Protect your Roof From It’s Enemies

A roof system’s performance is affected by numerous factors. Knowing about the following will help you make informed roof system buying decisions:

• Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.
• Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and/or mold and rot elsewhere in a house including: walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.
• Wind: High winds can lift shingles’ edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.
• Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at a roof’s overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn off a house or building.
• Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters possibly destroying a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.
• Moss and algae: Moss can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to a roof system’s surface, causing rot. In addition, moss roots can work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae also grow in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating a black-green stain algae, can retain moisture causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp shaded areas and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.
• Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage or even puncture shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system’s surface retain moisture and cause rot and leaves in the gutters block drainage.
• Missing or torn shingles: The key to a roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Shingle deterioration: When shingles are old and worn out they curl, split and lose their water shedding effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time. It should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a regular roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

Commercial Roofing

A commercial building is used for the purpose of conducting business. This may include a multi-family residential structure as well. Some examples include buildings used for retail, office, warehouse, churches, and apartment complexes.

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Rapid Rain Gutter Systems

The key to the Rapid Rain Gutter System’s uniqueness is the AR5600 Technology that provides a large capacity system that doesn’t look large or bulky, but achieves high-volume control of water flow.

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