<span><font size="3"><font color="#990000"><strong>Roofing FAQ: Basic Roof Problems</strong></font></font></span> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><strong>* What are some of the typical causes of roof problems?</strong></span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span>There are different types of roof problems, and it is best to be aware of them so you can avoid shortening the life span of the roof. Some typical roof problems are:</span></p><span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />Not enough maintenance done. Failing to fix minor roof problems can lead to a bigger problems later on. Structural damage caused by any physical contact can also lead to more problems later on.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/11a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/11a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />Climate and Weather. Extreme weather (hail, ice, snow, scorching heat) can expedite the deterioration of a roof. Strong winds can, of course, damage the roof as well.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />Industrially polluted or salty air (as near the sea) and other atmospheric contaminants are also contributing factors.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />Wrong design. A faulty design can lead to early problems. A weak or improperly attached roof can also collapse from weight.<br /><br />Flashing problems. Flashings are used to make the roof watertight.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Improper installation and weak flashing can make the roof leak and by the time it is discovered, water damage maybe extensive.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /><strong>* How do I know if I need a new roof if I don’t see any leaks?</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong><br /></strong><br />Leaks are not the only reason for replacing a roof. Furthermore, if you wait until you begin seeing leaks, you may end up with more damage and a bigger problem than you had hoped. So, check your roof regularly for the following:</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />- Age of roof – Depending on the kind of roofing, a roof can last up to 20 years. If your roof is 15 years old, you should be watching for signs of needing repair.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />- Missing or torn shingles – Damaged shingles expose the roof to water damage and rot. They also make it so that other shingles may be blown away in the wind. Old shingles may curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away by wind gusts.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />- Rusted or missing flashing – Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes. It is also often found in the valleys of the roof where the roof sections meet. If it is rusted, damaged or missing, it could cause leaks.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />- Gutters – Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for damage or decay. Look for broken pieces of paint and scraps of roofing. This may be a sign that your roof needs some attention.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />- Inside Walls – Watch for discolored plasterboard or cracked paint and peeling wallpaper indoors. This could be a sign of a leaky roof.</p><p><br /><br /><strong>* What kind of preventive maintenance should I do for my roof?</strong></p><p>Since roofs are constantly exposed to the elements, most roof damage results from weather and pollutants in the atmosphere. To save yourself big repair costs or even having to replace your roof before its time, you should perform a general inspection on your roof at least twice a year, checking for mildew, mold, rust, trapped water, and possible damage, and make minor repairs if necessary. That is the best preventive maintenance you can do.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/11b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/11b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />Also, be sure to keep your roof clean. Remove any debris that may accumulate on it and clean out the roof gutters regularly. Also, repair any weather damage as soon as it occurs.</p></span> </span> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span><font size="2">Article Source: </font><a href="http://www.articleset.com/"><font size="2" color="#800080">http://www.articleset.com</font></a></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><font size="2"><span><strong>About the Author</strong></span></font> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Rae Fakner is editor of <a href=&
quot;http://www.roofingfaq.com/"><font color="#800080">http://www.roofingfaq.com/</font></a>, the online guide to Roofing. He also writes Roofing FAQ’s for <a href="http://www.prettygreatanswers.com/articles/RoofingQuestions/">http://www.prettygreatanswers.com/articles/RoofingQuestions/</a>. <br /><br />» Read more articles by <a href="http://www.articleset.com/articles-by_Rae-Fakner_en.htm">Rae Fakner</a></span></p>
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