Proper Roof Maintenance For Your Home

A roof system has many different elements that have the potential to leak. Skylights and chimneys are the worst for allowing water to enter your home. Other penetrations that exit your roof structure will also be an opportunity for a leak to begin. If you have a handy man who can re-caulk all penetrations each year, this would prevent most roof leaks.

Many homes have the old metal ridge vent installed onto their ridge lines. These ridge vents a notorious for leaking. Do not install this antiquated system onto your roof structure. If you have this system installed on your roof, it is best to remove the metal ridge vents and install new 12 inch square vents. No caulking or preventive maintenance will keep this system form leaking.

Soil pipes which are the ventilation system for your plumbing has the potential to leak. The boot covers around the PVC pipes dry out and crack which allows water to enter your home. Rubber gaskets and tar cement should keep this from happening. If you can afford the money, you can swap out the boot covers for as little as $7.00 dollars per pipe.

Chimneys are made from many different materials which is a major concern for the homeowner. Brick chimneys will need annual caulking of the flashing as well as waterproofing of the brick. Siding and wood chimneys will need caulking and painting every 3 years to prevent wood rot. Stucco chimneys will require a new coat of concrete every 6 to 7 years depending on the thickness of the mortar.

Debris in your valleys can cause severe roof leaks and cost you thousands in damages. A roof should be cleaned from leaves and limbs at least twice a year. A roof inspection of your valleys is in order as well. The valleys receive most of the water when it is raining and it is important to re-seal each seam each and every year.

Many homeowners have traditional skylights installed onto their roof structure. Over time the glass and metal frame become frail and brittle and they will begin to leak. You should replace your skylights every ten years whether they are leaking or not. Annual roof coatings at the base of the frame will prevent most roof leaks prior to the ten year time frame for replacement.

We are the preferred Atlanta Roofing Company for the metro and surrounding counties. Our services include free roof estimates and roof repairs.