7 Problems Caused By Not Cleaning Your Roof Gutters

The gutter system is one of the most important parts of your roofing system. Unclean gutters can damage the entire house – from the roof to the foundation. Gutter cleaning is an important aspect of roof maintenance, and it helps prolong the lifespan of the roofing system. This article provides information on 7 problems caused by not cleaning your roof gutters.

Roof Damage

Standing water can cause roof damage in many ways. The shingles will come into contact with water due to clogged gutters and deteriorate sooner than the rest of the roof. Next, the roof deck becomes compromised. If you don’t address the problem immediately, the insulation will get wet and water will eventually get into your house. The end result is water damage to the ceilings and walls of your home.

Fascia & Soffits Damage

When your gutters are clogged with debris, the weight of standing water in the gutter system can damage the fascia and soffits. Cracks in these components will let water enter into your home and cause water damage.

Algae & Moss

Algae and moss grow in damp areas. Uncleaned gutters retain water over time and become the perfect place for algae and moss. In fact, algae and moss look unsightly and cause damage to parts of your roofing system in the long run. That’s why gutter cleaning is so important to prevent unnecessary damage to your roofing system. Coating your roof in an algae removing treatment on your roof before roof waterproofing it will lengthen its life span and the value of your property.

Foundation Damage

When the gutter system is dirty and clogged, water starts spilling from the edge of the gutters. The water will run down the walls, door & window frames, and down to the foundation of your home. When water is continuously absorbed into the foundation, it can lead to foundation cracks and buckling.

On the other hand, this phenomenon will cause your home to shift or sink over time. Foundation repair is quite expensive and time-consuming. You should prevent foundation damage by cleaning the gutter system at regular intervals.

Driveway Problems

Downspouts are crucial to moving water away from your home. When the gutter system is clogged, downspouts won’t do their job properly. Water will drain across the driveway as a result. The added weight of water flowing across your driveway will cause cracks as well as the driveway to heave when out of alignment. Once the water penetrates the driveway over time, water becomes solid during the colder temperatures and causes the cracks to open into gaping holes. Driveway repairs are quite expensive and could be avoided with periodical gutter cleaning.

Pest Infestations

Water collected in the gutter system will allow many different types of bugs and mosquitoes to breed. On the other hand, cockroaches and earwigs will settle down in water-clogged gutters and create so many health issues for your loved ones. You will need to spend money on pest control to solve the issue.

Mold & Mildew On Your Roof And Attic

Too much moisture on the roof offers a perfect condition for mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew will wreak havoc on your roof and the attic. Getting rid of mold and mildew is more expensive than cleaning your gutter system.


The aforementioned article provides information on 7 problems caused by not cleaning your roof gutters.

Warning Signs of Hiring an Unqualified Roofing Contractor

Once you need roofing work done on your home, suddenly everyone with a hammer and a ladder is an expert in roofing work. But not every well-intentioned DIY enthusiast is going to provide top-notch roofing work that will protect your most important investment. If you have recently had roofing work done on your home, or are considering the need for roofing work done on your home, you have come to the right place. Just like it is important to hire a qualified gas safe engineer, or a professional electrician, it is important to hire the correct roofing contractor.

In the following article, we will take a look at a few telltale signs of amateur roofing work. These small errors may seem harmless but can have a major effect on your home’s equity. Use these pointers to make sure you are getting the best possible roofing work for your home.

Mismatched Roofing Shingles

This is one of the most obvious errors. The roofing tiles on your home should all be uniform and a professional roofing contractor will have access to unlimited materials. This will ensure the tiles on your home are always the right size and shape and provide a clean and uniform look.

Improper Use Of Roofing Nails

The nails being used for roofing are essential to the function of your roofing materials and the quality of the installation work. These are used for securing the decking, but if they are not used properly insurance premiums can be avoided. If you note that nails are not properly barbed, are driven too deep, or are driven between decking sheets, the results can be premature roof degradation.

Reusing Drip Edge Flashing

Drip edge flashing should be replaced each time you will re-shingle the roof. This is an important piece of roofing material that prevents problems by directing water in a safe direction. It also keeps vermin from entering the attic. It also preserves the longevity of your roofing materials and your roofing investment.

Improper Installation of Underlayment

Underlayment is not readily seen, but its effects are very important. This layer of waterproofing is the last line of defense your roof has against the exterior elements. Typically, this is made of a synthetic or rubber material and waterproof or water-resistant depending on the specific needs of your home in your location.

Neglecting The Attic

It is very easy to slap some materials down onto the roof and call it a day. But if your contractor hasn’t taken the time to assess the conditions of the attic, you may be facing even more problems. Without proper ventilation, the moisture levels in your attic can rise considerably and can begin causing problems from the inside. One thing you will notice is a considerable spike in your regular energy expenses.

Hire a Certified Commercial Roofing Contractor in [city/state]

As you can see properly applying the roofing to your home is an essential task for prolonging the longevity of your roof and maximizing the value of your investment. Considering the importance of roofing work and the high cost of materials, we advise finding reliable contractors with many years of experience to handle this important task.

