When we start talking about roofing problems, the first thing we need to know about is types of roofs prevailing in the market and the pros and cons of each roof type. Whilst Roofing is constantly exposed to the elements, structural shifting, and stresses as well as chemicals in the atmosphere all take their toll on your roof. Aging occur on all roofs, wear and tear stemming from neglect, abuse, contamination, and accident can result in expensive repairs or premature failure of the roofing system, if not detected. A Regular inspection program will help detect minor problems before they become big ones, avoiding interruptions of work going on inside the building, and most importantly, protecting the owner’s investment and adding many years to the life of a roof.

Roof Types:

Wood: There are two types. Shingles are cut to a specific size and smooth finished. Shakes are irregular and rough-textured. Wood gives a natural look to a home. It also requires more maintenance to protect it from the elements.

Metal: Metal roofs have returned from the olden days to become a popular roofing option. Once limited to low-slope structures, standing seam steel roofs can now be used on steeper roofs as well. Metal is durable, practically maintenance-free, heat reflective and non-flammable. Installed in sheets, a metal roof will actually dissipate a lightning strike rather than conduct it.

Built-up Roofing: Built-up roofs are installed on flat or very low-sloping structures. They consist of alternating layers of felt or fiberglass treated with asphalt. These layers are topped with asphalt (tar) or aggregate. Built-up roofs are more common in commercial buildings.

Tile and Slate: These are two of the oldest roofing materials around. They are long-lasting and durable. Their weight requires a reinforced roof structure that can support them. Both can be quite expensive and neither is easy to install.

Slate Roofing: is a very expensive choice, but it’s very beautiful and distinct. Many Colonial and French homes look very appealing with this style of roof materials. Slate roof materials are heavy, as you can imagine, and will need additional structural support.

Factors that affect roofs

• Sun delivers a combination of ultraviolet rays and heat can prematurely age a roof.

• Snow or ice that melts and refreezes (called ice damming) pushes up the roofing material and causes leaks. Ice damming can be a temporary problem that ends when the thaw is complete. Excessive amounts can damage the roof and roof structure.

• Rain is normally kept at bay by a roof. But when rain or moisture gets underneath roofing, damage can occur.

• Wind can remove any roof in the most extreme occurrence. However even minimal amounts can weaken a poorly installed roof by letting dirt and moisture get underneath.

• Moisture from condensation underneath a roof not only harms the roof and sheathing, but also can cause problems inside of the house.

• Trees provide shade to help cool a house. They also provide leaves and limbs that can fall or scrub against the roof.

• Algae and moss get a foothold on moist surfaces. Excessive growth can retain moisture and cause eventual weakening of the roofing material.

Other Causes of Roof Problems:

• Improper Installation

• Improper Design

• Lack of Maintenance

• Flashing Failures

Each of these major causes of roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent repairs can help you avoid major damage to your roof and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.

Having a roof that leaks is a very common problem of many homeowners, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain. When your roof leaks there are a lot of problems that can happen such as mold and mildew stains, damaged foundations, and water stains on the ceiling, just to name a few. Because of this it is important for you to have the knowledge of how to find the leaks in your roof.

When you do discover a leak in the roof you should not panic but simply know that it is time to fix the leaky roof. A leak can actually be a good sign as it will force you to check the leak and it is a good idea at this time to look over the entire roof to see if there are any other leaks or problems. Fixing a leak in your roof is not very expensive and it does not take a lot of time.

The Common Roof leaks problem can best be solved by using EPDM. It is compatible with all types of roof problems caused by sunlight, snow, moisture, rain wind and other causes etc. EPDM is the broader term among roofing material used for repairing, it includes liquid rubber. EPDM is compatible with almost all types of roof including flat roof, sloped roofs and other times of roofs mentioned in this article.

For deal with other types of roofing problems visit EPDM Coatings LLC.

Resources:

EPDM

Liquid Rubber

Everyone knows that roof stains are ugly, and detract from the value of your home. We know the stains allow heat to build up in the house, causing the airconditioner to run longer, making energy bills higher.

But, now, the insurance industry is concerned about the appearance of your roof!!

Your insurance company can inspect your home anytime, and frequently it is a driveby inspection. Condition of home is noted, how well painted, chipping paint AND ROOF CONDITION!

YES, Roof Condition.

Insurance Inspectors note the condition of the roof, and report it back to the insurance company who will may require that your clean the roof, or threaten cancellation of your policy! Of course, if they cancel you, the next insurance company may not insure your home for the same reason.

BUT WHY?

Insurance companies actions confirm for us that they believe roof stains will lead to further problems with the roof integrity, roof mold, and the eventual movement of that mold inside the home. All of these items are ‘risks’ for the insurance company, because they may result in a claim against the policy.

What to do? Clean your roof before an inspector sees it!

Home inspections can occur at any time, however the most frequent triggers include:

* New Policy * Annual Policy Renewal * Change in coverage amounts * Addition of riders

A Clean Roof makes contributes to neighborhood values, and good health.

Protect your family, roof, and insurance policy by including a Cleaner TODAY roof cleaner as part of annual maintenance.

You and your insurance company will appreciate it!

Its only 5 Days into March and Home Owner Associations (HOA) are already busy at enforcing Deed Restrictions and/or covenant rules. Which rules? Rules most people don’t even know about. Restrictions governing the appearance of your ROOF SHINGLES. No I am not kidding!

Most people think about deed restrictions governing barking dogs and where the garbage cans are stored, but in Florida and other states, the “Home Appearance” clause now insists that your roof be ‘free of stains, algae or other unsightly distortions’.

Over the last several days I have spoken to a number of homeowners in a St Petersburg Florida development who have received letters telling them to Clean their roofs, or the neighborhood association would have them cleaned and send them the bill!

Why you ask? Its pretty simple actually, think about crab grass.

When your lawn is covered in crab grass, it looks bad, and property values may reflect the unattractive appearance. When you remove the crab grass from your lawn, and your neighbor doesn’t, well the crab grass ends back up in your lawn too! The whole neighborhood suffers.

Roof Stains are pretty much like crab grass, but much worse!

* Roof Stains are caused by an airborne algae that will spread from roof to roof (if everyone does not keep a clean roof, then no one will have a clean roof).

* Black streaks on your roof (which is the most visible part of the house) will make the house look bad, and everyone’s home then suffers a decrease in value.

* Roof Algae will lead to premature shingle failure.

* Worst of all, roof algae, can allow mold to get into a home creating ’sick home’ syndrome.

The solution, 2 parts. First Clean your Roof. Second Block Stains from returning.

The Clean Roof Forever Plan gives you the tools to meet your deed restrictions, make your roof last as long as it should, and keep the house healthy.

Learn more about Clean Roof Forever at

http:\www.cleanertoday.com