Because a home's vent stack contains combustible materials, it should never contact wood roof decking. It may be necessary to add a double-insulated sleeve on the stack, depending on local building and zoning codes. Consult a contractor or qualified HVAC technician.
Roof flashing is designed to keep wind-driven rain and other moisture from penetrating the seams on a roof down to the decking below the shingles. It is important to fix the flashing as soon as possible to avoid costly damage.
Whenever a roof is replaced, all of the flashing -- including that around a vent stack, for example -- should be reset to prevent future water damage to the roof or parts of the house directly under the roof.
Flat roofs should not be covered with standard three-tab shingles, which in this case will not prevent rain damage to the roof structure below. Such shingles only work on pitched roofs.
Rain can damage a roof in any number of ways, including through exposed roof nails. Such spots on a roof should be sealed with exterior water sealant.
Any kind of canvas patio awning must be pitched at a proper angle to properly drain water. Otherwise, water will pool near the center of the awning and wear out that section sooner than the rest of the awning. To fix, remove the awning, clean the soiled areas and reinstall at the proper angle.
When installing anything on a roof, such as a television antenna, it is important to seal around the opening to prevent rain water from entering the house.
Roof vents can deteriorate over time, weakening the seal and giving water an opportunity to enter the house. When this occurs, the vent, flashing and nearby shingles should be replaced without delay.
When the flashing around a roof vent deteriorates, it can allow water to seep into the attic. A qualified roofer should be called in to replace the flashing and repair any damage under the shingles.
A loose roof shingle is easy for a do-it-yourselfer to repair. If left unrepaired, however, more significant damage can occur, requiring the help of a qualified repair person.
Gravel applied to a flat roof effectively deflects damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. To avoid unnecessary roof repairs and prolong the roof's replacement, the roof should be inspected annually for spots that need additional gravel.
When a large roof span is built, it needs proper reinforcement or it will sag. In the case of a poorly reinforced roof, the homeowner should consult a structural engineer for a plan to fix the problem and a qualified contractor to do the work.
Many nesting birds find house gutters an attractive spot to build nests. Instead of just removing a nest from a gutter, however, consider relocating it to a safer location.
A damaged rain gutter should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible in order to avoid water damage around the foundation.
A poorly ventilated roof could look like this. While soffit vents are present, attic vents were not. For this size of house, two vents should be installed on the house and one on the garage.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage from high winds and bad weather. The key is reporting the claim as soon as possible. While repairs are pending, temporary measures to avoid further damage should be taken.
Because attics built up heat and moisture year-round, roof vents should never be covered, even during cold winter months.
Wright Realtors, Stockton Ca • Phone: 209-951-7521 • Return to Home Page