Flat Roof Repairs

July 28, 2011Posted by Jay

 

Most people don’t look up at their roof often or even give their roof much thought until a problem starts, but at JW Roofing we are always looking up. Your roof does a lot for your home: it protects against rain, winds and ultraviolet light and keeps out the heat from the South Florida sun. Sometimes your tile, shingle or flat roof might have a problem that needs to be repaired. Let us help by fixing your roof. We can perform your yearly maintenance after repairing your roof to help prevent future problems. Knowing when to repair or replace your roof will save you money.

What type of roof do I have? Click on the image below that looks most like your roof type.

flat roof shingle roof tile roof

Above are examples of how Flat, Shingle and Tile Roofs should look.

 

There are several warning signs that your flat roof is reaching the end of its useful life.

 

Roof Repair Signs Inside the Home:
Brown spots on your ceiling are warning indicators that you are having moisture problems, and a roof leak might be the cause. It is very important to get the problem resolved quickly to prevent wood rot, and mold growth. Speaking of mold, if you see mold or mildew growing on your ceiling or walls, it is another indication of a moisture problem that should be taken care of immediately. Research shows that mold is very bad for the elderly and young children, and is thought to be the root cause of problems for some asthma sufferers. There are other signs of water intrusion inside the home including peeling wallpaper, cracked or peeling paint, and discoloration of wallboards.

Roof Replacement Signs Outside the Home:
In northern areas, it is common to get 20 plus years of life out of a basic flat roof. In South Florida, because of the heat and sun, 12 years is more common. However, with regular maintenance, the life of a roof can be extended. One of the disadvantages of the wonderful Miami weather is the extra wear that intense sun does to Miami roofs. In South Florida, basic roof maintenance should be prefromed on a flat roof every year.

Missing Granules:
As the capsheet ages and nears the end of their useful life, the granules start to come off as the asphalt in the shingle dries out. Once the material under the granules is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, it starts to break down at an accelerated pace because the granules no longer provide the UV protection. It is normal, however, for a new roof to lose a few excess granules.

The Attic:
Look in the building’s attic. If you see signs of wet insulation or discoloration of the wood decking, it could be a sign of an active leak. A qualified roof inspection will determine the best course of action if you notice any of these signs happening.

If you see any of the signs above, you may need a new roof. In Broward County or Miami-Dade County, please call JW Roofing at: (305) 825-4207

When to Repair Roof

July 28, 2011Posted by Daniel

 

When leaks are visible on the inside of the building, the leaks may have been ongoing for a while. Smaller leaks sometimes start on the outside of the building and they will leak for months or years before you start to see the problems inside the home. That's why it is so important to get the problem fixed as soon as you see evidence of leaks. Repairing a small roof problem can prevent significant damage to the decking, trusses and building. Repairing leaks quickly can extend the time before you need a new roof.

Get a professional

The picture above shows what not to do for a roof leak. The homeowner meant well when they tried to caulk the leaking roof inside of his attic. Unfortunately, this trapped the water against the truss and decking for years, and the small leak caused a lot of damage.