What’s Causing Your Roof to Leak
A damaged roof is a common concern for homeowners in the Kansas City area. Storms, leaks, and other issues can wreak havoc with your roof, leaving you worried about your home's safety.
Your roof is your home's primary defense against weather. Therefore, problems with your roof typically lead to issues within your home. Paying careful attention to your roof's condition can help prevent leaky roofs, which lead to water damage, and can you save money down the road. In addition, minor repairs and preventive maintenance are more affordable than extensive roof repair or replacement.
The Advantages of Proper Roof Repair and Maintenance:
- Lengthen the life of your roof
- Save money on long-term costs
- Repair damage before it becomes worse
- Eliminate unhealthy mold and mildew growth
- Protect your family and possessions
- Ensure your home retains its value and curb appeal
Most homes in the United States have shingles for their roofing material. And while most shingles are manufactured with the latest advancements in weather and wind resistance, long-lasting performance, and fire safety, even the best can develop problems over time.
The good news is that shingle roofs are probably the easiest to repair since you can flatten and re-secure curled shingles and replace old ones. Plus, shingles make it easy to spot when there are damages.
Why You Should Do Roof Inspections
After a storm, you should inspect your home's interior and exterior to ensure your roofing system is working correctly and there are no roof leaks.
If you are doing the visual inspection yourself, you might start with the interior after a good rainfall. First, you will want to check your attic, ceilings, and walls. There may be peeling paint, saturated insulation, signs of moisture, or water stains. Damp rafters in the attic are also a common sign of a roof leak.
When inspecting the exterior, you can scan your roof for problems from the ground with a good pair of binoculars. You will also want to check for damaged or missing shingles on your roof and yard for excessive amounts of asphalt shingle granules.
And if you don't want to do the visual inspections yourself. You can schedule regular roof inspections with a professional roofing contractor. Roofing contractors, like Accent Roofing Group in Kansas City, understand how your roofing system works, so we know what to look for in roof damages and how to best repair your roof.
What Causes a Roof Leak
Upon inspection, you discovered your roof is leaking- most likely evident from the water stains on your ceiling. Leaks typically happen from damage to your roof. Roof leaks can cause significant damage to a home if the underlying cause isn't discovered and repaired promptly.
Sometimes that cause is age. Roofs don't last forever- even if we want them to! Asphalt roofs typically last 15-30 years. Once the materials in your roof age beyond their life expectancy, they begin to break down, compromising the integrity of your roof.
And sometimes, that roof leak is caused by improper installation. If an inexperienced roofing contractor does not install the materials properly, leaks almost always occur. Leaks caused by improper installation can include the roof membrane, flashing, roof vents, or chimney, although various things can puncture these. The most common problem with these areas is the poor installation of materials.
But if your roof is leaking and it's not aged or wrongly installed, it may be a damaged roofing component from a storm or natural wear and tear.
Below are six roofing components that may be causing your roof to leak and what damage to look for:
- Shingles: Look for curled, cracked, or missing shingles.
- Flashing: Look for cracked flashing caused by weather damage or corrosion. Flashing is the thin piece of metal installed under shingles and on the joints and valleys of your roof to create a water-resistant barrier. They protect gaps in your roofing system.
- Vent Booting: Look for cracks in the vent booting as it can decay over time, causing them to crack. Roof vents look like small pipes protruding from your roof, and they work to expel excess moisture. Vent booting seals the area where the pipes peek out of the roof.
- Valleys: Look for improper sealing by searching for wet spots that run along the seams of your roof. Valleys are the area where two planes of the roof come together.
- Gutters: Look for clogs filled with debris or any downspout with no water trickling out during a rainstorm.
- Chimney: Look for signs of wear and tear or holes along with the mud cap, the mortared area, and where the chimney connects with the roof.
It's good to know that even though you found a leak in the house, the roof damage might not be in the same spot. Finding the origin of a roof leak can be a real challenge. Water leaks can be deceptive. Where you see water and stains could be some distance from the actual roof damage. Water can travel many feet from where the leak is visible.
Small leaks may not be noticeable without heavy rain, but it doesn't make it any less harmless. Any moisture inside the roof system can degrade insulation and promote mold growth or wood-rotting fungus.
