Roof Repair: Mind the Gaps, Banish the Squirrels
Helpful information from A B Home Inspection, Inc.
Roof Repair: Mind the Gaps, Banish the Squirrels: Learn how to troubleshoot damages to your roof or just want more “overhead” peace of mind, you don’t want to reroof too soon and waste money.
Cold can aggravate a roof issue and quickly turn minor defects into costly repair bills; in fact, the latest “Cost vs. Value” report from Remodeling Magazine estimates the average roofing replacement costs over $20,000.
So, whether you’ve already noticed signs of wear on your roof or just want more “overhead” peace of mind, pay special attention to two seemingly small aspects of the roof that homeowners often overlook:
Gaps: Seal it, patch it
Be sure to check for any gaps around gutters, skylights and roofing vents then utilize the correct caulking, patching and sealants. Sealing these areas can keep out moisture and reduce heating costs – and many sealants are especially designed to adhere directly onto exterior surfaces. Even the tiniest cracks and gaps can allow moisture to enter, not to mention rodents, squirrels and other unwelcome varmints.
Pipes: Don’t leave a welcome mat for squirrels
Roof venting pipes are another area to closely inspect. One of the more common roof problems involves cracked rooftop venting pipes made with cheap lead tops as they corrode over time. To make matters worse, squirrels and other critters are known to relentlessly chew their way into a home via these thin pipe flashings as the lead entices these unwelcome varmints to gnaw at them, thus providing interior access for damaging rain, snow and more pests once whittled away.
“Squirrel infestation is a very big problem throughout many areas of the United States, especially older homes,” explains Amanda Williams, marketing manager at Quarrix.
“This is exactly why we developed a durable, lead-free and easy-to-install vent pipe flashing called Pipe Boot. That simply slides over the existing vent, nails into place, and then twists securely to form a weather-tight seal.”
With Pipe Boot, no specialty installation tools are needed. As the telescoping sleeve allows for varying pipe sizes and can withstand frigid winter temperatures via a patented design.
Enlist the pros quickly when there’s trouble
Waiting too long to call in a certified professional can lead to bigger issues. For example, squirrels quickly reproduce and can potentially gnaw on electrical wiring. Or, crawl into difficult-to-reach wall spaces, making extraction a nightmare. It’s a wise move to seek out a reputable roofing specialist. Especially when dealing with roof damage from weather or critters, or both.
The roof is no place to cut corners and no matter the season. Even seemingly minor roofing issues can put your home and valuables at risk. For a thorough seasonal roof maintenance checklist, visit: Quarrix.com/Checklist or call 800-438-2920.
When you or someone you know need the services of a quality home inspection company in Birmingham, AL or in cities near you, we would truly appreciate you thinking of us. You can schedule right from our website or call our office now at (205) 835-0539. Thank You!
Related Video You Might Also Like:
A B Home Inspections, Inc. has been providing Buyer’s Inspection, Commercial Inspection, Seller’s Inspection aka Pre-Listing Inspection, New Construction Inspection, 1 Year Building Warranty Inspections, Radon Inspection, Mold Inspection, Infrared Thermal Inspection, Roof Inspection, Plumbing Inspection, Installation Inspection and Electrical Inspection to home buyers and home sellers in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and the surrounding areas since 2000.