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Roofing Maintenance Essentials
Performing roofing maintenance regularly helps prevent small problems from escalating into serious damage. It’s important to check the soffit and fascia, pipes, skylights, roof vents, and equipment curbs.
Also, a regular inspection can help you spot shingle damage. Repairing these issues promptly can save you thousands down the road. Contact Kalispell Roofing Pro’s for professional help.
When debris is left on a roof it can trap moisture, damage the sheathing or allow moss and other plant life to grow. This can lead to serious issues with the structure of the home and lead to expensive repairs. Debris can also clog gutter systems and cause water to flow into areas of the roof it shouldn’t. This can cause rot, mold and even leaks into the home itself.
It’s important to regularly check for any debris that has piled up on the roof, especially after a storm or high winds. This can include tree branches, leaves, twigs and more. It’s also a good idea to check for animal droppings, nesting materials and food hordes that squirrels or birds may have tucked away. Animal droppings can eat through asphalt shingles and metal roof coatings, while nesting materials and food hordes can cause damage to the substructure of the roof.
If you’re comfortable climbing a ladder to visually inspect the roof, then this is something that can easily be done on a regular basis. Look for any obvious damage or wear and tear, buckling shingles or granule loss. Also, look for any areas of the roof that appear dark or discolored as these are signs of moisture buildup and could be a sign of a potential problem.
Alternatively, you can always call in a professional who will be able to check the condition of your roof and clean any debris that has accumulated. They will also be able to check the condition of the gutters and make sure they are working correctly to remove excess water from your roof.
For those who don’t feel comfortable getting on a ladder to visually inspect the roof, it’s recommended that you use a pair of binoculars from the safety of the ground. This will give you a close-up view of the roof and help identify any problems with flashings or vent pipes that may need to be replaced. If you do spot any water damage, use a piece of chalk to mark the area so that it can be easily identified when you check again after rain.
Inspect the Flashing
The flashing is a crucial element that creates a watertight barrier and directs water away from areas where your roof is susceptible to leaks. It is placed at intersections between different roof planes, valleys, chimneys, skylights and any penetrations or interruptions in the roof’s surface. It is usually shaped and customized to fit the area and then sealed with caulk or roofing cement.
Like other roof components, flashing requires regular maintenance to prevent water intrusion. Leaking flashing can result in wood rot, crumbling walls and even mold growth. Typically, the source of the leak is due to a faulty seal between the flashing and the roof or wall.
Inspecting the flashing is best done from a ladder with the use of safety equipment, including a sturdy ladder and fall protection gear. Begin by examining the areas where the flashing meets other materials or around roof protrusions, such as chimneys, skylights and dormer windows. Look for cracks, gaps, missing sections or signs of rust or corrosion. Inspect the surrounding caulk or roof sealant for deterioration and ensure that it is still intact.
Check for any areas of ponding water or water stains on the interior walls and ceilings. These are indicators of a damaged flashing and must be addressed immediately. In some cases, the flashing may need to be replaced or resealed.
In most cases, the flashing is made of aluminum. This material is known for its anti-corrosion properties and has an advantage over steel, because it doesn’t rust. However, even aluminum can fail if not properly maintained and can deteriorate and develop cracks if not caulked regularly.
If you notice that the flashing is in need of repair, it is a good idea to schedule yearly maintenance with a professional roofer. This will help catch small issues early and avoid more costly problems down the road. Lyons Roofing can perform a full inspection of your roof and its components, including the flashing, and make any necessary repairs before they become major problems. We can also advise you on a maintenance schedule to keep your home protected year round.
Inspect the Caulk
Caulking is essential for keeping water, air and pests out of the home. It’s important to examine and replace it regularly, especially after extreme weather events.
A common issue with old caulking is water infiltration, which can damage the building structure and cause costly repair bills. A building envelope inspection identifies these issues and prevents them from deteriorating further, saving the property owner money in the long run.
Ideally, the caulking around the chimneys and vent pipes will be inspected on an annual basis to make sure it’s not cracked or leaking. This allows a professional to quickly diagnose and fix the problem before it can worsen.
It’s also a good idea to check the caulking in and around windows and doors on a regular basis. A cracked or damaged window or door can allow air and moisture to enter the building, which may lead to mold, mildew and rot. It can also be a source of pests entering the space and causing further damage.
