The structural reliability of the entire building and the microclimate in it depend directly on the roof condition. This protective element of the structure is constantly exposed to atmospheric influences, which often causes corrosion and mechanical damage. Even the smallest repair of the roof should be carried out on time, so as not to bring the problem to a state where a complete replacement of the roof structure is required.

The Unpleasant Situations

One of the most unpleasant situations that arise during the operation of a building is the need for emergency roof repairs. Let’s see together how to avoid it. Inspection of the roof of the building Periodic inspection of the roof allows timely detection and elimination of possible problems. According to its results, a technical task for repairing the roof can be made. The survey should be conducted 2-4 times a year, as well as immediately after the installation of the roof and on the eve of major repairs.

The Perfect Survey

The survey of pitched roof includes the following types of work: detection of mechanical, biological and corrosive damage to rafters; evaluation of the temperature of structural elements; determination of moisture indicators of wooden elements; assessment of the technical condition of the roofing. Survey of flat roofing is, first of all, the study of waterproofing coating: inspection of the places of abutments of waterproofing to vertical roof elements – exhaust pipes, TV antennas, parapets, ventilation shafts, roof exits; check the tightness of the application of waterproofing mastics. You can trust on the roofing companies etobicoke for this task.

Roof Services

After the construction is completed and the roof is put into operation, it is necessary to solve the maintenance of the structure. Maintenance, in addition to planned surveys, includes work on cleaning its surface from snow and pollution, as well as planned and unscheduled repairs. Maintenance of the roof in the winter requires caution. On a flat roof it is better to leave a small layer of snow than accidentally damage the waterproofing. On a pitched roof, there is no need to keep snow, but cleaning should still be done carefully.

When cleaning, it is not recommended to use metal tools that can leave a dent or scratch on the surface of the coating, which will inevitably become the basis for the development of corrosion processes. For snow removal, plastic, wooden shovels or plastic brooms are best suited. On the roofs of a large area for carrying snow, plywood sheets are used.

When the warm season comes from the roof of any type, dirt is carefully cleaned and an assessment is made for mechanical damage that could have been caused by birds or cats. When servicing all types of roofing, it is necessary to observe safety rules and not to go near the edge of the roof. When working on pitched roofs, it is recommended to use safety belts and move along special roofing tracks.

Maintenance of the roof is carried out only in the presence of the representative of the operating organization or the owner of the house, if private property is involved. Roof repair Repair of the roof can be current, emergency and capital repair.

The Soffit protects the exposed herringbone tails on your roof from exposure to the elements. If the wood on soffit rots, it’s time to replace the soffit boards with new ones before the damage is too extensive. You do not have to climb on the roof to do soffit repair work, but you have to be careful that you will use a ladder to reach the soffits. If you need to replace soffits and rafters underneath, you need to know how to safely use a reciprocating saw.

Instructions

1. Remove the gutters from the roof line by lifting the ends or loose straps with a lever bar. Work carefully to avoid damaging the gutters so you can reuse them later.
2. Remove any molding or cut along the edges of the soffits and fascia. Save the pad for later reuse.
3. Pull the damaged intrados boards and the fascia out of the house with the lever bar. Save the tips so that you can replicate the angles on them for the new tips. Remove debris from animals and bird nests that may be behind the panels.
4. Examine the rafter tails for signs of decay. If you see soft spots in the wood or if the wood appears to be rotten, cut the damaged chevron with an alternative saw.
5. Measure and cut a 2-by-4 piece of wood treated under pressure to the length of the chevron tail you removed with a circular saw. Cut a 1-by-4 piece of wood 4 inches longer than replacing the rafters.
6. Fit the herringbone replacement card into the opening. Place the 1-by-4 at its sides at the end of the extended 1-by-4 on the existing rafter. Remove the pliers.
7. Measure and cut new soffit and fascia boards 3/4-inch plywood exterior grade. The new cards must be the same length as the ones you removed from the house. Cut the ends of the boards at the same angles as the old tips you removed in step 3.
8. Apply a coat of primer to the replacement planks and let it dry. Apply two coats of paint to match the existing fascia and soffit and allow each layer to dry completely before proceeding.
9. Attach the soffit boards to the rafters with 2 1/2-inch stainless steel, exterior wood screws. Place at least two screws in each of the herringbone tails. Fasten the edge board to the rafters as well with stainless steel, 2 1/2-inch exterior wood screws. Place the two screws in each of the herringbone tails.
10. Replace the wooden trim and gutters at home. Retouch the nicks in the paint if necessary. A silicone caulk bead on all seams to help prevent future water damage.