The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
The roof is an essential part of your home. It protects the inside of the house from weather damage and also helps maintain the structural integrity of the building. Hence, as a responsible homeowner, you should handle your roof with utmost care because it determines the comfort and longevity of the home. Given this, you may want to know the common parts of the roof likely to develop complications to help you take the ideal measures to prevent them. Here are three roof areas to pay close attention to.
The Gutters and Downspouts
Many people do not view the gutters as part of their roof but rather as a necessary addition. However, these structures are integral to the function of the roofing system and the safety of the home's foundation. Hence, you must ensure your gutters are fit to handle the volume of water that runs down your roof when it rains. Additionally, the design should optimize water movement away from the house. With this in mind, the contractor will take measures to angle the downspout to eliminate the possibility of excessive moisture getting to your foundation.
The Flashing and Boot Vents
Roofing contractors will tell you that leaks are most likely to develop where there is a discontinuation in the roof material. Therefore, boot vents, chimneys, flashing, and other plumbing outlets can be a source of trouble without proper care. Hence, your roofing contractor will be extra careful when installing these parts. More so, they will ensure the best joinery processes to create a waterproof transition between the structures and the rest of the roof. Always remember that it is crucial to schedule immediate repairs if you have issues such as leaks with the existing boots, flashing, and other outlets.
The Fascia and Soffit
The fascia is a trim that runs around your roof and marks the edge of the roofing material. That said, most people think it is purely aesthetic, but it protects the inside of your home from harsh weather elements. Additionally, you will find the soffit under the eaves. It plays a role in enhancing architectural design, but this is not its primary function. You should know that fascia is critical to the ventilation of the attic. So, when these parts start falling apart, they leave the internal components they protect vulnerable. In other cases, they are a common cause of emergency roof repairs. Therefore, you should constantly inspect them and ensure they aren't developing complications.
These are parts of your roof most likely to develop complications. Always have a roofing contractor ready to assess these parts when you suspect damage. Timely roof repairs will ensure you contain the problem immediately and avert more roofing issues.