When caulking becomes dry and brittle, it will crack and become dislodged from the surrounding area. This can cause further damage by allowing moisture and air into the building, resulting in a lack of structural support, mold or mildew. It is a simple task to re-caulk these areas. The best time to do this is between spring and fall, so the caulking has time to set before the cold weather hits.
It is also a good idea to look for broken or missing gutters, clogged drains and debris that has fallen from the roof. It is important to clean the gutters and downspouts at least twice a year before a big storm. This will help to prevent water from backing up and causing the fascia to rot. It’s also a good idea to trim overhanging tree limbs regularly, to avoid them crashing into the roof and causing damage.
As the weather starts to turn, it’s a great idea to call in an expert to inspect and clean the gutters and downspouts on your home or business. This will keep the rainwater from flowing over the roofing surface, preventing damage and reducing moisture build-up inside your home.
Inspect the Soffit
Your fascia and soffit play a vital role in your roof’s overall function. They protect the rafters from water damage and pests, ventilate your attic, and create a finished look. While they aren’t usually visible from the street, these elements require frequent inspection and repair to prevent extensive damage or costly complications. It is crucial to keep your eyes peeled for signs of rot, pest infestation, and damaged wood when inspecting your soffit and fascia.
Often, the first sign of a problem with your soffit is faded or discolored paint. This may indicate moisture damage or the presence of fungus. If the condition of your soffit deteriorates to the point that it allows water to enter the structure of your home, you will need to have it repaired immediately.
It’s important to perform a visual inspection of the soffit regularly, especially after bad weather and during gutter cleaning. This will help you identify and address any problems before they worsen.
Another common sign of soffit damage is the appearance of mold growth and musty odors. Mold typically grows in damp and poorly ventilated areas, making soffits and fascia susceptible to infestation. If left unchecked, it can spread to the rest of your home and cause major structural damage and health issues.
Soffits are also a favorite nesting site for squirrels, rodents, birds, bees, and wasps. If you see any signs of pests nesting in your soffit, including droppings or chew marks, it is critical to have it looked at and promptly repaired. These pests can cause significant damage to your roof and attic, and if they gain entry, they may even access electrical wiring.
It is essential to inspect your soffit for these and other warning signs on a regular basis. Many of these issues will only get worse with time, and if left unchecked, can lead to serious problems that require extensive repair or replacement. When you need soffit repairs, call a professional roofing contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly and to your satisfaction. These professionals have the experience and expertise to ensure that your soffit will last for years to come.
Water Heater Basics
Denver Water Heaters provide hot water for your whole house. It’s essential to pick a model that fits your home correctly and can meet your family’s needs.
It’s also important to look at energy efficiency and cost. Energy costs can add up quickly, so estimate your annual operating costs.
Traditional storage tank water heaters are the most common and affordable option for homeowners. They come in sizes ranging from 20 to 80 gallons and can be fueled by either electricity or natural gas. These tanks use a simple yet clever process based on the law of convection to heat your home’s water. Cold water enters the tank through a dip tube and is heated by a heating element or gas burner that sits inside the bottom of the tank. As the water heats, it rises and exits through a hot water discharge pipe located at the top of the tank.
This pipe is responsible for supplying hot water to all of your home’s sinks, tubs and appliances that require it. This pipe may also have a shutoff valve, which is usually identified by a red handle. The dip tube and hot water discharge pipe are surrounded by a layer of insulation that serves to reduce energy loss from the tank. Insulation can be supplemented by adding a fiberglass insulation tank jacket, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
While the majority of a tank-type water heater is made of steel, there may be a glass liner covering parts of the inside of the unit. Most models will have a metal flue pipe running through the center of the unit that’s fitted with a spiral-shaped metal baffle. This is designed to capture and transmit heat from the exhaust gases to the surrounding water, maximizing the efficiency of the unit.
The most expensive part of a conventional tank-type water heater is its fuel source, which can be electric or gas. When the thermostat on your water heater senses that hot water is being used, it turns on the heating element or gas burner to start heating the water. As the water heats, it will rise to the hot water discharge pipe at the top of your tank and exit the unit when you open a faucet or appliance. The water will then flow through your home’s plumbing systems and be consumed. This process is repeated as needed, ensuring that you never run out of hot water.
Tank-less
With a tankless water heater, your supply of hot water is virtually limitless. Also known as on-demand units, they use electricity or natural gas to heat water only when it is needed. This saves energy compared with conventional models and can reduce utility bills. A tankless water heater may require more up-front installation costs, but the payback comes from energy savings and rebates available through local and state programs.
