Blackstone Exteriors

Since your roofing system is one of the most important parts of your home, you have to make sure it stays in great shape at all times. This means you need to prioritize the health of your roof, especially the most vulnerable parts. One minor damage can make a huge impact on the structural integrity of your roof.

Here’s how to care for the vulnerable parts of your roof.

Ridge Vents

Vents, particularly one-piece metal vents, are susceptible to moisture damage. Over time, you may experience leaking issues. For this reason, you have to keep an eye on this area and replace any damaged vents as soon as possible. If you can access the attic, you may want to inspect your roof from the inside to check for any signs of leaking under the ridge vent. Be sure to have your ridge vent replaced by a professional if you notice wet or stained wood.

Flashing

Water can also wreak havoc on the flashing of your roof, which is located around the chimneys and skylights. Keep in mind that leaks are possible in places where metal is used to make vertical surfaces watertight. So, if your flashing is installed improperly, it may be a leaking hazard. As such, you should regularly inspect your flashing. Any misshapen or loose flashing may bring moisture damage.

Eaves

The bottom edges of a roof, referred to as the eaves, are also prone to water damage. If water runs up under the first shingle or behind the fascia, leaking issues may occur. Leaks can damage the wood of your eaves, which may cause your roof to sag or the fascia wood behind your gutters to rot. However, even if there are no leaks, water can still eventually weaken your roof decking. Thus, it’s critical to contact your roofing repair contractor for any damage around your eaves.

Valleys

A valley can be a vulnerable part of your roof depending on how it was originally shingled. Water that converges from two roof faces also makes valleys at risk of roofing damage. Therefore, you have to be on the lookout for dips, bulges and cracks in the shingles. You should also check the valley area for signs of leaking if you can access your attic.

Pipe Boots

Pipe boots protect the pipe vent that comes out of the roof. Unfortunately, they have a short lifespan. Due to inevitable wear and tear, the rubber will become brittle and crack, which will cause leaking issues. To prevent this problem, make sure to replace your pipe boots if they are more than 10 years old or you see any cracks in the rubber.

Get in touch with Blackstone Exteriors for your roofing needs! Our professional roofers are more than glad to assist you. Call us today at (515) 344-1323, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.