October 2009 was a record setting month for rainfall in the Chicago area. With 19 days of heavy measurable rain during October, homeowners had a chance to put their roofs to the test. When Mother Nature acts out roofing systems can suffer the effects. Rain-water can build up in valleys and against chimneys forcing water to leak through the roof and causing serious structural damage to the home. Heavy rain damage can be prevented by performing a few routine inspections around your home. The following are the key areas to focus on prior to the rainy season in your area;
1. The Rooftop – This is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting the house and is considered the main component for keeping rainwater from entering the home. The construction of rooftops for best results should be pitched or sloped to direct water downwards and does not allow it to collect on the roof. Inspecting the entire rooftop for damaged shingles, cracks, and holes will assist in preventing further damage caused by heavy rain. If you find that your rooftop has developed holes or small cracks that will allow water to leak through or if you feel your rooftop is not pitched or sloped appropriately, Showalter Roofing Services would be happy to come out, take a look at your roof, and provide the best solution to your rooftop so you can prevent damage caused by heavy rainfall.
2. Chimney – The construction of the chimney should be sealed tightly together with no revealing gaps. A chimney cap may be a consideration to install to help prevent water from coming in through the chimney. Finally, inspect the seals and flashing of where the chimney is attached to the roof. If there are signs of damage, get it replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Some brickwork becomes porous over time allowing moisture to actually be absorbed into the brick causing leaks. This is especially true during several consecutive days of rain. Masonry sealant will solve this problem provided the brick and mortar are in good condition.
Remember, roof repairs can be dangerous, so if you have experienced damage to your roof during this fall rain and it is fairly severe, it is best to call in a professional roofing contractor such as Showalter Roofing Service to assess the damage and provide the necessary repairs.
One of the most important aspects of any roofing job is the clean-up process. As with any construction project there is always going to be debris of some sort to clean up and remove from the project site. Prior to every installation, our primary focus is protecting all the landscaping around the entire home. With the prestigious details of home landscaping these days, protecting their delicacies can be tricky and quite an involved process. In the past we have used plywood to protect the ground and flower beds from falling debris, as well as hanging tarps from the roof in order to funnel all the debris into one specific location.
Once the installation has been completed and all the major debris has been removed from the site, we will use mechanical equipment such as blowers to clear any remaining excess debris from the roof, gutters, ground, and landscaping areas. This includes blowing away from porches and patios potential debris that has strayed away from the tarps and plywood. Finally, we like to comb the entire lot of the home including all landscaping areas with a magnet to pick up all nails and other hazardous metal objects from the site. Our goal is to leave the premises the way that it was before the roofing project was started, if not better. If our customers do not notice anything on the ground or in the gutter than we know we have successfully completed the project.
Protecting the home and the landscaping is the key to an excellent roof installation!
Have you noticed that there is too much or too little draft coming through your chimney flue? Has there been an increase in your energy bills due to a drafty chimney? Maybe, you have found water damage around the path of your chimney? If so, than you may consider installing a chimney top or cap. Chimney caps are an inexpensive guard against many problems that might occur in relation to owning a chimney.
Standard caps are made from a number of different materials and serve multiple functions. Theses materials include steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. Most models feature side screening which keeps most birds and small animals out of the chimney. Some people use a chimney for a gas fireplace or a wood fireplace, some for a wood-burning stove. A chimney top serves as an access point to oxygen, protection from uncontrollable elements such as rain and wind, and a way to keep unwanted visitors out of the chimney flue.
Overtime, the chimney tops on your home may gradually form rust depending on the type of metal that was used during installation. This rust has the potential of running down the chase and leading to imperfections in your chimney as well as your roof. With over 25 years experience providing quality installation of architectural metals, Showalter Roofing and their trained staff of professionals can install a quality chimney top to your home.
Q: As the summer roofing season comes to a close many home owners are curious to ask, “What can I do in the fall to keep my roof healthy for the upcoming winter season?”
A: There are a few routine tasks that homeowners can do after all the leaves have fallen during the autumn season. The first thing to do is to inspect the roof and make sure the entire roof is clear of leaves. Second, clean out all of the fine branches that have found their way into the gutters. These branches can cause leaves to form barricades in the gutter, resulting in a build up of water in the gutters. Also, double check that the gutters are free and clear of any granules. There is the potential of granules to come loose or slide off, especially on a new roof that find their way into the gutters. Again, this will not allow water to flow freely and result in more build up of water throughout the gutters. Finally, the fall is an excellent time to check that all vents are secure and if any nails are loose and exposed from high wind gusts. With the winter months around the corner, the accumulation of snow on roofs can be tremendous at times, especially around the Chicagoland area. Loose vents and exposed nail open the possibility of water to build up and leak through the roof. A quick walk through to make sure vents, as well as shingles are properly secure will help to preserve your roof through the winter.
Q: Can Showalter Roofing Services provide schedule maintenance service checks for homeowners that might be cautious of going up onto their roofs?
A: Absolutely, not only does Showalter Roofing provide maintenance services on commercial roofs but for residential roofs as well. We would be happy to set up an appointment for us to come out and inspect your roof, clean out all the gutters, and ensure everything is properly secure for the upcoming winter season.
The breakdown of chimneys and other masonry walls are an indication of roof replacement. If water is coming in along the chimney wall or masonry wall it is either because the counterflashing is failing or the masonry itself is absorbing water.
This picture shows that the caulking has deteriorated to the point that it is actually missing and water can get behind the metal and enter your home. Deterioration can also occur on the concrete chimney cap which allows moisture to enter as well as weaken and destroy the entire masonry structure. By checking the caulking and maintaining the chimney with masonry sealant, the cost of repair or replacement are avoided.
October 2009 was a record setting month for rainfall in the Chicago area. With 19 days of heavy measurable rain during October, homeowners had a chance to put their roofs to the test. When Mother Nature acts out roofing systems can suffer the effects. Rain-water can build up in valleys and against chimneys forcing water to leak through the roof and causing serious structural damage to the home. Heavy rain damage can be prevented by performing a few routine inspections around your home. The following are the key areas to focus on prior to the rainy season in your area;
