• Work with a professional. Proper installation is critical with the best roofing warranties awarded for the best roofing installation. When materials are not properly installed, the likelihood of problems dramatically increases, and life expectancy is reduced.
• Routine inspections and maintenance. None of us have any control over the weather, but we can control our response to it. Moisture from wind, rain, hail, snow, ice and debris can get under the layers of a roof and cause leaks, mold and rot. Having your roof routinely inspected and maintained can identify problems and stop leaks from worsening.
• Evict the critters. You’d be amazed at the surprising amount of damage small animals, birds and insects can cause. You’re better off evicting them before they get a foot in the door, let alone a foothold.
• Properly installed flashing. Flashing seals the areas around vent pipes, sky lights, chimneys and HVAC units. In addition to open seams and laps that can ultimately cause tiles to blow off, improperly installed flashing also reduces the puncture resistance in your roof.
• Proper drainage. A sure sign of a problem is water that stands or ponds. Debris from fallen tree branches and leaves, as well as improper drainage around HVAC units and gutters, are all common causes for ponding water. Routine inspections and maintenance should identify and resolve any drainage problems.
• Inspect sealant and flashings regularly. With the hailstorms we experience in the Midwest, many roofing systems sustain damage in the form of punctures and penetrations. Inspecting the sealant and flashing around penetrations added after the roofing was completed should be conducted.
• Cut back trees. If a tree is close enough to your building to pose a threat, you’ll want to have it trimmed or removed. Branches can fall on a roof and cause serious damage. Overhanging limbs can rub on roofing materials and wear away the protective top layer.
• Install walkways. Walking on your roof can cause damage. That’s why many professional roofers install walkways to allow access to HVAC and other areas.
• Proper Ventilation. An integral part of longevity is proper roof and attic ventilation. If ventilation is left unchecked, heat and moisture can build up, resulting in damage to rafters, sheathing and insulation, mold and mildew problems, and increased energy costs.
Following these important guidelines means doing what it takes to avoid roof damage and getting the most out of your investment.
Bade Roofing Company. Founded in 1954, Bade Roofing Company, Inc. is one of St. Louis, Missouri's premier family-owned and operated commercial and industrial roofing specialists. Bade Roofing installs roofing systems on major retail centers, grocery stores, hospitals, schools, warehouses and office buildings. www.baderoofing.com
