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Roof Tips

Maintenance
Energy Savings
Roof Safety
Wood Roofs
Shingles
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Maintenance

Roof Inspection

Now is the time to be checking out your roof to determine if it needs any repairs. You might have some problems over the winter months if some of your shingles have lost their surface granules, or there are broken pieces of shingle scattered about on the roof. Also, check for any cupped, curled or brittle shingles.
A quick check in the attic for leaks, might also help you decide how the roof is holding up.
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Roof Care

High winds, snow and ice can damage a roof. Check after heavy storms, and every spring for water stains in the attic and on the overhang. Repair or replace split or loose shingles.
Asphalt shingles, should be replaced when the mineral granules coating the top surface disappear and you see exposed black felt. Get a professional. You'll save in the long run.
Do not walk on the roof except when absolutely necessary. Inspect if from the edge. Check flashings (chimneys, vents, skylights, etc.)
If you install an antenna, be sure you caulk any holes you make.

Gutters and Downspouts

Prevent water from seeping through walls and damaging paint by checking to see that gutters are:
  • Sloping correctly so that water flows to the downspout.
  • Clear of leaves and debris.
  • In good repair and without holes

Gutter Cleanout

Take a few minutes on a nice autumn day, grab your ladder and cleanout those gutters of any leaves and sticks. You will save yourself from a messy water backup into your basement later this winter.


Plugging A Hole In The Gutter During Winter

I fixed the hole by using part of an old trick my father gave me. He was in the hardware business for 30 years. Chew some bubble gum for ten minutes. When it is pliable put it into the hole. It will harden quickly. In the warmer weather you can make a patch using roofing cement and an aluminum tape.



Energy Savings

Heat Loss through Insulation

Remember that heat radiating from bricks melt the snow faster from around your chimney. If you have other melting places on your roof, check the insulation. It may have fallen between your rafters or you might need additional insulation, since you definitely have some heat loss through your roof.




Roof Safety

Sliding Tips



Wood Roofs

Moss Growth

If you are having a good deal of moss growth on your wood roof, try nailing a zinc strip (97% pure zinc), to the edge of the roof ridge. As rainwater washes down the roof, it picks up some zinc from the strip , which inhibits the mosses growth. You might trim any overhang branches that are blocking out sunlight, also.


Shingles

Requirements

Shingles are not recommended with a pitch of less than 2” per foot.


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