HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-10-27, Page 18PAGE 18.THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016.
Inspecting, noting signs of damage key to roof health
What to look for
Exposed subroof, missing shingles, granules in gutters and interior water damage are all
signs that a roof may have been compromised. Winter weather, including heavy snow and
eventual melting and runoff, can cause significant damage when paired with a roof in
disrepair. (MS photo)
MS — Cold weather can be tough
on a home, and perhaps no part of a
home is more vulnerable to harsh
winter weather than its roof.
Fallen snow can equate to several
pounds of pressure placed on a
residential roof. Roofs do not often
collapse under heavy snowfall,
but adverse winter weather
conditions can compromise
roofs in other ways.
Water leakage and damage to the
roof's interior are just two of the
potentially problematic issues that
can arise when roofs are battered by
cold, blustery weather. That's why
many home improvement specialists
advise homeowners to conduct roof
inspections prior to the start of
winter.
Many homeowners can conduct
their own cursory roof inspections,
but they may not know exactly what
to look for. Experts say that there are
certain key areas to inspect that may
reveal some telltale signs of roof
damage.
• Curled, cracked or missing
shingles may prove troublesome.
Inclement weather can test the
strength of even the most durable
roofs. Even though many roofs are
designed to last up to 30 years, some
may need to be replaced early,
particularly when they have been
exposed to harsh weather over a
period of years.
Individual shingles can be
replaced as spot treatments, but if the
damage is widespread, a new roof
may be necessary.
• Attic leaks or water elsewhere
might signal issues with the roof.
Figure out if water inside the home
is coming from the roof. Water stains
do not always indicate problems
with the roofing, but it's better to be
safe than sorry.
• Look for protective granules
wearing off. If gutters are filled with
the sandy granular material that
coats roofing shingles, that may be a
sign of an aging or damaged roof.
• Inspect flashing. Professional
roofers can recognize properly
installed flashing, the material that
connects the roof to other parts of
the house that adjoin the roof, like
skylights or a chimneys.
Poorly installed flashing can cause
leaks. Stains that appear below
chimneys or near attic windows may
indicate new flashing, and not new
shingles, is needed.
• Gutters and downspouts should
be in good condition. A roof is the
sum of its parts, and that includes
downspouts and gutters. If the
gutters are clogged or damaged, they
cannot direct water away from the
house properly. Snow, leaves and
other debris needs to be cleared from
gutters to help them function at
optimal capacity.
• Animals and insects can cause
damage, too. It's not just poor
weather that homeowners need to
consider with regard to roof damage.
Boring insects and animals may
cause problems with roofs as well. A
roof inspection may shed light on
potential pest problems.
Holes or nesting materials may
indicate that an animal or animals
are using the attic as a shelter from
the elements.
Get to the root of issues with your
home's roof before they become
bigger problems once winter arrives.
A thorough inspection can reveal
problems that may prove costly if
ignored.
• Home • Farm • Commercial
COOK
ELECTRIC
PAUL COOK
RR# 5 Brussels
NOG 1H0
Ph: 519-357-1537
Fax: 519-357-4768
269 9S
MSRP $219.95
WITH 16" BAR
Displacement
Power Output
Weight
HTIHL®
30.1 cc
1.3 kW
3.9 kg (8.6 Ib)*
MS 180 C -BE
$34995
$449gs
31.8 cc/1.5kW/4.2kg(9.3lb)* 45.4 cc/2.3kW/4.6kg(10.1lb)*
MS 271
$949 M9$555
WITH 16" BAR
50.2 cc/2.6kW/5.6kg(12.3Ib)*
MS 311 MS 241 C -M
f O
STIHLCanada
www.stihl.ca
59.0 cc/3.1kW/6.4kg(14.1Ib)* 42.6 cc/2.2kW/4.1kg(10.416)"
E FREE y FOOD -P
with the purchase of any -Woodsman' Carrying Case
eligible STIHL Chain Saw."- • OILOMATICr' Chain loop
AN S85 VALUE! • STIHL Hat
Feature prices are in effect until December 2, 2016 for all power tools at participating STIHL Dealers, while supplies last.
-Powerhead only.
--Don't miss your chance to get the Wood -Pro" Kit. Simply purchase any one of the following chain saws between now and December 2, 2016 and you will
receive a STIHL Wood -Pro'" Kit FREE. This kit includes: a Woodsman" Carrying Case, STIHL hat and a replacement loop of OILOMATIC"chain - an $85 value! Hat
may not be exactly as shown. Offer valid until December 2, 2016, while supplies last. Eligible Models: MS 150 C -E, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C -BE, MS 181 C -BE,
MS 193 C -E, MS 211, MS 231, MS 241 C -M, MS 250, MS 251, MS 251 C -BE, MS 271, MS 291 C -BE, MS 311 and MS 391.
Schmidt's Power Equipment
79 Clyde St., Bluevale, ON
NOG 1GO
519-357-3877
schmidtspower@gmail.com