Roofing

Common Home Defects All Buyers and Sellers Should Be Aware Of

Whether you’re buying or selling your home, or simply staying put, you should beware of these common problems that can cause headaches for years to come. Home defects come in all shapes and sizes. From structural problems to air flow and ventilation issues, a lot of things can go wrong with your home.

Poor Drainage
Poor drainage is the most common problem found by home inspectors. To improve your drainage, you may have to install a new system of eaves, troughs and downspouts to better aim water away from the house. Inadequate drainage can be a devastating defect. Water can damage basements, garages and crawl spaces, compromising the foundation of the home and creating mold. Taking care of this issue is of dire importance, and buyers should avoid purchasing homes that may have drainage problems.

Rotted Wood
Another important defect to watch out for is rotted wood, both inside and outside the home. Wood that’s exposed to moisture rots over time. This can happen in bathrooms, including a tub surround, toilet seat, counter top, and flooring or even in the kitchen. These spots are especially vulnerable to moisture and should be protected with a special paint or finish. Don’t forget to check the exterior of the home, including the deck, eaves, and trim for signs of rotting.

Bad Roofing
Always be attentive to the roof’s structure. Damaged shingles or improperly installed flashing are severe warning signs that trouble lurks ahead. Check for leaky ceilings as a sign of a damaged roof. Repairing the roof is crucial in order to prevent further damage later. Although it may be an expensive repair, it’s always best to take care of it before it affects other parts of the home.

Inadequate Ventilation
Without proper ventilation, a build-up of moisture can attack a home’s interior walls and structural components. Ventilation fans are a good idea for bathrooms without windows, and opening all of the home’s windows during bouts of good weather also helps to keep the air moving. Make sure the attic is properly ventilated to ensure that the roof has a long and functional life. Proper attic ventilation allows the intense heat of the sun to escape from the attic space and promote evaporation of moisture that would otherwise damage interior walls and structural elements.

Time to Reroof: What Material to Choose

If it’s time to re-roof your home this spring, there are several things to consider in choosing the material you will use. Apart from building codes in your area, which may heavily impact your decision, you will need to consider both a variety of roofing materials and ease of installation.

Basic roof choices include:

Asphalt- These roofs, which come in many colors, are versatile and ‘architecturally correct’ in almost every region of the country.

Wood shakes and shingles- Generally made of cedar, this material was commonly used on older houses because it has an attractive, rustic appearance and is a natural insulator. Falling out of favor in recent decades as a fire hazard, it is regaining popularity as synthetic wood shingles now available offer the look of wood but with fire safety.

Clay tile- Common in Southwestern architecture, clay tile is available in traditional Spanish and Italian designs.

Slate- Unless you are replacing a slate roof on a historically authentic home, you will likely want to choose more lightweight composites made from stone and concrete.

Fiber cement- Durable and available in many textures and colors, fiber cement is sensible especially in areas near the ocean that must withstand salt air and wind but it is heavy and can be difficult to repair.

Other things to consider:

Ease of installation- Asphalt and wood are lightweight and easy to install and repair, although wood shakes must be laid over open planks. Clay, slate and fiber cement are heavy, requiring strong supports, and they are a bit more difficult to install.

Longevity- An asphalt roof should last 12-25 years, while wood shakes may last from 25-50 years. Synthetic wood roofs are expected to last from 30 to 50 years. Clay tile should last up to 50 years, slate between 50 and100 years, and fiber cement should give you 20 to 30 years of durability.

If you have questions about roofing or need a referral, give us a call today at 775-432-6300.

By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist

Tips for a Successful Roof Renovation

As the years go on and people grow older, so does your home. The changing of seasons and the weather that comes along with it can take a toll on your home, leaving its appearance less than desirable.

Your roof is one of the first things that visitors, neighbors and people passing by will see. If your roof has taken a beating and is in need of repair, don’t ignore the problem. Aside from adding beauty and curb appeal, the roof protects your home. It faces both everyday weather as well as the extreme climates. Keeping it up to date and maintained can save you from dealing with other problems inside your home later on.

As you begin your roof renovation, take the time to think about some of the decisions that come with putting new shingles on your roof, such as the method of installation and type of shingle. Your new roof should be appealing and durable for many years to come.

When making decisions on installing your new shingles, don’t just think about who you would like to do the job; think about how. Will you choose to install the new shingles over the old, known as overlaying, or strip all the old shingles off the roof before laying down new ones? Whichever you decide, make certain the shingle manufacturer’s application instructions are followed to ensure you have a properly installed roof.

If your roof is beyond repair and is in need of a total makeover, then consider removing your old shingles. Make sure you have made any necessary repairs to the roof deck underneath the old shingles and underlayment before the new roofing materials are installed.

Maybe you are just looking for a quick roof fix to add some new color to your house or repair some minor problems. If so, overlaying may be the best option. Overlaying takes away the time of ripping off the existing shingles, the hassle of finding a place to put them after they have been removed, and will save some money along the way as well. Leaving the existing shingles also creates a double layer of protection for your roof. Just remember that proper installation, according to the shingle manufacturer’s application instructions, is very important.

After deciding which method of installation is best for you, it is now time to decide the kind of shingle you will choose. Asphalt shingles are the most common form of roofing shingle used today in the United States. Unlike wood shake, slate, metal and tile shingles; asphalt shingles are a practical choice for most residential uses and relatively inexpensive.

Replacing your old roof is an excellent way to improve the condition and appearance of your home. Don’t be the house on the block that needs some work, improve your home with a new roof and be the center of attention at the next block party.

If you have roofing question or need a referral for a roofing company, we’ll be glad to assist you: 775-432-6300.

Source: www.tamko.com.

Get Your Roof Ready for Winter

As we head into the winter months, our homes first measure of protection against rain is the roof.

You can be proactive about your roof by checking for common issues. You might want to start off by checking the roof framing structure to make sure it is not compromised in any way. Visually scan the roof for any sagging or uneven areas. If you do see an area that looks uneven, this may mean damage to the roof deck below the shingles.

Inspect the gutter systems to make sure they are not clogged with branches, leaves, or other debris, especially if you have large trees surrounding your home. This is important to ensure that rain water has a way off of the roof. If the water is left standing on the roof, there is an increased likelihood of leaking.

You should also make sure that gutters are fastened properly and are tight and secure so that they don’t cause overflow and build-up or fall off the fascia board. Leaking water can end up causing damage not just to your roof, but to your interior walls, as well.

Checking the valleys of the roof is also a good idea to ensure that they are also free and clear of debris that can add weight to the roof and also act as a barrier to rain. Leaks frequently occur in the valleys so make sure they are well protected by a proper roofing system.

One of the most common causes for roofing leaks is due to problems with flashing. Flashing is the aluminum or metal material hat is used in roof to wall transitions over joints to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. Metal flashing should also be used around roof vents, pipes, skylights, and chimneys. Flashings can be loosened or torn by high winds and heavy rains, so inspect the areas annually.

Lastly, you should walk around to carefully inspect the shingles/tiles on the roof – look for curling edges in shingles, missing shingles or tiles or damage from birds, rodents, or squirrels.

You’re probably well advised not to actually get on your roof, especially if tile as you are likely to crack tiles as you move about on them.

If you do have concerns about your roof or would prefer to have a professional inspect your roof, let us know and we’ll put you in contact with a good roofing contractor.