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www.leakyroofs.com

Roof Doctor, Inc.

"Specializing in STOPPING leaks"

Serving the Greater Kansas City Area

YOUR COMPLETE ROOF REPAIR SERVICE!

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816-356-5463

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Preventing Winter Roof Damage

Posted on December 14, 2016 at 3:38 PM Comments comments (2174)
It’s always better to prevent damage than to try and repair it.  Roof experts recommend inspecting your roof twice a year; once before winter hits and once after the winter season has passed.  The first inspection prepares your roof for harsh weather and the second assesses any damage that may have been cause over the season.

When inspecting your roof, there are a few things you want to look out for.

1.       Any damaged or missing shingles that will lead to a roof leak.  This is an especially big problem in winter as the water that gets under the shingles can freeze and expand causing even more damage to your roof. 

2.       You will also want to inspect your rain gutters.  If they are blocked by debris, water can back up on your roof and freeze.  This can force water under the shingles or cause your rain gutters to pull loose from your home.  There is also a possibility of water backing up inside your soffits and could show up inside your home at the crease where walls meet the ceiling.

If you find any roof damage, you will want to have a roofing company repair it as soon as possible.  They can repair or replace damaged shingles, secure your rain gutters, and repair any other issues, and make sure your roof and rain gutters are free of debris.

Worst Case Scenario

While it is ideal to prevent damage before it occurs, it doesn’t always work out that way.  If you still experience problems with your roof in the winter, don’t assume that repairs will have to wait until the spring.  Roofers are available to work through the winter season.  If for any reason a repair cannot be made, placing a tarp over the troubled area will keep water out until repair time.

10 Easy Steps to an April Showers Roof Tune-Up

Posted on February 19, 2016 at 5:36 PM Comments comments (3079)



1.       Remove all debris from the roof, paying 
special attention to valleys and crevices.






2.       Have the gutter and down spouts inspected 
          and cleaned, making sure they are secured.




3.       Perform a visual inspection from the ground
                             for loose shingles and/or flashing.








4.       Have a professional roof inspection 
          for preventative maintenance.




5.       Check all sewer vent and pipes, pipe flashings,
                                 and grommets to very easily prevent kitchen
                                 and bathroom ceiling leaks.






6.       Trim any tree branches which are on 
           or near the roof.






7.       Check for any apparent rodent entries
                                                    via soffits, eaves, or vents.








8.       Look into air vents for any bird or 
          rodent nesting signs.






9.       Closely inspect the chimney flashing.







10.       Always put your safety first 
            and call a professional.

Rain and the Color of your Roof

Posted on June 18, 2015 at 5:34 PM Comments comments (3259)
If you have to step outside and look at your house to remember what color your roof is, you are not alone.  Life is so busy we generally don't think about things until something happens to call our attention to it.  Trust me, a roof leak is not something you want to wait to find, especially with all the constant rain our region has been receiving.  A roof inspection schedule is a wise one to keep, ideally when you have your first or last mow of the year for preventative maintenance.  Of course, if you experience a storm that warrants an inspection, do not hesitate to have an additional inspection done.


Roof damage can arise from a many factors and there are many sources the homeowner should be cognizant of from the inside of the house such as sufficient insulation, vapor barriers, and proper ventilation in ceilings and attic space.  Without these items being adequate for your home, the rafters, decking, and even the roof material itself can decay from constant exposure to moisture and condensation that cannot be seen from the outside of your house.

After a hard rain, an examination from the inside of your attic is a good idea.  Look for pinholes you can see light through, and with a flashlight, look for dark or rotting wood spots.  If you find a wet area, it can be traced back to the point of moisture entry where a reference point can be noted for your roofing specialist.  You will want to make note of any signs of rodent life in your attic; if there is a sign of life there is an entry point.

Aside from checking the interior attic, the flashing on your roof should be checked.  Flashing is the thin metal bands that form a water tight seal around chimneys, vents, dormers, skylights, and where vertical walls meet or enter the surface of the roof.  The roof's gutters and downspouts should also be examined to reduce stains and decay on siding and prevent ice damage.  Proper gutters and downspout systems are also very important when it comes to the integrity of a dry basement.  Make sure your gutters are free of debris so there are no clogs and water does not leak to your foundation, but is properly channeled from your roof and away from your house.


