Barnett Roofing

Proper roof maintenance entails paying close attention to the roof’s most vulnerable areas, as this helps reduce the risk of unexpected failure. In today’s post, the roofing contractors at Barnett Roofing share a quick guide to caring for your roof’s most vulnerable parts.

Shingles

On a standard asphalt shingle roof, the outer layer is composed of the shingles. They form the primary layer of protection, which makes them vulnerable to damage caused by the elements. Signs of damage become apparent after the fact, which makes regular inspections an important part of your roof’s maintenance routine.

You can conduct visual inspections of your roof at least once a year, as well as after every severe weather event. Keep an eye out for signs like missing or damaged shingles and exposed parts of the underlayment, and have your roofer address these issues. The sooner roof repair is scheduled, the less repair work will be needed. Similar signs of damage may be found on other roofing types like metal and tile, and must be addressed with the same urgency.

Flashing

Flashing is the material that protects breaks in the roofing plane, including valley and roof edges, as well as anything that penetrates the roof such as the base of chimneys and vent pipes. High-speed winds can tear off flashing from the roof and leave the parts underneath exposed to moisture infiltration. Again, prompt inspections after severe weather events followed by prompt repairs can help prevent further damage to these parts of the roof.

Gutters

Gutters are often considered as separate systems, but they’re very much a part of the roof — after all, they catch all the rainwater runoff and protect the house foundations from damage. Trapped leaves, needles and debris can cause clogging, which can cause rainwater to flow into the roof edges. Overflowing water can also make its way to the house foundations, which can result in damage that requires extensive repairs. In addition to watching out for signs of damage and corrosion, regularly cleaning the gutters can dramatically reduce the risks of roofing damage. Additionally, consider investing in gutter protection systems, which are designed to keep solid matter away from the gutters and prevent clogging.

Barnett Roofing offers roof replacement and other roofing services. Give us a call at (865) 936-6959, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.