A thorough roofing inspection should cover all the parts of your roof. This includes examining shingles for curled, blistered or missing pieces. It also means checking rubber boots around vent pipes and identifying masses of moss and lichen that can deteriorate the roof surface.

A roof inspection should also examine the condition of the gutter system, scuppers and drains. Debris can block positive drainage and cause severe damage to a roof over time. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.

A thorough roof inspection requires going beyond a simple glance at the exterior. A roof’s health and integrity is much easier to assess in the attic, where a professional can spot problems that would otherwise be difficult to notice. This is why attic inspections are one of the most important steps in a roofing maintenance plan.

An attic inspection involves a visual examination of the structural components and insulation. This includes examining the rafters and trusses for signs of distress, such as cracking, bending or wood rot. These structural elements are essential to the overall stability of the roof and must remain in good condition. If left unattended, a problem that begins as minor could become a serious safety hazard or lead to costly roof repairs.

Home inspectors will also look at the wires in the attic, ensuring they do not pose a fire hazard. Many homes use attic access for electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling, and it is important that these wirings are properly run. Inspectors will ensure that these wires are not covered by insulation, and they will make sure that the airflow in the attic is not blocked.

In addition to inspecting the structural framing of the attic, a professional will evaluate the insulation and ventilation. Inadequate or damaged insulation will lead to higher energy bills, while insufficient ventilation can cause moisture problems and ice dams in the winter and excessive heat gain in the summer. An inspector will also examine the vents in the attic for obstructions, such as bird nests or leaves that can block the flow of air and cause moisture issues.

While it is possible for homeowners to perform a basic attic inspection, hiring a professional can save time, money and stress. Before the inspection, homeowners should clear all obstacles from the attic entrance and provide adequate lighting for a thorough evaluation. The homeowner should also be prepared to discuss the findings of the inspection with the professional to better understand the recommendations for maintenance. It is also helpful to remove any items that may be stored in the attic, such as boxes or furniture.

Gutters

Gutters perform a vital function in the roofing system. They redirect elements like rainwater and melting snow away from the house’s foundation. Without gutters, these materials would likely accumulate on the roof and cause rot, deterioration, mold, lifting of shingles, and other issues that affect your home’s foundation.

Gutters are a series of troughs connected to the edge of your roof. The troughs collect and channel the flow of rainwater from the roof to a downspout. A downspout is then positioned to dispense the water at an angle away from the house’s foundation. This helps to prevent moisture penetration into the house and basement, staining of the siding and foundation, and damage to the roof’s soffit and fascia.

However, the gutters must be regularly cleaned to avoid blockages. If clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, the gutters are ineffective. This can result in rainwater spilling over the edges of the troughs and damaging the roof, siding, garage doors, foundation, landscaping, and other parts of your home’s exterior.

Your gutters should also be inspected to ensure they have the correct slope. If they have lost their original slope, they won’t redirect the water properly and could even hinder drainage altogether. This can lead to the formation of ice dams, water spilling over the side of the gutter and back up onto your roof, and other issues that require costly repairs.

Gutter maintenance is a vital part of a healthy roof, and the best way to maintain your gutters is by hiring professional gutter services. They have the tools, knowledge, and experience to safely and effectively address any complex issues with your gutters and downspouts. Professionals can save you time and money by addressing issues with your gutters as soon as they arise, preventing them from deteriorating or becoming damaged further.

If you’re interested in having your gutters and downspouts inspected, repaired, or replaced, contact New Heights Roofing today. We can discuss your options and schedule a free inspection. Our professional and experienced team will help you keep your roof in its best condition, extending its lifespan and protecting the value of your home.

Flashing

The flashing that covers roof joints, valleys, chimneys and skylights prevents water from seeping through these vulnerable areas. A professional can inspect these parts of your roof for damage and recommend repairs. They may suggest replacing the flashing rather than repairing it, depending on the type of damage and your roofing material.

Most flashing is made of metal, but it can be installed in a variety of ways. It can be exposed, embedded or a combination of both. The flashing can be coated with a waterproof sealant, but over time, this can break down. Flashing should be periodically resealed, especially after it has been repaired or replaced.

Flashing is usually made of aluminum, copper or zinc. It is designed to shed water and direct it away from the vulnerable areas of your roof, but even these materials are not invincible. Over time, the flashing can be damaged by rain, snow, ice and wind. Even if it isn’t damaged, flashing can degrade from UV rays.