Look your roof over for missing, cracked or warped shingles.  Binoculars can be used to search for trouble spots and to look for loose flashing or rust stains, possibly indicating corroding nails in flashing and a moisture entry point.  Pay close attention to the flashing around protrusions and walls, and look for any cracked tar that is often used around these areas.


If your inspection points to a problem or a leak, how do you know if you need a quick fix or a call in to a professional?  Roof Doctor, Inc. always recommends calling a professional.  Roof work can be dangerous, especially with the pitch of a high roof, and with a quick fix, there may be an underlying problem that is not discovered and remedied.


If you have remained leak free thus far, you are in luck and I highly suggest continuing the maintenance program described here to protect your investment in your home.  Roof Doctor, Inc. is always available for answers to your questions and concerns.  Call Roof Doctor, Inc. today at 816-356-5463 and we'll discuss your specific needs.

Winter Woes: Flashing and Ice Cycles

Posted on January 7, 2015 at 2:12 PM Comments comments (903)
Winter Woes: Flashing and Ice Cycles

Flashing is a piece of sheet metal applied over joints in the roof to prevent water damage. Flashing is commonly comprised of aluminum or galvanized steel. Flashing locations can vary by roof, but common locations are around the chimney, skylights, roof wall protrusions or dormer windows. If water is able to penetrate the flashing in any manner, it can disintegrate due to weathering or oxidation and further allowing water to seep through the valleys in your roof.

Protect Your Home:

Roof Doctor recommends having a professional inspect your roof flashing on a bi-annual basis. If flashing is found missing, or deteriorating, the flashing should be replaced as soon as possible. Fixing flashing is much more affordable than waiting until it’s too late and having to pay for the damage the water has caused. 

Ice is Not Nice; Here's Some Advice:

Because we have many winter days where temperatures hover around freezing or below freezing, icicles are also a common roofing problem in the midwest region. The sun melts the snow on the hot roof, causing it to drip over the eaves, where it then becomes cold enough to freeze into beautiful, but dangerous, icicles. 

Icicles are hazardous in two ways—first, they can break and fall onto people, pets, and cars. Second, their heavy weight can cause major gutter and roofing damage. You can prevent gutter damage by cleaning your gutters in the fall, so that a build-up of heavy, frozen leaves do not cause your gutters to tear off. Roof Doctor, Inc. offers affordable gutter cleaning plans to keep your gutters free of debris. Another way to prevent icicles is by sweeping snow off your roof and out of your gutters and downspouts after snowstorms. 

It is very dangerous to go up on the roof during the winter, so call the professionals at Roof Doctor, Inc. to do it for you. If you have recurring problems with icicles, an expert roofer at Roof Doctor, Inc. will be happy to evaluate your house and find a solution. We can repair broken or torn gutters and install gutter covers to prevent future problems.  Call Steve today to schedule your peace of mind and protect your investment!

Whatever your roof concern is, we can help you!






Four things to consider before winter completely sets in…

Posted on November 24, 2014 at 5:12 PM Comments comments (3002)
For almost 30 years, Roof Doctor, Inc. has been taking tons of calls in the dead of winter which are related to the four issues below.  Many times weather conditions have to subside before the repair can actually take place and damage can double, triple, or worse.  For these issues, and all other roof concerns, call us for QUALITY repairs and workmanship.


1.       Gutters & downspouts should be cleared free of debris so they are able  to maintain a contstant drain when there is rain, sleet, and snow.


2.       Never let your gutters freeze solid with ice and debris.  This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the gutter system and can pull it away from your house, damaging the gutters permanently.  The fascia and roof can be compromised if your gutters pull away and the house and ceiling juncture can be compromised, letter water leak in.



3.       Down spouts filled with debris that have also frozen can start thawing at the gutter juncture, causing rot to the fascia, rotting soffit, and leaks into your house.  


4.       You will want to have your roof thoroughly checked for open voids under eves and soffits.  Critters such as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, snakes and birds absolutely take advantage of these areas and many, many times make these attic entrances even larger to live in your attic ALL winter long where the warm environment is excellent shelter from the winter variables.  These entrances also become prime areas for rain, snow, and sleet to blow in and cause a leak on your interior home ceiling.  Have these areas properly blocked off with custom cut metal exterior patches.  

Autumn is here - Fall Roof Maintenance

Posted on September 12, 2014 at 2:11 PM Comments comments (682)
The cool, crisp air and colorful falling leaves are a sure sign that the Fall season has arrived. It’s also a reminder to check for short and long term roof maintenance needs.
What can you do now to prepare for what’s coming (winter) so that your roof is at its best?

