The Care and Maintennance of Your Roof

Your home is a very important asset to you and your family. When something starts to break, leak, or becomes damaged you replace it. Replacing a roof is a very large investment, and keeping it maintained is a way to ensure your home stays in peak condition.

Being informed about ways to make your roof more efficient is just as important. Leaking is not just one problem homes face when it comes to water. Keeping your roof maintained will help ensure the longevity for your roof. The plastic air chutes ($1 each from home centers and building suppliers) in each rafter space keep the air path clear between the rafters and the roof sheathing.

The benefits of ensuring good attic airflow are fourfold:

• Reduces moisture buildup that prevents mildew growth and rot on your roof's framing and sheathing
• Reduces cooling costs during hot weather, which can be dramatic if your attic is under insulated
• Extends shingle life by keeping the roof cooler in hot weather
• Reduces ice and frost forming in the attic the potential damage they cause during snow and cold season.
• Ensures the air flow to help prevent any condensation in your attic space

Caring for Your Roof

Just Regular Maintenance

Question: I've noticed that my soffit vents look dirty. Do I need to clean them, and if so, what is the best method?

Answer: Yes, you should have your soffits (eave) cleaned and other types of attic air intake vents at least once a year if not twice. The best way to clean them is with blasts of compressed air to blow away dust, dirt and any loose insulation that may have fallen into the soffit area. Or have your local roofing contractor clean your vents. Attic ventilation is critical to the health of your house. It begins with soffit vents that intake outside air-necessary to create an airflow that moves moist attic air out the roof vents (exhaust). Once the air enters the soffit, it usually proceeds through an air chute or some other opening along the underside of the roof into the attic where it helps push moist attic air out the roof vents (exhaust).

From the diagram shown, you can see how the soffits help proved the right amount of air duct control to keep the attic temperature from causing condensation. It is recommended that you have these cleaned by a professional at least twice a year.

Condensation Information

How to Reduce Condensation

Install roof vents to increase air circulation in the roof cavity system. Keep inside air circulating with fans. You can also run the furnace fan. Check to make sure nothing is blocking the cold or warm-air registers. Install interior storm windows to keep condensation from forming on windows. Check the base of your house to make sure the skirting is well ventilated, the ground is covered with either rolled roofing felt or plastic sheeting, and the blackboard is intact.

If your roof does have a leak from the outside weather it would be visible from the outside structure as well. The shingles might be blown off, or rotted, or even coming up. Then you would have more than just a condensation issue.

Your home is a very important asset to you and your family. When something starts to break, leak, or becomes damage you replace it. Replacing a roof is a very large investment, and keeping it maintained is a way to ensure your home stays in peak condition. Being informed about ways to make your roof more efficient is just as important. Leaking is not just one problem homes face when it comes to water. Condensation is a form of hidden leak that only with the right knowledge and proper venting, can keep your home safe from this issue.

Is it a leak, or is it condensation?

Roofing contractors know that all leaks are not created equal. But to most building owners and managers, a leak is a leak.

At the first sign of water in a building, your immediate response may be to call your roofing contractor. In most instances, this is a good step to take - and the sooner the better. But the fact of the matter is that water enters a building in many ways and may not actually result from a roof leak. Sometimes the moisture doesn't come in from the roof at all - it may have been right there inside your building all along.

Condensation is the real bogeyman of phantom leaks. It can occur almost anywhere and at any time. The dynamics that cause condensation are as simple as watching a cold drink glass on a hot, humid day; yet as complicated as understanding vapor drive, dew point, per ratings and relative humidity.

One of the most common causes of condensation is the under-insulation of metal items that penetrate the roof deck. Such items as soil pipes, roof drains, sump pans and even the screws that hold the insulation down provide a direct heat-conducting link from the outside to the inside of the building. If possible, metal roof membrane penetrations should be covered with another layer of insulation.

Any of these items, on a cold day with the right amount of moisture in the atmosphere of the building, will cause water to condense - resulting in a drip resembling a roof leak.

Home Pride Companies, Inc. wants your roof to remain leak free and you to be knowledgeable in these circumstances. Warranties do cover leaks due to our craftsmanship. We are glad to answer any questions and dispatch a technician for a non-condensation issue no charge. However, in the occurrence you have evaluated this information and still have a technician come to your home for a condensation issue, fees will apply.

From the diagram shown, you can see how the soffits help proved the right amount of air duct control to keep the attic temperature from causing condensation.

It is recommended that you have these cleaned by a professional at least twice a year.