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Causes for Roof Leaks and How to Prevent Them

11/17/2016

While it hasn't rained here in Birmingham in quite some time, it's still important to safeguard your home or business from potential roof leaks. If it ever does rain again, the last thing you want is a bunch of drip buckets strategically placed throughout your living room or office.

Whether your roof is 3 years old or 30, a roof leak needs to be taken care of immediately so as to prevent further damage. Repairing a small leak could save you a lot more money by preventing the need for a roof replacement or major remodeling job.

At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we are your roof repair experts. We've compiled a list of the most common causes of roof leaks, what they look like, why they occur, and what needs to be done to fix them

1. Cracked Roof Flashing

Roof flashing are the thin pieces of metal installed around openings and joints in your roof that create a water resistant barrier. Tar is often used to seal the flashing together, and it will corrode over time. Because the flashing is exposed to the elements it will eventually crack, leaving that area vulnerable to wind and rain. Flashing can be easily replaced by prying up the nails used to secure it and pulling it out from under the shingles. Place the new flashing in its place, fasten it in the same way the old piece was attached, and apply a coat of roofing sealant to the nail heads

2. Broken Shingles

Broken shingles are the easiest issue to spot on your roof. Look for different colored patches on your roof, or look in your yard for pieces of shingles after a heavy storm. High winds and heavy rains are usually the cause for damaged or broken shingles. To replace a damaged shingle, pry out the row of nails that connects it to the one below it, put the new one in its place, and secure it with new nails. If you have a large amount of damaged shingles, it is best to consult a qualified roofing contractor to determine if there is a larger issue with the roof.

3. Improper Sealing of the Valleys

A roof valley is the area where two planes join together. Because these areas are normally sloped, water can seep inside as it runs down the roof if the seams are not sealed properly. The main reason for this type of leak is that the sealant was not applied properly to begin with, but excess rain and ice can cause the sealant to erode over time and stepping on the roof can crack the sealant. In order to fix this type of roof leak, it is best to hire a qualified roofing contractor because of the complexity of the job.

4. Clogged Gutters

Gutters are designed to channel water away from the roof, so when they become clogged by leaves and other debris, the water will pool up on the roof itself. When water pools on the roof, it has a better chance of seeping through the cracks. Look for leaves or sticks poking out of the gutter when you step back and look up at your roof, or if it ever rains you will notice that water is not trickling out of the downspouts. To fix this situation, the simple answer is to clean out your gutters. You can also opt for guards that fit over your gutters that prevent debris from accumulating but still allow water to run freely.

5. Attic Condensation

Because your attic is the uppermost part of your home, it is prone to condensation and moisture. Condensation occurs when the indoor and outdoor temperatures clash, especially during hot summers and cold winters. A leak from the attic will result in mold growth and mildew, and can often be detected by a strong musty odor. The mold must be treated first, and then proper ventilation and insulation must be installed to allow moisture to escape and to prevent large fluctuations in temperatures.

Roofs take a beating from heavy storms, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. If proper care and maintenance is put into place, a roof will keep you safe and dry for many years. Review this list of common causes for roof leaks and be sure to add these areas to your maintenance plan so you can avoid major damage to your roof and home. As an experienced roofer in Birmingham, Bill White Roofing and Specialty will be glad to assist you with inspecting and maintaining all of your roofing elements.

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Should You Buy a Home That Needs a New Roof?

11/3/2016

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Just as in selling a home, there are numerous things to take into consideration when buying a home. If you find a home you love, it is extremely important to have a home inspection performed by a qualified contractor to determine if it is worth it for you to make such a large investment. Unless it is a brand new home, chances are there will be a list of items suggested by the inspector that need to be addressed before purchasing the home. You can ask the seller to repair things on that list or lower the purchase price of the home to cover the cost of repairs. So what happens when the inspector tells you that the home you are thinking about buying needs a new roof?

Before you decide to move on to another house, keep in mind that you have several options, and that you have some negotiating power in this particular situation. Insurance companies typically won't issue a policy on a home with a roof that is at the end of its lifespan, and most mortgage lenders require homeowner's insurance before approving the loan. That results in the seller only being able to sell the house to someone who can pay cash, and they would have to discount the sales price of the home significantly. It is in the seller's best interest to work out a deal with you to replace the roof, especially because the same issue will come up with anyone else interested in buying the house. Your options at this point are:

Ask the seller to pay for the new roof, without changing the sale price of the home. This is obviously the best option for you as the buyer, but not all sellers are going to agree to this.
Split the cost of the new roof with the seller. You can either pay your part in cash at closing or agree to increase the sale price of the home by the amount you owe for the roof. You can negotiate the percentage of the cost that you want to pay.
Pay for the new roof yourself. Just like the last option, you can pay the seller in cash at closing or increase the sale price of the home. Keep in mind that increasing the price by too much may put you above the appraised value of the home, causing the mortgage company to reject the loan application.
Obtain a renovation loan to pay for the new roof. You can apply for extra financing along with your mortgage to repair or remodel the home you are planning to buy. The lender will hold the extra money aside until it is time to pay the contractor. Most insurance companies will approve a policy on a home with an older roof if they know you are getting financing for a replacement.

Don't let a bad roof cause you to change your mind on a home you are interesting in buying. Ask your realtor to help you figure out the best way to move into a home with a brand new roof that will last for years to come. At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we will be glad to help you in any way we can.