First of all, take a climb up onto your roof to get a birds-eye view and assess what might be needed. Use your binoculars if you can’t do the climb. Check around the chimney and look for cracks or splits. Check the stacks, vents, expansion joints, walls and perimeters. Maybe the whirlybirds need tightening.

Trees can be a menace to your roof if overhanging limbs are rubbing against your shingles. Make sure there are no limbs touching your roof. You will want to look for loose shingles, as well as any sign of critters (squirrels, raccoons, possums and such). If you see any sign of ‘scat’, spray a critter repellant on the roof to ward off any would-be winter visitors vying for a way into the attic.

Check under your patio and carport to be sure there are no leaks, which could indicate a bigger problem. And of course, that includes checking inside the house in case there are any water stains on or near the ceiling.

Spring and Summer debris has likely accumulated on your roof and in roof pan areas, behind skylights, chimneys, soffits, and in valleys.  The big concern with debris is it decays the roof by staying damp.  Debris will also divert water to unwanted areas and can dam up rain, and in many cases can penatrate your flashings.  This causes the decking to rot and black mold to grow.  Further, damage to your ceilings and interior of the home is now a big concern.  Last, but by all means not least, clean those gutters! Of course, that really should be a year-round task, but definitely a ‘must-do’ for the autumn months. 

If you are not comfortable getting on your roof or unsure of what to look for, call us today for an inspection.  Debris is minor trouble to remedy and well will profide you with an exact condition of your roof and all gutters, downspouts, and penetrations.  We are set to protect your investment.  I hope this helps, folks! Thank you, Steve / Roof Doctor, Inc.

Are you getting ready to purchase a home?

Posted on August 21, 2014 at 4:04 PM Comments comments (551)

If you are a first time home buyer or a new home buyer, please take a moment to read this blog entry for some good advice to be aware of.  Anytime you are ready to purchase a home, there are very REAL circumstances regarding the roof condition and you may not always be informed of them before your property closing.  

If you are not sure and want the straight FACTS about each item over the exterior roof, call Roof Doctor, Inc. and we’ll get right out to set your mind at ease with an extremely thorough inspection of all roof penetrations.  The honest concern of all conditions and installation of where your roof product meets the flue stacks, sewer pipes, vents, adjacent walls, skylights, and chimneys will be reviewed and reported to you so that before you close on your property you have the chance to negotiate any issues found with the seller.  

No matter what your roof concern or issue is, Roof Doctor, Inc. is there for you!  Visit my website today for a list of our many services, a photo gallery slide show of our workmanship, repair products and facts, our customer testimonials, Q & A tips, and to request an estimate.  Best of luck to you in your new home! Steve

Ice Dams & Roof Snow Removal

Posted on February 11, 2014 at 11:06 AM Comments comments (536)
Almost completed roof snow removal 1; Snow and ice dams build up putting pressure on your roof and gutters causinig damage and leaks.Well, another day to wake up at zero degrees!  Folks, my phone has been ringing off the hook due to the snow and ice build up on our roof tops.  This is a SERIOUS matter and should be handled by a professional with experience.  Not only is getting on your roof dangerous in these current condtions, but further damage can also be caused during improper snow and ice removal.

Ice cycles in gutter; Snow and ice dams build up putting pressure on your roof and gutters causinig damage and leaks.Interior leaks are showing up frequently now in the houses I am visiting with snow and ice issues.  There are some measures we can take to help your situation.  Visit my webpage at http://www.leakyroofs.com/Ice-Dams---Roof-Snow-Removal.html for education on snow and ice and the havoc they play on your roof and gutters.

Friendly Roof Raking: Snow and ice dams build up putting pressure on your roof and gutters causinig damage and leaks.Picturesque snow-capped houses are charming, but don't be fooled by their delicate beauty. Snow has a great deal of weight, and that weight increases immensely when rain, ice and sleet are added to the mix. Two feet of snow on the average-sized roof can be the equivalent of 38,000 pounds, or 19 tons.  All of this weight puts stress on your roof and weakens its structure.  Complicating matters more, the melting of this mass can cause water seepage, which can rot roofs, destroy insulation, flood attics, ruin gutters and damage the interior of your home.

