Common Portland Roofing Problems, How to Fix Them
The Rose City is famous for glorious summer weather you cannot find anywhere else in the world. However, it is also well-known for its damp fall and winter seasons that are often accompanied by ice and snow. The less-than-ideal wet conditions keep Portland roofing contractors busy as the constant precipitation can help lead to a roof’s demise. Prevent roofing problems with some routine maintenance and simple solutions.
Common Roofing Problems in the Rose City
Leaks
No matter what kind of roof you have, if there are leaks, you have problems. Leaks on roofs can occur for a variety of reasons, including flashing not being fastened on well during installation. The poor installation of a proper moisture barrier under a coping cap on parapet walls can also lead to roof leaks, as well as seams that were not welded or glued on properly. When not installed correctly, a satellite mount can lead to roof leaks, as can with slipping shingles or poorly placed gutters pouring water over damaged shingles.
You can prevent roof leaks by hiring a professional Portland roofing contractor to install a new roof instead of doing the job yourself, because they have the tools and materials needed to prevent roof leaks. Replacing damaged shingles on a roof and keeping a roof free of debris can also help prevent leaks and water damage.
Poor Drainage
The drainage system on a roof includes the drain openings, gutters, leaders, scuppers and the slop of the roof deck. Proper roof drainage is important because it prevents water from pooling. Pooling water can compromise the structural integrity of a roof and home and can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Roof HVAC units without condensation lines can also cause water to pool. If you notice water pooled on your roof, this is a good sign it does not drain water well and you should look for secondary structural defects to your home.
Prevent poor roof drainage by keeping the roof, gutters and drain openings free of debris such as leaves, pine needles, moss, dirt and toys. You can also prevent water pooling by installing a second roof drain if there is only one, installing overflow scupper in parapet walls, placing drains by support columns and replacing missing or loose drain clamping rings.
Moss
Moss thrives in the Rose City like nowhere else because Portland’s high levels of rainfall and humidity create the perfect breeding ground for rapid moss growth. Moss can give a home a romantic, fairytale look – a look that can kill your roof. The problem with moss is that it shortens the life of a roof because its root system traps moisture for extended periods, not allowing water to evaporate naturally. As a result, the excess moisture leads to wood rot and the erosion of the ceramic granules on asphalt shingles. Moss growth usually begins at the top of the vertical spaces between a roof’s shingles – the last place water evaporates on a roof.
Short of installing an all-metal roof, you can prevent moss growth placing five- or six-inch-wide copper strips onto a rooftop’s surface, just below the peak. Whenever it rains, copper molecules will wash onto the surface of the roof and create an environment that is detrimental to moss growth.
You can also prevent moss growth by trimming back trees that overhang the roof and create a lot of shade, and by keeping your roof free of debris such as needles and leaves. If your roof already has moss growth on it, you can let a solution of oxygen bleach penetrate a roof for 20 minutes before using a scrub brush to remove the moss and its root system. Because working on a roof can be dangerous and slippery, especially if it’s covered with moss, it may be best to hire a Portland roofing contractor to do the job for you (and spare you the medical expenses).
A good roof is an investment for your home, and taking care of it helps ensure the health of your investment. Some of the biggest Portland roofing repair problems can be prevented with routine maintenance and simple solutions. Early detection, with the assistance of a roofing professional, can help maximize the amount of time that passes before you need to replace your roof.
[photo by eflon]
