Wednesday, 27 August 2014

Residential Roofing Problems: Animals In Your Roof

Have you ever been lying in bed only to hear a noise coming from the attic? It could be an animal in your roof. Talk about a stressful situation! There are many ways this could have happened. The animal may have crawled through your home and ended up in the attic. Or it could have chewed through your roofing shingles to get inside. Even worse, there may be an existing hole in the roof already. None of these options sound particularly appealing...but if there is an animal in your roof, you need to act quickly.
The truth? It's not uncommon for small animals to damage residential roofing. In some cases, the animals may physically get inside your home and other times, they may simply destroy parts of your roofing trying to do so. Whatever the case may be, you can't afford to ignore the problem. Animals in your home can leave droppings, create nests, and even chew through wood or electrical cables. That alone can put the very safety of your home at risk. So, if you suspect animal activity, always investigate the situation immediately.
The moment you hear a noise, listen carefully and try to determine the source. Is it directly above your bedroom? Over the hallway or guest room? Pay attention to every sound you hear. Once you have a general idea of where the problem is, you can take the next step and get in touch with an exterminator. They will perform an inspection of your home and locate the animal or infestation. From there, the exterminator will come up with an appropriate removal method.
Now you're left with the issue of your residential roofing damage. Animals like racoons and squirrels can eat through asphalt roofing shingles while trying to create a home of their own. Burrowing can leave your roof exposed to rain or snow, causing water damage, the need for shingle repairs, or even brand new roof installation. It all depends on the severity of the situation.
To find out how much damage has been done, perform a quick visual inspection of your roof. You can do this by standing outside and scanning the roofing with a pair of binoculars. Do you see any torn up areas? Pulled or ripped shingles? Areas that appear to have small holes or openings? This may be how the animals got into your home.
It can be frustrating to see the damage done to your roofing. You spent a lot of money on quality roofing shingles.... and it wasn't so animals could tear them up! Despite this frustration, do your best to stay calm, take a deep breath, and call in the professionals. They can perform a more thorough inspection and repair any of the damage that has been done.
Your home should always be comfortable and safe. That means having a sturdy roof that is free from damage. If you hear a noise in your attic, think there may be a problem, or notice any physical damage to your roofing, take action. The sooner your shingles are replaced, the sooner your life - and your roof - can get back to normal.
Joe Davis understands the importance of using commercial roofing products. In the last few years he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing materials.

Saturday, 16 August 2014

Using Commercial Roofing Products To Temporarily Fix a Leak

There is nothing quite so alarming as finding a leak in your roof. Suddenly, your mind is in overdrive. Will you need to have a whole new roof installed? How much damage is there? And what will it cost to have it fixed? Instead of panicking, focus on a solution. If your roof is leaking, the first thing to do is stop that leak! Don't know how to go about it? Here are some ways you can use commercial roofing products to create a temporary fix.
So, your roof is leaking. Maybe a few shingles have been torn or they're completely worn down. Either way, it's natural to feel a little nervous. If it's going to be a few days until a professional roofer can come deal with the problem or your finances are tight, these temporary fixes will help you get over the hump until a long-term solution is implemented.
Ready to get started? Ask yourself: where did you notice the water damage? Check the shingles directly above that damaged area. This could be the source of the problem. If you have an attic, make sure to inspect the roofing by shining a flashlight on the ceiling. This should show you where cracks, stains, or mold may be hiding. You may also need to do a visual inspection of your roof from the outside. Keep a look out for any missing, torn, or loose shingles that may be causing the leak. Once you've figured out the problem area, you'll know exactly where to focus your attention.
Now for the first temporary fix: roofing cement or roofing putty. These commercial roofing products can be found easily online or at your local hardware store. They can be used to cover the crack or hole that is causing the leak. All you need to do is apply the product to the inside of your roof (most likely in the attic) with a spatula or hand trowel. Make sure the affected area is completely covered and the cement or putty goes on evenly. After it has been applied, you will need a thin piece of galvanized sheet metal. This will need to be put over the damaged area.
Another temporary fix for a leaking roof is a bit of roofing tape. This is great because it prevents further leaks and it can be applied rather quickly. To use this product, apply the tape to the affected area from the attic and the outside area as well. This can be put directly over the damaged area - so don't worry about being too perfect. The key is to stop the leak as quickly as you possibly can.
Searching for another way to stop a roof leak? Well, this next idea may not make your home the most attractive on the block...but it is certainly be effective. Covering the missing shingle or damaged area with a tarp can work wonders while you wait on a permanent solution. Make sure the tarp is pulled tight and that it is tied securely. This will solve the roof problem for a few days while you figure out your next move.
Time is of the essence... especially when it comes to stopping a leak. If a shingle on your roof has gone missing or becomes damaged, you'll need to act quickly. These temporary fixes will stop the problem - and give you time to schedule an appointment with a roofing professional.
Joe Davis understands the importance of using commercial roofing products. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers across North America.