Is Your Roof Leaking? 5 Reasons for a Leaking Roof

There are multiple potential causes for why a roof may become compromised by leaks. Below you’ll find a few common reasons:

Damaged or Broken Shingles

Broken shingles should be easy to spot. Since the shingles used for a roof are of the same color, spotting missing or impaired shingles shouldn’t be too difficult. Be on the lookout for pieces of broken shingles and or parts of a roof which are exposed.

Cracked or Weakened Flashing

When shingles become impaired, water can seep behind flashing. Flashing is a piece of metal installed underneath shingles and joints to prevent water from entering vulnerable areas of a roof such as low points or the edges of vents and skylights. Flashing can become defective over time, with the tar substance used to secure it splitting or decaying due to icy winters and sweltering summers. In this case, flashing material can be penetrated by rainwater and or melted ice which will cause mold growth and or leaks.

Ice Dam Formation

Ice dams are formed when the buildup of heat inside a home melts snow on a roof. Changes in temperature and air pressure cause melted snow to refreeze once it gets to the edge of a roof. This can compromise the structural integrity of a home if the accrued ice dams are heavy enough. Additionally, water that pools in the ice dam can gradually seep behind shingles and potentially into a home.

Unsealed valleys

Water can also pool where two parts of a roof merge at a low point, otherwise known as a “valley.” If this valley isn’t sealed correctly, rainwater and melted ice can enter into a home. Also, as mentioned, different sealants can wear out and crack, leaving a home vulnerable to leakage.

Structurally Compromised Skylights

When noticing moisture around a skylight, it may mean that the skylight itself is compromised, or it can indicate issues with the flashing surrounding the skylight. This is a warning sign that the skylight itself may be impaired and or that a leak can come about around the skylight.

These issues are routinely identified and corrected by our team of experienced roofing professionals at TopLine Home Improvement. For the most reputable name in home improvement in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens, look no further than TopLine. We offer free roof inspections and estimates and can provide anything from minor repairs to a whole new roof. Call today at (718) 769-4555.

How to Increase Your Roof’s Lifespan

While some homeowners may not think about having their roof inspected, regular observance and maintenance is essential. You can extend the lifespan of a roof and obtain some peace of mind by taking some precautionary measures. Continue reading to learn more about maintaining your roof.

What is roof maintenance?

Roof maintenance entails thoroughly examining all parts of a roof. It may be done annually, biannually or quarterly, depending on the type of roof and its general condition.

  • Remove any debris from the roof, valleys, and gutters
  • Inspect the roof for animal intrusion or damage
  • Inspect ventilation, fans or turbines, and obstructions in vents
  • Inspect loose or missing caulking and all flashings
  • Have your chimney inspected

Why is roof maintenance important?

Inspecting and maintaining a roof will go a long way toward preventing any unforeseen future damage while ensuring its good condition. Even if a roof was properly installed and shows no obvious signs of wear, an annual inspection assures a homeowner their roof and gutters are kept in great condition.

Roof maintenance prevents future problems — The most essential reason for a regular roof inspection and maintenance is to prevent any future issues. A smaller problem that is not addressed immediately may lead to a much more serious situation in just a short time.

Roof maintenance maximizes the life of your roof — A roof’s lifespan can be increased by conducting routine inspections and maintenance. With the correct materials and proper installation, a new asphalt roof is expected to last up to 20 years. However, a roof’s life span can certainly increase with regular upkeep.

Roof maintenance will give you peace of mind — A good roofer will help either find any particular issues with a roof or give it a clean bill of health. This way, even if a roof needs repairs, they can be handled before they become more serious and expensive.

TopLine Home Improvement can provide an honest, thorough roof inspection at no cost to you. We can always address any issue with your roof, big or small, without any worry. Get in touch with us for a free estimate!

What Do Roofing Eaves Actually Do?

Roof eaves perform a variety of important tasks, such as stopping and diverting rainwater away from a home’s exterior walls and foundation. Here are some things to consider:

What Are Eaves?

The outer edges of a roof are known as “the eaves.” Eaves extend past the facade of a home. These extensions, which also support gutter systems, protect against water and mold damage by preventing water from getting to the top of, and running down an exterior wall, while gutters catch and channel away water. Eaves can be styled differently and accordingly may be used to define the architecture of a structure while sourcing critical protection.

Are Soffits and Eaves the Same?

Soffits and eaves are sometimes confused. The edges of a roof that extend over the side of a building or home are known as eaves and consist of wood capped with aluminum trim coil, or fascia, where gutters are hung from on an asphalt roof. When this wood, or fascia board, becomes rotted, gutters become misaligned and compromised. The underside of this overhang is covered with soffit, which is a perforated vinyl material that allows for the ventilation of an attic, ensuring the good condition of a roof.  

Categories Of Eaves

There are four categories of eaves:

  • Soffited
  • Exposed
  • Boxed in
  • Abbreviated

Each design has its own aesthetic. Consult with your local roofer to see which style will best complement the appearance of your home.

A home becomes vulnerable to the elements when the eaves of its roof have any impairment like rotting or exposure of wood. Homeowners can see high costs in time if the eaves or gutters on their roof have any damage. At TopLine Home Improvement, we can either repair or rebuild the eaves on a home for a structurally sound roof that gives lasting, total home protection. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us help you find the best roofing options for your home.

Metal Roofs vs. Asphalt Shingles: What’s the Difference?

Which is a better choice for your home: an asphalt or metal roof? In this blog, you’ll learn the differences between asphalt and metal roofs so you can make an informed selection.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs with exposed fasteners are manufactured using the most common metal roofing materials, such as sheet steel and aluminum. Commercial applications frequently utilize concealed fastenings known as standing seam. Standing seam is superior in terms of appearance and durability and as such, costlier than the other style.

A metal roof comprises a fortified water barrier substrate and then a layer of metal strips, which are fastened with small clips. These clips, or fasteners, can allow the metal components of the roof to shift more freely, ensuring the metal can expand and contract with long exposure to sunlight while preventing any damage to the fasteners or the roof itself.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass core which is then layered with asphalt and finally ceramic granules. These shingles deliver a more affordable roofing option for homeowners, while securing a home robust protection against the elements from anywhere between 15 to 30 years. There are two primary kinds of asphalt shingles: three-tab which are less expensive, single layer shingles, as well as architectural shingles. Three-tab shingles are manufactured in single pieces that appear as three individual shingles and are thinner making them less durable. Architectural shingles have an additional layer of asphalt on them, helping to provide a 3D effect and increasing their lifespan.

Asphalt shingles of any kind are a fantastic option if installed properly. They come in a variety of colors and are supported by underlayment protections for a durable, cost effective and rejuvenated total roofing system.

One crucial aspect of installing asphalt shingles is that the nailing, which fastens the shingles, is done appropriately. Nails are installed in the shingle nailing region, which is where the shingle is widest. Each row of shingles overlaps the row below it, helping to stop wind-driven rain from penetrating under the shingles and through nailing holes.

TopLine Home Improvement offers free, no-obligation quotes on roofing with an always honest and thorough inspection. Our clean and seamless install process will give you the strong and beautiful new roof you’ve always wanted without any worry. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us work with you to ensure the best roofing solution for your home.

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