Your roof protects against wind, rain, hail, snow, and flying and crawling creatures looking for a cozy home. Your roof must be in tip-top shape to protect everything in the rest of your house.

If you catch roof damage early, repair is often a more cost-effective option than replacement. Visit https://redstickroofing.com/ to learn more.

While many roofing systems can be used on commercial buildings, built-up roofing (BUR) is an excellent choice for flat and low-slope structures. Its layered construction provides durability and weather resilience, making it an ideal option for high-traffic areas.

A BUR roof is composed of multiple layers of felts, asphalt cement, and granules. Each layer is then topped with a flood coat, which contains aggregate and water-resistant coatings that help prevent leaks.

The resulting surface is a solid, durable covering that is easy to walk on. In fact, it’s one of the few commercial roof types that can sustain a high volume of foot traffic without damaging the surface.

Because of its versatility, BUR is a common roofing system for multi-use facilities. Its durability and resilience make it a great choice for parking garages, warehouses, transportation centers, and more. In addition, it’s an excellent choice for insulating industrial buildings.

BUR roofs are also a good option for facilities in warmer climates, as they can be topped with reflective cap sheets that direct the sun’s rays away from the building, which can lower internal temperatures and reduce energy costs.

Although BUR is an excellent roofing system, it’s important to perform routine maintenance on your BUR roof. A comprehensive inspection can help identify issues before they become major problems. This routine includes checking drains for clogs, inspecting the gutter system for proper flow, examining fasteners around protruding elements, cleaning up debris, repairing cracks and tears, and pruning trees overhanging the roof.

When you’re looking for a roofing contractor to repair your BUR roof, consider a company with experience in this type of roofing. This can ensure that your repairs are performed correctly and that your roof is protected for years to come.

In addition to regular maintenance, a commercial roof can benefit from periodic inspections using drone technology. These inspections can provide accurate data about the condition of your roof, allowing you to plan for future maintenance or replacement. A company that uses drone technology can provide a detailed report of your roof’s condition, including photos and descriptions of any issues. This information can help you plan for your budget and make decisions that will protect your investment in your built-up roofing.

Shingles

Shingles are usually the first part of your roof to show damage. They can be broken or damaged by hail, high winds or even sun exposure. They can also become brittle and crack or curl as they age. Even a single cracked or missing shingle can lead to serious water damage in places like the attic and upper level of your home. The good news is that a single shingle can be easily repaired.

A professional roof repair service will know how to get the job done quickly and efficiently, but if you’re a handy homeowner, repairing your shingles isn’t an insurmountable task. The first step is to assess the situation. You’ll want to get up on your roof (wear proper safety equipment, of course) and take a close look at the problem area. The best way to do this is with a ladder that extends far enough so you can walk around the entire surface of your roof. A roofer’s ladder has stabilizing hooks that latch onto the roof’s slope and help keep you in place while you work.

Once you’re on the roof, take close-up pictures with your smartphone so that when you look at the photos later, you will have a clear idea of what you are dealing with. Look for damp spots on the ceiling and walls, a clear sign that water is seeping in through your roof. Also note any areas where the roof flashing has failed and is leaking.

If you see a shingle that is broken, missing or damaged in any other way, it’s time to fix it. Before you do, however, gather your materials, which will include a pry bar, hammer, utility knife and replacement shingles. If you can, try to find a shingle that matches up in color and size with the one that needs replacing. If that’s not possible, head to a home center or lumberyard and buy a bundle of shingles. They’ll be cheaper than the whole roof, but you’ll still need to recoup the cost of the ladder and the other necessary tools and materials for the project.

Flashing

Many elements of roof construction go unnoticed, but flashing performs a critical function that prevents leaks and other damage. It seals the gaps and seams around structures like chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and dormers. Flashing also protects wall interruptions such as windows and doors from water intrusion. Without it, a building would be exposed to moisture infiltration that could lead to rot and mold growth.

Leaks are often caused by poor flashing installation, which is why it’s so important to inspect your roof regularly for signs of damaged or deteriorating flashing. If you see rust, corrosion, cracks, or gaps in the flashing, it’s time for a repair job.

Flashing is usually made of metal, though it can also be constructed from materials such as plastic and rubber. The type of flashing used on your roof will depend on the type of structure being sealed, as well as the climatic conditions in your area.

Some common types of flashing include base flashing, step flashing, and counter flashing. Base flashing consists of two sheets of metal that can move over one another as the roof expands and contracts. It’s installed at the bottom of the valley where a roof meets a wall, and around chimneys and other protrusions on sloped roofs. Step flashing is a series of L-shaped metal pieces that are installed in a stepped pattern, commonly seen around chimneys. Counter flashing is an additional covering applied over base and step flashing, preventing water from leaking behind it.

Most flashing is sold in a variety of colors and finishes, including galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper. A roofing contractor will recommend the best material for your home based on its location and weather conditions. If you’re planning to repair your own flashing, it’s helpful to have access to a ladder that can be safely climbed and a putty knife or other tool for scraping away any old material. For a permanent fix, you’ll need to replace the faulty flashing section with a piece cut to the proper length. If you’re working on a steep slope, it’s best to hire a professional for this job.

Gutters

Gutters direct rainwater away from the home’s eaves during rainfall. Without functioning gutters, moisture settles in and around the house’s shingles, soffits and fascia boards. Moisture can also cause wood rot and mold, which damage the underlying structure. In addition, clogged gutters prevent water flow from the roof to the downspouts. This can cause the downspouts to overflow, which can erode the foundation and seep into the basement.

You can make basic gutter repairs yourself using a ladder, gutter screws and a putty knife or hammer. First, clean the area and ensure it’s dry. Next, remove gutter spikes that are loose or rusty. Then, replace them with stainless steel gutter screws. When drilling new holes for the screws, be sure to do so above the existing ones to maintain the gutter’s slope. Finally, apply a bead of gutter sealant to the screw holes. Gutter sealants such as DAP Ultra Clear have a permanent waterproof, weatherproof and flexible finish that can withstand extreme temperatures.

If a section of the gutter starts to sag, it’s probably because there’s a buildup of debris weighing down the gutter. If this is the case, scavenge the debris from the gutter and clean the channel with a hose to restore proper water flow. Next, check the gutter’s brackets and hangers for looseness. Use a pry bar or a hammer to loosen any nails and replace the hardware as needed.

Another common gutter problem is a water standstill, which occurs when the gutter’s slope isn’t adequate to move water to the downspouts. Usually, this is caused by a clog. If a clog can’t be found, try a downspout elbow to get the water moving again.

If the gutters are corroded, you can patch small holes with roofing cement or Dynaflex gutter & narrow seam sealant. However, if the damage is severe, you should have it replaced by a professional to avoid leaks or additional damage to your home. The gutter system is an important part of your home, and it’s a good idea to inspect it at least twice a year. If you’re not comfortable climbing the ladder, contact a local roofing contractor to inspect and repair your gutters for you.