Tougher Roofs In recent years impact-resistant roofing materials have been developed that far surpass the coverings that were out there even 10 years ago. If you’re considering a new roof, you’ll want to learn more about these options that can minimize damage while protecting your family’s home.The first things to look for, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), are roofing materials tested and approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) with a code of UL 2218. However, that’s not enough; within this standard are four rating categories from Class 4, which is the best, to Class 1, which is the least resistant. Therefore, the best products will be rated UL 2218 Class 4.While you’re at it, also check for the fire-resistance rating of the roofing materials. If products areuntested or failed tests, they are listed as “nonrated.”Inspect Your RoofRight now is a great time to check your roof for potential problems. Here are some tips on what to look for – after you’ve carefully secured and climbed your ladder – from the National Roofing Contractors Association:·First, check for ceiling spots and any signs of water damage on interior walls, which are usually a sign that your roof needs a leak repair.·Clean gutters and check for excessive amounts of shingle granules in your gutters; granules give shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.·Inspect around chimneys and pipes for loose materials or wear. Flashing is the material installed between your roof and any wall, such as the wall of your chimney. If the flashing is cracked, it should always be replaced as it could cause leaks, especially if you live in areas of the country that receive heavy snowfall.·Check shingles for buckling, curling or blistering; this indicates the end of the shingles’ life expectancy. Blistered shingles often are caused by inadequate roof ventilation. Also note any missing shingles, which are sometimes hard to spot.·Make sure that the gutters are leaf-free because, if they aren’t, drain outlets will dam up and rainwater will fill the gutters, backup, overflow and eventually pull gutters loose from their mountings. Water that pools in troughs will rot wood gutters and rust sheet metal gutters.Shingle Evaluation ChecklistKeeping shingles on your house is extremely important. If edge shingles are not well-fastened or extend beyond the drip edge more than the 1/4-inch typically recommended for high wind areas, the wind can lift them up and start a peeling process. This domino effect leads to significant loss of roof covering, which can allow water into your home, or worse. To check your shingle strength, the IBHS suggests the following evaluation:Inspect a number of shingle tabs and make sure they are well-secured to the roof, particularly along the roof edges.Use the tips of your fingers or thumbs to gently lift up on the edge of the shingle tabs to assess the strength of the adhesive and whether or not the tabs are well-anchored to the shingle below.
As long as the shingle is still flexible enough to lift and re-set flat, roofing cement can be applied. To do this with a caulking gun, place three dabs of asphalt cement about the size of a silver dollar under each tab, and press the tab firmly into the adhesive. On gable ends, secure the three shingle tabs closest to the gable edge.
Sometimes there is a question as to whether the roof should be stripped to the bare bones before applying new shingles. Here is one answer to that question. http://db.tt/2evdC2YF