damaged by a leaky roof, it can lead to expensive problems in the house like mold and wood rot. When a homeowner notices that the flashing is damaged, they should contact a professional roofer for repair. The professional can also assess whether the flashing needs to be replaced altogether.
Gutters
Gutters are an integral part of any roof system that collects and redirects rainwater away from the home, preventing water damage. Without gutters, rainwater can accumulate on the roof’s surface and seep into the underlying layers, causing rot and compromising the integrity of the roof. Gutter systems also prevent soil erosion, minimize flooding, and protect fascia, soffit, and landscaping features. Having well-functioning gutters is essential for any home, so if you notice that yours are damaged or clogged, contact a roofing company for repair.
A gutter is a half-pipe that runs along the eave edges of the roof to collect and divert rainwater away from the house. It is sometimes called an eavestrough, but the terms are not interchangeable since one refers to a specific type of sloping on a roof while the other is used more generally.
The most important function of a gutter is to direct the flow of rainwater, which would otherwise fall on different parts of the structure and cause damage. In order to do this, the gutter must be properly sized and installed so that it can handle the volume of rainwater expected from a typical rainfall. Gutters should also be inspected regularly to ensure that all fasteners are tight and free of corrosion.
Lastly, the gutters should be free of leaves and other debris that can clog them and interfere with their proper functioning. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to problems with siding and even the foundation of the house. It’s a good idea to have your roofing contractor check the condition of your gutters and to clean them as needed, especially after a major storm.
Leaky gutters usually occur when flashing isn’t correctly applied to the fascia board. A professional roofer can correct this issue by popping the gutter loose and then installing 3 pieces of step flashing, which are tucked under the fascia board. This will stop leaks and prevent further damage to the soffit and roof deck. Leaks from ice dams can also be prevented by improving attic insulation and ventilation and by installing gutter-edge heating cables.
Lester Donovan 
Homer Cox