It goes without saying that roofing inspections, repairs and maintenance should be left to professionals. But it doesn’t mean you can’t keep an eye on your roof, and report problems you might find. In this blog, Howard Roofing & Home Improvements shares some of the most common roofing problems you should familiarize yourself with.
Shiners
Shiners are roofing nails that protrude from under the roofing deck, caused by installers who use fasteners that are longer than needed. They’re called “shiners” because they shine during winter, a result of frost covering the protruding nails. Shiners are not visible from anywhere except the attic. Often the solution is simply cutting and grinding the protruding nail, however sealant may also be needed if there are signs of moisture intrusion.
Insufficient Roof Ventilation
If the air in the attic feels much hotter than outdoor temperatures, your roof may not be venting hot and humid air. In addition to the discomfort, hot and humid air can cause damage to the roofing structure. A typical sloped residential roofing system should have vents at the ridges, which can be augmented using ridge vents, or even exhaust fans. Avoid installing ridge vents or exhaust fans yourself, as you could void the roofing warranty.
Improper Use of Sealant During Installation
Sometimes an inexperienced roof installer or DIYer would make the mistake of using too much sealant on the flashing. Thick lumps of sealant forms cracks as it dries, which defeats its purpose. The old sealant must be properly removed and the area cleaned before the right amount of sealant is applied. The flashing may also need to be repositioned.
Missing Drip Edge
The drip edge is a type of flashing with a profile that looks like an inverted letter “L”. It is installed at the roof edge between the outer roofing layer and the underlayment. It helps prevent rainwater from seeping into the roof deck through capillary action. Unscrupulous roofers may forget or ignore drip edges during installation. Adding it will require precision work, and therefore should be left to roofing professionals.
Howard Roofing & Home Improvements is your leading provider of residential and commercial roofing services. Give us a call at (636) 296-1057 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding areas.