Call me today for a phone consult to discuss your situation. Roof Doctor, Inc. Steve Conrick, Owner 816-356-5463

Hand Split Cedar Shake Roof Maintenance

Posted on April 28, 2013 at 10:48 PM Comments comments (2286)
Wood cedar shake spot in, illustrating a specific shake extraction where areas of exposed felt paper have been targeted to prevent splitting or weathering in the felt paper which causes leaksOlder blown off wood cedar shake showing a crack over crack area which allows felt paper to be exposed to the weather and other elements, causing a leakThis week's blog is directed to all of our past, current, and potential new customers with hand split cedar shake roofs.  Keeping your best interest at hand, before the heaviest of the Spring rains come, it would be advisable to have your roof inspected on a dry day.  Your inspection should focus on any missing or loose shakes and preformed ridge caps.  Most importantly, areas of your roof having southern exposures should be carefully looked over for any underlying exposed felt paper (a BIG red flag).  Exposed felt paper weathers due to the age and environmental elements (especially the sun's rays), causing splitting or tears.  This is a potential major leak for the simple fact that under the shake is spaced sheating (1"x4" planks) which will allow water to directly seep into the splits / tears, drip down to the insulation, and pool on top of the ceiling material of the interior of you home causing more damage and expense.  We can
greatly reduce the
Wood roof spot in at completion; the felt paper is now contained and protected from the elements and further weathering.likelihood of this
happening and
prevent further
damage by targeting
these critical areas.
Note:Wood roof repais cannot be done if your roof is damp or wet.  If you have any questions, concerns, or are just not sure, call Roof Doctor, Inc. today & schedule an inspection during the next span of dry days.  We'll meet you soon after your call, granted the weather provides.  We are a simple phone call away!  816-356-5463

Rodent Proof your roof and attic!

Posted on April 21, 2013 at 11:51 PM Comments comments (586)
Mother and baby raccoons
Mother and baby raccoons
Once a litter of baby racoons are born, it can take up to 4 months for them to leave the nest, duirng which time they reak havic on your attic and draw many parasites, especially fleas.
Black Snakes inhabiting an attic
Black Snakes inhabiting an attic
Snakes often drop from trees and enter your attic through open voids in your roof, as small as 3/4". Snakes see out shelter and follow prey which may be nesting in your attic.
Hornet nest in the roof of an attic
Hornet nest in the roof of an attic
This nest has an opening from the roof top most likely under loose shingles or a hole caused from any number of concerns you may be faced with from an aging roof.
Opposum family nest in an attic
Opposum family nest in an attic
This mother opposum found its way into an attic & gave birth to her young in the insullation. During the period before the young leave the nest, there is ample time for feces deposits, drawing in worms, maggots, fleas and other parasites.
Plastic Sewer Vent Pipe Flashing
Plastic Sewer Vent Pipe Flashing
Compromised by a roof rat or squirrel, this void allows entry to a dry, warm, safe haven. Additionally, a major leak is now presented and damage is occuring further into the home interior.
Bats in the attic sleeping
Bats in the attic sleeping
A colony of bats has made its way into this attic and return to the same spot each day to rest, as bats are nocturnal. Bats and bat guano carry many diseases and produce a very foul smell.
 
Its that time of year for rodents to be on the move. With spring coming, nesting areas will be sought out, and your attic is a prime target for rodents to move in to and raise their young.
 
In our many years of experience, we have seen even the smallest entry areas become a gateway for rodents such as bats, roof rats, raccoons, squirrels, and opossums. Even bees, wasps, hornets, birds, snakes, and spiders will be looking for a dry, warm shelter from the spring rains.
 
The most effective way to take preventative measures against rodent infestation is to have your annual roof inspection completed. Measures which should be taken include checking all roof protrusions, such as vent pipes, chimneys, and furnace flues, for adequate seals.
 
Roof rats destroy everything; wiring, insullation, wood, shingles, plumbing, etc.  They will enter your home interior and carry infectious diseases.A roof inspection should also include a thorough check under all soffits and eaves to ensure the areas remain in tact and show no signs of open voids. The bottom of roof ridges, siding, and also trim boards should be looked over as well for structural integrity.  The large roof fields should be inspected for any damage that may have been caused by tree limbs or storms.
 
For more in depth information on rodent proofing, rodent types, and rodent disease / parasites, simply visit our rodent proofing page using this link:  http://www.leakyroofs.com/Rodent-Proofing.html.  If you have a rodent concern, will will be here to assist you with the correct extraction service and work along side them to correct and close off the entry points to your home interior.
 
 

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