Questions For Your Home Roofing Contractor On House Roof Styles, Ridge Vent, Leak Barrier, Algae

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We´ve all seen it before—it starts as a small black stain on the roof and before too long unsightly blue-green streaks have turned the shingles into an ugly and embarrassing mess. Maybe, along with those streaks, sections of the roof have buckled, shingles have started to curl. Regardless of how beautiful a home it may be, all you can see is the dilapidated look of a roof that has seen much better days. The problem is these issues can do more than just appear unsightly. Over time these problems can result in costly damage to the overall structure of your home investment taking much more than simply replacing a roof to correct the problems and potentially devaluing the worth of your home. There are ways to stop this damage and keep it from ever happening again by asking your roof contractor about shingles with algae protection, installing leak barrier underlayment and achieving the proper ventilation for your roof.

What causes algae?

When it comes to those unappealing dark streaks, the culprit is a colony-forming algae called Gloecapsa. Because rain and sunlight continually spread this ugly problem, only shingles formulated with granules designed to kill or "eat" this form of algae can keep this visual menace from detracting from the beauty of your home. Even though this particular problem is not a structural malady, it certainly takes away from your home´s curb appeal as 40% of the visual appearance of the typical home is the roof.

What causes leaks?

What about "soft spots" or areas of the roof that appears buckled or wavy? What causes leaks inside of the home near eaves, valleys and chimney during a heavy rain or after an ice storm? By asking your roofer to install a quality leak barrier underlayment, you are giving your roof insurance against damage caused by water damming in your gutters, wind-driven rain or ice that forms around vulnerable areas in your roof. By not having a leak barrier underlayment installed with your roof system you could be leaving yourself open to wood rot beneath your shingles, in your attic, and possible severe interior water damage. This damage may even be occurring and you don´t even know it. A professional roofer can inspect your home and tell where your home would best benefit from a quality leak barrier product.

Why is ventilation important?

One of the largest problems and silent killers of a home´s structural integrity comes in the form of poor ventilation. When air does not flow evenly through the roof and attic, heat, cold and moisture can all wreak havoc on your home. Everything from plywood to rafters and insulation in your attic are left to degrade, buckle or rot. This problem goes even further into the living areas of your home by causing paint and wallpaper to peel, increasing your energy costs, and could even adversely affect the health of everyone living there. By having your roofer install an effective ridge vent system to your roof, air is allowed to properly flow through your attic and avoid the problems that could potentially cost you a great deal more in money, time, and worry to correct.

By talking to your roof contractor about having algae protected shingles, leak barrier underlayment and an effective ridge vent system added to your roofing project, you are not only giving your home an insurance policy against these avoidable problems, but adding value to the worth of your home and most importantly of all, to your peace of mind.

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M. Brexler/C. F. McPherson