The roof is a crucial element of any building. When it is damaged, it can cause leaks and water damage that can ruin the interior of a house or business.

A professional can assess the condition of a roof and recommend repairs that will prevent future issues. Repairing a roof can be a complex project that requires special tools and knowledge. Visit https://www.bostonroofingco.com/ to learn more.

Re-roofing is one of the best ways to add value to your home, especially if your roof has been damaged by a storm. But re-roofing also isn’t an option for every roof, and it’s important to know when it’s appropriate to re-roof versus simply fixing the existing roof.

Re-roofing works best with roofing materials that lay flat, like composite asphalt shingles or clay tiles. You can nail shingles over these kinds of roofing materials without damaging them. However, you cannot re-roof with metal or a slate roof because nails would damage those materials. In addition, re-roofing is not an option if there are soggy or missing shingles in the roof. This is because the shingles will cover up any water damage underneath, which could lead to more serious issues.

To find out whether re-roofing is an option for your home, you need to have a professional look at it. They will walk on the roof and examine it from the ground, looking for any signs of leaking and checking if there are more than one layer of shingles. They will also check if the current shingles are deteriorating, and they will look for any water marks on beams inside the home.

If you decide to re-roof your home, it’s best to replace the entire roof if there’s significant water damage or deterioration. This way, you can be sure that your roof will protect the rest of your house from moisture and other problems for decades. Additionally, re-roofing doesn’t void material warranties, which is an advantage over patchwork.

When re-roofing, it’s important to follow the same guidelines as the original roofers did. For example, you should never use a flashing that’s not fixed with either nails or sealant. Nails will leak, but if you use sealant, it can encase the flashing and prevent water from seeping through. You can even use a layer of cement to encase the flashing. This can be applied anywhere that the original flashing was nailed, but you should avoid nailing it in any area that might be exposed to rain.

Flashing

Flashing is a layer of impervious material installed to prevent water penetration. It’s a key part of your roofing system and is placed at critical points where the roof meets walls, chimneys, dormers, vent pipes and windows or doors. Flashing is also important for areas around skylights and vents to keep rainwater away from the structure of your home.

The most common types of flashing are copper, galvanized steel or aluminum. The type you choose depends on the materials used in your roofing and the climate where you live. Copper is more expensive but is durable and has good corrosion resistance, while galvanized steel is more affordable but is prone to rusting.

Step Flashing is used at the corners of a roof where it meets a wall and consists of pieces that “step” up the wall, each one overlapping the shingle underneath it to create a weatherproof seal. It’s also often used at the bottom of a roof valley, which is a V-shaped area where two sloped areas meet and can be prone to leaks. Valley flashing can be a single piece of continuous flashing or several stepped pieces.

Other types of flashing include headwall and front wall flashing, which are installed at the top of a roof’s edge and are often used at the corners of a dormer or skylight. These flashings are usually made of a single piece of flashing that’s bent halfway or is two separate flashing pieces that are nailed together.

Continuous flashing, which is sometimes called apron flashing, is long and runs continuously along a joint in your roof. It’s typically sealed with waterproof cement or caulk to keep rainwater from penetrating your home. If you’re choosing a continuous flashing, make sure it has built-in expansion joints so it can shift and flex with your house as the seasons change. This is important because a continuous flashing can leak if it becomes damaged or warped. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect your flashing for signs of damage, like cracks or gaps in the seams. In some cases, you may need to replace the flashing.

Gutters

Gutters are long pipes, troughs or indentations along the leading edge of your roof that collect torrents of rainwater and direct them through downspouts to safe areas away from the foundation of your house. Without gutters, water could seep into your roof structure, walls and basement, causing wood rot, mold growth and deterioration of building materials. Gutters allow rainwater to flow off the roof instead, reducing moisture exposure that damages your paint and stain.

A properly functioning gutter system also prevents water from pooling in and around your home’s foundation, which can erode the soil and cause structural problems with your house. This will save you money in repair and renovation costs. Gutters will also prevent water damage to fascia boards, soffits and trim, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

Mold and mildew grow in damp warm areas, especially on wet flat surfaces such as window sills and bathroom walls. They often leave behind a musty smell, and if left unchecked, they can ruin your indoor air quality. Gutters prevent excess moisture and organic materials from accumulating on the sides of your home, which protects the siding, reduces mold and mildew growth and allows air to circulate freely.

Gutter systems are made of metal, usually aluminum. They are attached to the eave or under the shingles and come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes. Most gutters have downspout outlets that can be redirected into the ground or into rain barrels, which can be used for irrigation or watering plants.

The gutter is secured to the eave or fascia board by hangers that secure it in place. These hangers should be installed by a professional to ensure they’re sturdy and will last. Gutter hangers can be made from steel, galvanized steel, copper or galvalume (a combination of aluminum and zinc) and should be inspected regularly for corrosion.

Gutters are most often made from aluminum, which is less expensive than copper and comes in a wide range of colors. Copper can be out of the price range for many homeowners, and some people choose a copper-metallic option that gives the appearance of traditional copper but won’t patina.