While it’s possible to do some flashing repair at home, it’s best to leave this job to a professional. A trained and certified roofer will be able to identify the proper type of flashing for your roof, and they will know how to install it properly.

There are different types of flashing, but most are similar in that they cover gaps between various structures in your home. Some examples of these are base flashing, which sits where the roof plane and a vertical protrusion meet; step flashing, which is bent into a crevasse to protect the edges of the wall; and counter flashing, which covers the lower step flashing.

Some flashing is made of a single strip, called continuous or apron flashing. This can be used around the sides of a roof where the walls meet, but it’s not recommended for sidewalls that are perpendicular to your roof slope. If a part of this flashing is damaged, your gutters can become clogged and leak into your home. It’s better to use a method like step or counter flashing for these sidewalls.

Shingles

The shingles provide the first line of defense for your home against the elements, safeguarding the roof deck from water damage and extending its lifespan. Regular inspections can help you identify potential issues that may lead to costly repairs.

Missing shingles are an issue that should be addressed promptly, as they will leave your roof vulnerable to the elements during a storm. You should also keep an eye out for algae or moss growth, as these organisms can displace granules and cause the deterioration of shingles.

You can perform shingle maintenance on your own or call in a professional. If you are considering performing the work yourself, it’s important to prioritize safety above all else. Use a sturdy ladder and wear slip-resistant shoes to prevent falling and injury. It’s also best to work on a sunny day when the weather is warm, as working in cold or windy conditions can be dangerous and affect your ability to do a thorough job.

When performing shingle maintenance, be sure to remove any debris that has accumulated on your roof, such as leaves and twigs. Also, if your gutters are clogged, this can result in water runoff that pools on the roof and can eventually cause shingle damage.

Depending on the condition of your roof, you might need to replace some or all of your shingles. You can usually identify damaged or missing shingles by the presence of cracks, curling, and discoloration. Replacing shingles is generally less expensive than a full roof replacement.

Leaking is one of the most serious issues that can impact shingle roofing, as it allows water to enter the interior of your home. If left unattended, this can cause significant structural damage to your property and affect the health of your family.

You can often prevent leaks by repairing broken or loose shingles, replacing flashing, and sealing any cracks in the chimney or other roof penetrations. It’s also a good idea to trim any tree branches that hang over your roof, as this can protect it from damage during storms. 

Sump Pump Aurora CO prevents flooding and water damage by pumping out water collected in the lowest parts of a home, like basements or crawl spaces. A float switch activates a sump pump when the water level rises, forcing it to run and drain the water through a discharge pipe away from the house.

The most common cause of a wet basement is a sump pump failure. Most sump pumps come equipped with water level alarms that sound if the water in the pit rises too high. They are typically connected to a check valve that shuts off the pump when the water reaches a certain threshold. The pumps can also be hooked up to an electric or battery backup. A battery backup is important because power outages can leave a home vulnerable to flooding.

A float switch is often used with pumps to control when they are running or not. It is a simple device that resembles a small balloon with an on/off switch attached. The float rises when the water level in the sump pit reaches a certain point and activates the pump. A screen covers the switch to keep dirt and debris from clogging. Float switches are often used in tanks and other liquid containers to provide an audible or visual alert for high and low tank levels.

An easy way to monitor your sump pump is with a wifi-enabled water level sensor. When the switch is tripped, these devices connect to your wi-fi and send email, text, and voice call alerts. They are easy to install and use and can be used with many different types of liquid containers. They are also compact and can be plugged directly into your wall outlet. They are ideal for use in sump pump pits, cisterns, condensate pans and overflow containers.

There are also kits available that connect your existing sump pump to a wireless float switch and can alert you via phone, tablet or computer if the pump is operating. They can save you time and money by monitoring your basement for leaks or a pump failure.

If you notice your sump pump isn’t working properly, it may be time to consider replacing it. A professional inspection by a restoration and flood prevention expert can reveal hidden problems that could lead to a costly pump failure. Replacing the pump is a small price to pay to prevent potential flooding and property damage in the future.

Battery Backup

A battery backup system is a separate, rechargeable unit that powers your sump pump in case the main one fails or loses power. It’s a smart, affordable way to safeguard your home from costly basement flood damage.

The simplest models work by automatically switching on when the main pump stops working. They can run for up to 8 hours on a single battery and feature an alarm that will tell you when it’s time to replace the battery.

