Roll roofing is a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings due to its cost-effectiveness and easy installation. Whether you’re installing roll roofing for the first time or maintaining an existing roof, regular inspection is crucial to ensure the roof’s durability and performance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to identify potential issues in roll roofing, why early detection is essential, and what steps you can take to prevent costly repairs.
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What Is Roll Roofing and Why Does It Need Regular Inspections?
Roll roofing is a type of roofing material made from large rolls of asphalt or bitumen. It’s often used for flat or low-slope roofs due to its affordability and straightforward installation. However, like any roofing material, roll roofing can suffer from wear and tear over time. Regular inspections are vital to catch minor issues before they turn into expensive, more significant problems.
Experts recommend performing at least one comprehensive inspection per year, with additional checks after severe weather events like storms, heavy snow, or intense heat waves. A proactive inspection can save you thousands of dollars by catching issues such as leaks, cracks, or blistering early.
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How to Perform a Roll Roofing Inspection
Performing a roll roofing inspection is a straightforward task that you can do yourself, but hiring a professional may be necessary for complex problems. Here’s how you can inspect your roof step by step:
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Check for Visible Damage
Begin by looking for any visible signs of damage on the surface of the roof. Look out for:
- Cracks and splits: These can occur due to weathering, UV radiation, or heavy foot traffic.
- Punctures and tears: Sometimes sharp objects or hailstones can puncture the roofing material.
- Blisters and bubbles: These form when moisture gets trapped between the layers, and they can weaken the roof’s integrity.
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Inspect the Seams
The seams where the edges of the roofing rolls meet are crucial areas for inspection. Look for signs of separation or gaps. Over time, the adhesive can weaken, causing the seams to open up and allow water infiltration. If you notice any issues with the seams, it’s essential to re-seal them immediately to prevent leaks.
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Check for Moisture Damage
Examine the roof’s surface for water stains or mold. These can indicate that the roofing material has become compromised, allowing water to penetrate. A water-damaged roof can lead to significant structural issues if not addressed quickly.
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Look for Granule Loss
If you have an asphalt-based roll roofing material, check for granules. These are small mineral particles embedded in the roofing material that protect it from UV damage. Excessive granule loss may suggest that the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
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Inspect Flashing and Edges
The flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is another critical area to inspect. Damaged flashing can lead to leaks around these areas. Ensure that the flashing is securely attached and hasn’t pulled away from the roof.
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Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
While not directly related to the roofing material itself, gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in keeping your roof free from water damage. Clogged or broken gutters can cause water to pool on the roof, leading to leaks and damage over time. Regularly cleaning your gutters will help maintain the integrity of your roll roofing.
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Roll Roofing Installation: Tips to Avoid Future Problems
Proper installation is key to preventing issues in the long run. If your roll roofing was installed improperly, the material is more likely to degrade faster. To ensure a successful roll roofing installation, you should:
- Properly prepare the surface: The underlying surface should be clean, dry, and free of debris before the roofing material is applied. Any imperfections or moisture present can cause problems later.
- Use high-quality materials: Invest in good-quality roll roofing material. It may be tempting to choose cheaper options, but they may not last as long or offer the same level of protection.
- Ensure proper overlapping of seams: Overlapping the seams correctly prevents water from seeping through. If the seams are not properly sealed, they are the most vulnerable part of the roof.
- Install proper ventilation: Lack of ventilation can lead to trapped moisture under the roofing material, which can cause blistering or mold growth. Proper ventilation is essential to keep the roof in good condition.
If you’re interested in learning more about roll roofing installation, explore the helpful resources. Their guide provides valuable insights into how to install roll roofing properly and effectively.
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Common Roll Roofing Issues to Watch For
Identifying potential issues early on can save you from costly repairs down the line. Here are some of the most common problems homeowners face with roll roofing:
- Water Leaks: These are one of the most common issues with any type of roofing, including roll roofing. Leaks usually occur at seams, penetrations, or where the roofing material has been damaged.
- Blistering and Bubbling: Moisture trapped under the surface can cause blisters to form. These can lead to further damage if not repaired promptly.
- Cracking and Shrinking: Roll roofing can crack and shrink over time due to exposure to the sun and changing weather conditions. Shrinkage can cause seams to open up, leading to leaks.
- Punctures: Roll roofing is prone to punctures from sharp objects or debris. A puncture in the material allows water to seep in and cause damage underneath.
- Debris Buildup: Debris such as leaves, branches, or dirt can accumulate on the roof’s surface. This buildup can cause wear and tear on the material, leading to water retention and potential leaks.
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How to Fix Common Roll Roofing Problems
Fortunately, many roll roofing issues can be repaired with simple, cost-effective solutions. Here’s how to fix some common problems:
- Leaks: Seal any seams that have separated using roofing cement or a high-quality adhesive. For larger leaks, you may need to replace the affected section of roofing.
- Blisters and Bubbling: To repair blisters, cut the blister open, dry out any moisture, and then seal it with roofing adhesive. If the blister is too large, replacing the section of roofing may be necessary.
- Cracking and Shrinking: If your roof is cracking or shrinking, you can apply a patch or re-seal the seams. For larger issues, you might need to replace the roofing material entirely.
- Punctures: Small punctures can be patched with roofing cement or adhesive. For larger punctures, a patch of the same material should be applied and sealed.
- Debris Buildup: Regularly clean your roof to prevent debris from causing damage. Use a broom or blower to clear leaves and dirt.
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When to Call a Professional
If your inspection reveals major issues like extensive damage, structural concerns, or if you’re unsure about the severity of the problem, it’s always a good idea to call a professional roofing contractor. A professional will have the necessary expertise and tools to perform a more thorough inspection and make the necessary repairs or replacements.
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Conclusion
Roll roofing is an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners, but it requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure it remains in top condition. By being proactive and identifying potential issues early, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof. Regular inspections and proper installation are key to preventing common roll roofing issues such as leaks, cracks, and blistering.
Read More: Six cleaning mistakes that can damage your roof
Keeping your roll roofing in tip-top shape is more than just good practice—it’s an investment in the safety and longevity of your home.