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.

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.

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

This 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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Maintenance Checklist:

1.  Look at the ceiling inside. Any stains or spots could be evidence of water damage, indicating loose flashing (metal strips that seal connections) or shingle cracks or leaks. They can also be a sign of ice dams, which could mean a problem with insulation or poor home ventilation.
2. Shingle/tile check. Look for any missing shingles, and examine shingle condition for any that are peeling, cracking, or losing their grain. Asphalt shingles that are losing their grain are in danger of starting to crack and peel with exposure to sunlight. A few damaged shingles can be easily replaced, but many shingles in poor condition means a complete re-roofing is needed. Curling shingles could also be a sign of inadequate roof ventilation.
3,  Clean the shingles. If moss or algae is growing on or between the shingles, this needs to be removed. This can be done by spraying moss remover solution on the roof, then using a broom to remove the growth. Serious mold or rot needs to be addressed immediately by a professional, as the roof may need replacing.
4. Shingle granule buildup. Excessive granules in gutters, downspouts and around the roof area are a sign that the shingles are worn and need replacing to prevent leakage.
5. Chimney and skylight. Check flashing connections between skylight, chimney and roof. Snow and wind can cause flashing to loosen and leak. Repair or replace any damaged flashing strips and seal cracks. Check the masonry joints of the chimney for damage or presence of efflorescence, a calcium deposit that could indicate water leaks.
6. Roof bolts. If you have a metal roof, check for any loose metal bolts and tighten them.
7. Gutters and downspouts. Examine the home siding for any evidence of water damage. Climb the ladder and use a trowel to scoop out debris, dirt and leaves out of the gutters. Tighten any spots where the gutter had come loose and flush any residue with the garden hose. Flush downspouts.
8. Soffit and Fascia. The vents in soffit and fascia are a favorite nesting place for small animals, who are drawn by the warm air. Come spring, these critters begin to reproduce, and if they find a way inside, you could be looking at serious damage inside your attic and home.
9. Yard assessment. Remove any dead tree limbs near the roof and trim overhanging branches.

Bird droppings stain and corrode roofs and other building materials.  Pest birds cause tens of millions of dollars of damage every year to buildings, roofs, ventilation systems, and much more. Bird droppings and nesting materials which are allowed to accumulate pose a host of physical problems which can become very serious if they are not corrected immediately.  Bird droppings are very acidic in nature. They actually eat away at many substrates, especially tar-based roofing materials. Droppings which are allowed to accumulate on roofs will eat into the material and eventually cause leaks. The life expectancy of a roof can be cut in half by just a light, but continuous, application of bird droppings.  Birds will get under eaves and soffits to get out of the weather and will nest in these areas as well.  Have your roof inspected today!