 

7 Signs It Is Time To Repair Your Roof’s Soffit And Fascia

Your roof is a complex system that consists of many components including the fascia and soffit boards. The fascia is a long, straight board located at the end of the rafters and helps prevent pests from infiltrating the underside of your roof. On the other hand, the soffit boards help prevent wood rot and other forms of moisture damage by ventilating the roof. If the soffit and fascia of your roof are too worn or damaged, the roof becomes vulnerable to moisture damage.

There are many warning signs that it’s time to repair or replace the soffit and fascia of your roofing system. This article provides information on 7 important signs it’s time to repair or replace your roof’s soffit and fascia.

Flaking, Cracking, Or Peeling Paint

A fresh coat of paint helps protect the fascia & soffit boards from the elements in addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your roofing system. If you notice cracking, peeling, or flaking paint on the fascia or soffit boards, it’s time to repair or repaint the components.

In fact, peeling paint creates an opening for water to invade these components as well as the roofing system over time. Water and moisture will start the process of wood rot since fascia and soft boards are mostly made of wood. If the paint on the fascia and soft boards isn’t maintained, extensive roof repair or replacement may be the end result.

Loose Gutters

The gutter system is attached to the fascia board and depends on it for structural support. If you notice the gutter system pulling off from the roof, it might be due to a damaged fascia board. In fact, cracks and clogs in the gutters will affect the fascia and soffit’s ability to perform properly.

Pest Infestations

Pests can harm your roofing system more than any other issue. Bugs and rodents can easily enter your home due to a damaged fascia and soffit system. In fact, the soffit and fascia are considered your sword and shield to stop the invasion of pests. If the problem recurs, you should consider replacing the fascia and soffit boards of your roofing system.

Ventilation Issues

The fascia and soffits help keep fresh air rotating through the attic of your home. Ventilation is important to prevent the accumulation of water and moisture and maintain a cool and dry environment. It’s important for optimal roof performance over time. Keeping the fascia and soffit boards free of damage is important in this regard.

Moisture Infiltration

Make sure to visually inspect the roof at the edge where the fascia and soffit meet to identify moisture problems in your home. If there are patches of water leaks or discolored areas, you should take immediate action to prevent damage to the roofing system.

Obvious Signs Of Damage To The Fascia & Soffit

Take a look at the edges of your roof for obvious signs of damage to the fascia and soffit boards. If you notice any damage, you should immediately attend to the problem to prevent it from worsening.

There Are Traces Of Asbestos

Asbestos is harmful to your health. Asbestos is part of older fascia and soffit boards. If you notice asbestos in your soffits and fascia boards, call a local contractor to remedy the problem.

The aforementioned article provides information on 7 important signs it’s time to repair or replace your roof’s soffit and fascia.

Is It Better to Paint or Replace Aluminum Siding and Capping?.

Wood used to be the go-to siding material until aluminum was introduced in the 1940s. It took a short time before it became the preferred option for homeowners and builders across the country. There are many benefits of aluminum compared to other options like wood. Aluminum is considered lighter compared to wood and this makes it easier to install. It also has lower maintenance because you don’t have to clean and repaint it regularly which lowers the cost. The paint is baked on aluminum to make it last for long before getting repainted.

The dominance of aluminum did not last for long because vinyl started to become popular. It was the preferred choice for most because it is lower maintenance and cheaper. People who have homes that have aluminum siding have to decide whether to replace their siding or paint it.

Aluminum is considered to be low-maintenance, but there is maintenance still needed. It is hard to find something that doesn’t require maintenance at all. The paint tends to be chalky and fades after some time. You are going to notice this problem too. This is why many people have to choose between replacing the vinyl or repainting.

Replacing looks like the drastic option between the two. You have to spend more on replacing the siding in the short term. Most choose a painting because it is the cheaper and easier option. If you don’t have enough money to replace your siding, then you have to choose painting. If you plan on selling your home, then there is no need to replace it because it is going to cost you a lot. Just paint it and the new owner is going to handle the problem when it comes up in the future.

There are those who want to stay true to the heritage of the home and they want to retain the same design. If this is you, then it makes sense to paint the aluminium siding.

Painting

Paint tends to chalk and fade, but you can avoid this by preparing the siding properly so the paint adheres well. Painting is more than just opening a can of paint and brushing up the siding. It is best to leave the work to professionals since they have the experience needed.

If you want to do it yourself, then make sure you prep and clean the area before the brush touches the siding. You have to get rid of chalking. You have to do this before you paint the siding. You can find products that have been made for cleaning aluminum siding. Use it with an abrasive sponge or scrubbing brush.

It is better to hire a professional because they will do it fast and in the right way. You can easily mess up if you are not experienced and make things worse. Replacing is going to cost you more but it has its benefits. You have to look at your situation before you choose between the option. Either way, your siding is going to look great.