Inspecting Your Home for Signs of a Roof Leak
Roof leaks can be difficult to spot because they often leave no obvious signs of damage, and by the time they do, the damage may be extensive. Plus, when there are obvious signs of a leak—like water stains—the leak may not be happening in that spot. There are a few steps homeowners can take to determine if they need roof repair services.
What to Look for Outside
A full roof inspection should be left to the pros, but certain damage can be spotted from the ground, like curling, cracked, torn, or missing shingles. If only a small portion of the roof is damaged, shingle repair services might do the trick. Extensive damage may require a full roof replacement. Leaks could also happen where gutters are filling with debris, decaying, or sagging, which can especially be a problem during Florida’s rainy season. Chimneys that are leaning or have damaged bricks also need to be checked by a professional for signs of leaks. A roofing professional can also check the roof’s flashing, cement, ridge vents, and other elements to ward off damage caused by water leaks.
What to Look for Inside
An indoor inspection is easier to perform, but there may still not be obvious signs of a leak. There may be peeling paint, signs of moisture, or brown, yellow, or grey stains on the walls and ceilings. Damp rafters in the attic are also a common sign of leakage. An increase in heating and cooling costs could also indicate a ventilation problem.
Preventing Leaks and Damage
The best way to prevent leaks and damage is to detect potential issues before they arise, and that’s why it’s so vital to schedule regular inspections with a professional. Taking early action to correct a small problem could save thousands of dollars on roof repair down the road, not to mention the cost of repairing damage to the walls, ceiling, and foundation of the home. Undetected leaks can also promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can exacerbate allergies, asthma, and breathing issues for everyone inside the home.
The professional roofers at ANC Roofing Inc. know how to spot signs of damage, and we can make the necessary roof repairs or complete replacement quickly for residents in Winter Garden and Orlando. If you notice any signs of a leak in your roof, call us at 407-654-4500 or contact us for a free estimate.
Maintenance Tips for Clay Tile Roofs
Clay tile is among today’s most popular styles of roofing. Under normal circumstances, an annual inspection and periodic maintenance are sufficient to keep clay roofing in excellent condition and free of leaks. Here are some tips for keeping clay roofing trouble-free and the home dry.
Schedule an Annual Inspection
Schedule a professional inspection of the roof every spring or fall. A qualified roofing contractor knows where to find the cracks, chips, bruising, and other distortions caused by rain, heat, wind, snow, and ice. Immediately replace any tiles that are cracked or leaking.
Combat Roof Algae
Clay tiles tend to attract algae. A low-pressure power washer and a mild solution of dish detergent and warm water will eliminate it, but never aim the spray directly at the tiles—water pressure can crack them. An appropriate sealant will discourage the accumulation of algae, dirt, and mold on the roof.
Limit the Threat of Routine Debris
In addition to algae, clay tile roofing is as vulnerable as any other roof to the natural accumulation of tree branches, leaves, grime, and other airborne debris. Too much of this rubble clogs gutters and backs up water that can leak through the roof and cascade from it, increasing the possibility of repairs in and outside the home. At this point, a qualified roofing contractor should be contacted for an evaluation.
Prevent Potential Calamities
Targeting and fixing small issues as they occur tends to avert repairs—even new roofing—in the future. In addition to periodically cleaning the gutters and downspouts, cover them with a layer of wire mesh to keep excessive debris from collecting. In the wake of heavy storms or rapid thaws, schedule a professional inspection of the underside of the roof from the attic to detect any stages of leaking.
For 24 years, ANC Roofing Inc. has provided Central Florida residents with reliable, quality services in all areas of roofing and repair. Our skilled roofing contractors are specialists in the maintenance, repair, and installation of all types of roofing. Please call us at 407-654-4500 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate.
Water Drainage Systems for Flat Roofs
Opportunities for a rooftop garden or more outdoor living space are among the most appealing characteristics of a flat roof. Accompanying a flat roof’s desirable aspects, however, are challenges that include roof repair and the efficient drainage of water from heavy rainfalls and storms. Here are the three most common drainage systems for a flat roof.
Gutters Are Easily Installed But Require Maintenance
Gutters are the easiest types of drain systems to purchase and install. They keep water from pouring off the roof, protect window openings and doorways, and prevent water from pooling and rising near the building’s foundation. Gutters require continuous cleaning throughout the year. They can collect leaves from overhanging tree branches, dirt, and debris that, when not removed, render gutters ineffective.