Tankless units are more compact than traditional tank models and are wall-mounted to free up floor space in your home. This makes them a good choice for smaller homes, especially those with tight spaces. They are also more resilient than tanks, which can leak and cause damage to your home or cause Legionella bacteria to grow in them.
You can install a whole-house tankless water heater or a point-of-use model, which is inserted directly into the cold or hot water line near your faucet or showerhead. A recirculating pump can be added to automatically feed cold water back into the heater, so you get instantaneous hot water without the wait.
A tankless water heater can be more costly than a standard tank model, but you’ll save money over time in your utility bills, repair and replacement costs, and space used by the unit. It’s important to consider your hot water usage habits when selecting a size of tankless heater for your home.
One drawback of a tankless water heater is that the hottest water can take longer to reach your faucet, because it takes seconds for cold water to travel to the hot water heater and then another few seconds for the heating element to turn on and raise the temperature. This is why many homeowners choose to install a recirculating system, which eliminates the waiting time and keeps your water at the desired temperature.
Like all appliances, tankless water heaters need routine maintenance. The heat exchanger must be flushed periodically to remove mineral deposits and keep the unit functioning properly. This is most necessary in hard-water areas. You should have your unit flushed every three to five years, or more often if you live in an area with high mineral content.
Condensing
Gas-fueled water heaters that employ condensing technology are 10 to 15% more energy efficient than conventional tank-type units. They extract the latent heat of vaporisation from the flue gases of combustion and preheat incoming cold water using this energy. This saves a lot of money and reduces greenhouse emissions. However, a water heater can only operate at its most efficient when return water temperatures are lower than the vaporisation point.
In a non-condensing unit, most of the heat created from the combustion process is vented out into the atmosphere. The rest is used to heat the water, but it creates a hot exhaust gas that requires metal venting, usually stainless steel or thick aluminum. Condensing units, on the other hand, extract additional heat from these gaseous byproducts and use it to further heat the water in a secondary heat exchanger.
The combustion process produces gaseous byproducts like steam, carbon dioxide and other impurities that need to be vented out. A non-condensing unit releases all of these byproducts into the atmosphere, but a condensing water heater uses them to help pre-heat the incoming cold water. This saves a considerable amount of energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
A condensing unit is designed with a second heat exchanger, in addition to the standard primary one found on every continuous flow water heater. The new heat exchanger helps extract more heat from the flue gases and converts it into additional hot water that is then used to preheat the incoming cold water.
When comparing these two types of water heaters, it is important to know which efficiency ratings are being used. Non-condensing units are typically rated using Gross calorific values, while condensing models use Net calorific values. Net calorific values take into account the water heating efficiency of the appliance as well as its thermal efficiency.
When deciding which type of water heater to purchase, consider your priorities and budget. If you prioritize energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact, then a condensing tankless water heater is the right choice for your home. However, if you are concerned about initial investment and want more flexibility with installation location, then a non-condensing model might suit your needs better.
Installation
A conventional tank-type water heater is a heavy metal container that holds 40 to 60 gallons (151 to 227 liters) at 50 to 100 pounds per square inch (PSI). A metal insulating blanket covers the interior of the tank. Water enters through a dip tube at the top of the tank and exits through a drain valve near the bottom. It is heated as it flows through the tank. Most tanks have a temperature and pressure relief valve located on the side of the tank. This valve is used to prevent the tank from overheating and protects the home from damage. It is a good idea to check the valve regularly and clean it as needed.
The new water heater will need to have a drain connected to it, so a suitable location needs to be selected. It is important that the drain line be properly routed to avoid a clog. The new water heater also needs a vent pipe to release combustion gases out of the house. The venting pipe should be properly routed, as well.
Water heaters are heavy, so it’s best if you have help when moving and installing them. If you don’t, it’s possible for back injuries to occur. Also, always use a dolly when removing and lifting water heaters.
Once the old water heater is removed, install the new one. Connect the electrical wires and gas lines according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to follow the wiring diagrams closely and only use licensed plumbers for this task. Different electric heaters have very different configurations and colors of the wires, and you could get seriously electrocuted if you try to do it yourself.
Before connecting the new temperature and pressure relief valve, buy a tube of copper tubing and measure the distance from the bottom of the valve to the floor place. Cut the tube to this length and solder a male adapter to one end. Cover the adapter threads with Teflon tape and screw the valve in the tank, making sure that it is positioned with its opening pointing down.