You can also get a more sophisticated battery backup that monitors your pump to detect any problems and keep an eye on the water level. Some of these can even send you a smartphone alert when the backup is activated.

Battery backup systems can also prevent a dangerous stall or burnout of your main pump by detecting problems with the float switch. These are often the biggest problem, especially if you have “wide angle” tethered switches. They have too much freedom of movement and can become trapped against the discharge pipe, pump, or power cord. A better design has a rigid float that moves in a solid, straight path, making it less likely to cause a failure or overheat.

You should also consider a battery backup that has a high recharge rate and long service life to minimize the cost of frequent repairs or replacement. It should also have an easy-to-understand function design that makes it a snap to install and operate for non-professionals.

Lastly, look for a model that has a built-in AC surge protector. This will protect your home’s circuits and equipment from a sudden power spike that can damage your sump pump or lead to a power outage.

A smart sump system with a wireless backup battery gives you the peace of mind of knowing your home and valuables are protected, no matter what kind of power fluctuations occur. It’s an investment in your home’s safety that will pay for itself the first time it saves you from the expense of flooding repair. You can find battery backup systems that provide up to 50 gallons of water per minute, or more if you have multiple batteries in your system.

Maintenance

A sump pump is designed to protect your basement from flooding, but it will only work if it is working properly. A malfunctioning pump or one that isn’t ready to function can lead to costly repairs or even total unit replacement. Routine maintenance can help ensure that your sump pump is ready to go when you need it most.

Before performing any sump pump maintenance or inspection, always unplug your pump. If your home has a dedicated circuit for the sump pump, this is even more important as it will be less susceptible to losing power due to a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.

It’s also important to make sure that you don’t have any lint or other debris in the pit before performing any maintenance. You may want to consider keeping a cover over the sump basin, as this will prevent any clogging from sediment and lint that can be washed into the pit during heavy storms.

If you’re not sure whether your pump is working properly, perform a test by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. Ideally, this should activate the pump and cause it to turn on and drain the bucket of water. If it fails to activate, then there may be a problem with the electrical connection or the float switch. In this case, you’ll need to consult a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

If your sump pump does activate, but fails to eject the water from the basin, it’s likely a problem with the impeller or check valve. In this case, the plumber will need to disassemble the pump and clean all of its components. They’ll also check the discharge pipe to ensure that it is clear of any obstructions and that it is directing water away from your home.

It’s also a good idea to check the bearings of your pump to see if they need lubrication. If they do, this can be done by following the directions in your owner’s manual. It’s a good idea to perform this at least quarterly, but annually is preferable.

Safety

A sump pump helps prevent basement flooding, protecting your home’s valuable possessions and reducing the risk of mold. But, like any pump, it requires some maintenance to ensure it is always operating at its best.

Annual maintenance should include an inspection of the pump, checking for signs of deterioration or accumulated debris, and testing to make sure it is functioning properly. If you are unsure of what to do, or need some assistance, call a professional.

Battery backup systems are essential to ensure your pump can continue working, even in the event of a power outage. In areas that experience frequent power disruptions, a battery backup will help prevent water damage to your basement and the items stored there.

It is also important to keep your sump pump clear of debris and obstructions. This includes cleaning the discharge line to prevent the buildup of mildew and mold that can clog the line.

Using a smart sump pump monitor to track your system’s performance can give you a peace of mind, especially during severe weather conditions when your house is at the highest risk for flooding. Monitors perform hundreds of measurements per second, allowing them to identify problems before they cause a flood.

A monitor that can detect an issue will alert you through the Moen Smart Water App, email, text or phone call so you can take the correct steps before a flood occurs. The app provides exact water-level data to detect a leak or pump failure, and will send you notifications for excessive pump running, loss of power, wi-fi status and temperature, humidity, and freeze alerts. You can even control your sump pump through voice activation, such as by asking the Moen app to “turn on” or “turn off” your pump. You can even set up notifications to remind you when it’s time for routine maintenance or annual service. This makes it easy to keep your sump pump working safely and efficiently. Then, you can rest assured knowing it will be there for you when your home needs it most. A sump pump is a necessary addition to any basement in an area prone to flooding or with crawl spaces and basements built below the water table. It can help keep your belongings, furniture, and other household items safe from moisture damage, as well as protect the expensive electronics and appliances commonly found in those lower levels of a home.