Inner Drains Are Protected From the Elements
Inner drains are installed in or near the middle of a home or building, then attached to pipes that drain water from the roof. Just make sure the roofing materials are correctly attached to the drains. Protected inside the roof and walls, the pipes are not threatened by freezing during winter months. A custom strainer can be made to prevent clogging, but even a slight amount of debris can block it. Keep in mind that inner drains usually require a professional technician for roof repair and maintenance.
Scuppers Can Increase Efficiency
Scuppers are openings in curbs or walls on the outer edges of a flat roof that allow water to drain away. When designed and installed correctly, scuppers form an effective, low-cost water drainage system that requires minimal maintenance. If the scuppers are sufficiently large or wide to handle their buildup, leaves and debris are blown off the roof or steered away from the building. Just be sure scupper runoff does not accumulate near the foundation or a wall.
Flat roofs are appealing for a wide range of architectural and lifestyle reasons. Many homes also have roofs with portions of flat areas, such as garages, porches, and balconies. The key to properly maintaining a flat roof is ensuring consistent water drainage and, if necessary, filing insurance claims when roof repair is required from heavy rainfall or storm damage.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Report?
Being a homeowner can include implementing many financial and preventative measures that aren’t always apparent. Getting a wind mitigation report is a simple way to ensure that a home can withstand the test of time physically and prevent unnecessary costs in the long run.
What Is Wind Mitigation?
To understand what a wind mitigation report is, it’s important first to understand wind mitigation. Wind mitigation is simply the process of adding certain features or developments to a home that make it more durable against long term wind damage. Some choices can be as simple as choosing between metal, shingle, or tile roofing. This process increases resistance to winds of very high speeds. Wind mitigation is particularly necessary for areas that receive frequent hurricanes or severe storms.
Breaking Down the Wind Mitigation Report
Since wind mitigation is so important to the structure of a home, roofing professionals offer wind mitigation reports. These reports are an assessment of how prepared a home is to withstand severe winds of high speeds. Although these reports are not required by insurance, even in Florida where we receive lots of hurricane damage, they are still highly recommended and can be a selling point in the sale of a home. They provide detailed notifications of problem areas and potential weak spots on a homeowner’s roof and foundation.
Benefits of Having A Wind Mitigation Report
Receiving a wind mitigation report is the best fool-proof way to know how prepared a home is to withstand the forces of nature. Particularly in target states, it is more beneficial to know for sure that a home is prepared than to risk long-term damages. These reports can lead to homeowners installing more secure preventative measures against high speed and damaging winds. These can range from water barriers to prevent against intense rain, window and door coverings such as shatterproof windows and storm shutters, and roof to foundation anchoring.
Receiving a wind mitigation report is a simple project that can pay off significantly in the long run by protecting a home against potential damage, thereby preventing costs on problems such as roof repair. To receive a free estimate for a roofing project or a mitigation report, contact the professionals at ANC Roofing Inc. today by calling 407-654-4500.
Understanding Material Vs. Labor Warranties for Roofs
From renovating an existing house to brand new construction, a new roof is a big purchase. A roof warranty can help a homeowner feel secure that their purchase will last. While homeowners often focus on how long the roof’s warranty lasts, it’s just as important to know what, exactly, is covered.
Material Warranty
A material warranty, also known as a manufacturer’s warranty, usually covers only the materials used to build the roof. Materials-only warranties typically cost less than a full-system warranty, but they just cover the roof membrane and do not cover flashing, edging, or other parts of the roof. They will also usually only cover the cost of repair or credit towards replacement in the case of a defect or early deterioration of the materials. This may be a good option for a family with budget considerations, but it will be less cost-effective if major roofing repairs are needed.
Labor Warranty
A labor warranty is offered by the installers of the roof and covers the labor costs associated with repairing a defect in the roofing materials. It is often confused with a roof workmanship warranty, which covers mistakes made by laborers during installation; however, a labor warranty typically does not cover installation errors.
Full-System Warranty
In a full-system warranty, all parts of the roof are covered in the event of leaks, including the flashing, insulation, adhesives, and more. The labor costs associated with repairs are also usually covered. Although a full-system warranty is the most expensive, it can pay for itself if extensive repairs are needed. Of course, every warranty is different, so homeowners should be sure to read the paperwork thoroughly.
Purchase a Warranty From ANC Roofing Inc.
At ANC Roofing Inc., we believe in providing a full-service roofing experience to our customers throughout Winter Garden and Orlando. When you purchase a Lifetime Roof Warranty from us, you are purchasing peace of mind for as long as you have your home. For your free estimate, call us today at (407) 654-4500 or contact us online.