A professional roofer knows the tricks water can play. They can identify the source, map out the entire wet area and then find the damaged areas of the roof that need repair.
Accent Roofing Group specializes in roofing services to prevent and repair roof leaks.
Roof repair is typically done to extend the life of your roof or repair minor damages. A roof repair can fix leaks, wear and tear, and other damaged roofing components. However, a roof replacement may be advised when repair work is no longer cost-effective. Accent Roofing Group will work with you to find the best roof replacement options for your style and budget.
We Are Kansas City's Roof Repair and Roof Replacement Experts
The best roofing systems develop problems over time. The good news is that Accent Roofing Group can replace shingles and repair a leaky roof caused by storm damage or general wear and tear.
We provide high-quality roofing services if you find a leak or see some roof damage. Call Accent Roofing Group for an inspection and written estimate for expert roof repair or roof replacement in Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Raytown, Raymore, and Lee's Summit.
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You know it's time for a new roof when ... I am sure we could make a game of naming all the things that could go wrong that would cause you to have to get a new roof. But age and significant damage are the biggest culprits homeowners face. And since it's a more expensive home repair, it should be done with due diligence. Finding a roofing contractor is an excellent start when getting a new roof. But it's also essential to be prepared for all the decisions you will make when installing a new roof. Your contractor will be your roofing guide, but ultimately it will come down to your decision. Whether you are building a new home or choosing a new roof for your existing home, there are several things to consider to make your experience just a little bit easier. Aesthetics and curb appeal matter, but remember, your roof protects your home and everything in it. Product costs, material weight, and installation should all influence your decisions. Here are our top 3 things to consider when getting a new roof: Consideration #1 - Learn the Basic Roofing Terminology First, roofers talk use squares as their basic unit of measurement. 1 square = 100 square feet in area (the equivalent of a 10-foot by 10-foot square) Example: A 2000-square foot home with a gable roof will consist of less than 1,500 square feet of the roofing area or about 15 squares. Next, here are the five most essential terms you should know as a homeowner. 1.Rafters are the wooden beams that create the roof itself (the roof's foundation). 2.Deck/Sheathing is added after the rafters. It's placed along the home's attic, concealing the rafters. The deck/sheathing gives your roof strength. 3.Underlayment is a thin waterproof, insulating layer on the deck/sheathing for shock absorption, water resistance, and extra protection. 4.Flashing is metal strips installed at the angles and intersections of your roof to prevent water from entering into vulnerable spots. 5.Roofing Shingles are flat, rectangular pieces of asphalt, composite, or other roofing material. Shingles are what you see on your roof. They protect from the elements. Consideration #2 - Determine Your Budget for a New Roof The budget for your new roof is essential. A wide range of materials is available for your new roof. But materials aren't the only thing to consider. Your current roof and structure will also play a role in the overall cost of a new roof. Material Costs Materials and the size of your roof will be a big factor. Prices can begin at $50/square for budget materials and rise to nearly $800/square for more high-end materials. The Condition Of Your Current Roof Are you remodeling your home? Does the supporting structure need repairs? Do old materials need to be stripped off? Does your house have multiple chimneys, intersecting rooflines, turrets, or skylights? All of these elements will add to the cost of your new roof. Consideration #3 - How to Choose the Right Roofing Material Choosing your roofing material can be fun. It's where you can decide the aesthetic you want your home to offer while providing the protection it needs. But not all roofs can have any roofing material. For example, a flat or low-slope roof may need a different material than a roof with a steeper pitch. In addition, roofing materials like tile or slate are heavy, so to use these materials, your home has to have an adequate structure to carry the load. That's why it's vital to pick material that works with your current home's structure, or if you are building a new home, to build the structure that can support the roof material you want. Next, when choosing a roofing material, is the history of your home. Does your home have a traditional style? You may want to stick to that home's style to maintain its history. Traditional homes often use wood shakes, slates, or masonry tiles, while contemporary homes may be better off with metal roofing systems. Weather endurance and energy efficiency are important factors when picking your roofing material. Some materials last longer or even react better to the elements and climate in your area. And lastly, you will want to pick a roofing material that fits your budget for long-term maintenance. All roofs require maintenance ; some materials cost more than others. So choose a material that suits your long-term budget. Now to the fun part, find the roofing material that is right for you. Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles are the most common and cost-effective roofing material used. The life span is around 20-25 years. These shingles are made of a fiberglass medium infused with asphalt and given a sand-like granules surface. Wood Wood used to be the most common material used for roofing. But, some local fire codes forbid the use of it now. The life span is around 25 years and can be twice the cost of asphalt shingles. Usually made of cedar, redwood, or southern pine, shingles are sawn or split. Wood roofs are a great option where the climate has heavy winds or frequent storms because the shingles and shakes are resistant to the wind and the impact of hail and ice. Metal Metal is a durable and lightweight choice for a new roof. Metal roofs can be more expensive than asphalt roofs but have a life span of 40 to 70 years. A metal roof is an excellent option if you live in a high-wind zone, a place with lots of snow or rainfall, or a region threatened by hurricanes or tornadoes. Cement/Concrete Tiles Cement/Concrete tiles are the least expensive of tile roofting options. However, while they are a very durable option, they are not quite as durable as other tile options, such as clay tiles. And while concrete roofing tiles can last up to 50 years, the underlayment only lasts about 20 years. As a result, replacing the underlayment involves removing the concrete tiles, replacing the underlayment, and then reinstalling the tiles — a tedious, time-consuming, and costly project. And something to factor in when considering it for your roofing material. Clay Tiles Clay tiles are one of the oldest roofing materials used "dating back to Ancient China." They are heavy and quite durable, with a lifespan of about 100 years. They are popular in Spanish colonial or mission-style homes. They stand up to heat and sun well and are resistant to corrosion or salt air, making them an excellent choice for coastal regions. Slate Slate roofs are built to last. They are high quality and among the most durable and expensive roofing materials. A hard slate, such as a purple or grayish-black Buckingham slate, can last 150 to 200 years. But softer slates have a life span of 75 to 90 years. In addition, slate roofs are non-combustible, meaning it protects your home in the event of a fire. It's also resistant to temperature fluctuations and severe weather. And a big bonus, slate roofs are not affected by fungus and mold. Consideration #4 - The Installation Process Now that you have chosen your roofing material, you can talk to your contractor about the installation process. The roofing contractor will walk you through the process, including what you need to do to your property to protect it during installation. Ask your contractor about the time frame for installing the roof. Materials and size of the roof factor again into how long the installation will take. Asphalt Shingles: 1 to 3 days Wooden Shingles: 6 to 8 days Slate Tiles: 6 to 7 days Concrete Tiles: 8 to 9 days Metal: 4 to 5 days Do you need a new roof in the Kansas City metro? That's where Accent Roofing Group comes in. At Accent Roofing Group , we have provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Kansas City, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Mission, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Bonner Springs, Spring Hill, Stillwell, Shawnee, Merriam, Raytown, Raymore, and Lee's Summit. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). When you work with us , you will never have to worry about your roof again. Don't worry… we've got you covered.
Summer in Kansas City is hot and humid, and the weather fluctuations can do more damage to your roof than you might think. Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, but it's also one that gets neglected until problems arise. That's why summer is an essential time for roof maintenance. Ensure your roof is operating efficiently. Take a short break from your summer activities and follow our roof maintenance tips. Tip 1: Be Mindful During Rainstorms. Perform a Roof Inspection. Kansas City might go through weeks of no rain, but when that rain does hit, make it a habit of watching for leaks in your home. Summer rainstorms are the perfect time to check for weak spots that allow water to drip through your roof. Check your attic, ceilings, and walls for wet or discolored areas. You can also perform a roof inspection on your roof. A DIY roof inspection should be done using proper gear. Make sure you wear shoes that grip, gloves (because it could be hot), and any other protective clothing you might need. Always have someone hold the ladder you climb, and never climb up on the roof when you are home by yourself. And if you are like many homeowners who don't want to do a DIY roof inspection, call your local roofing contractor to come and inspect your roof and follow up with the needed roof maintenance work. A roof inspection and maintenance will check the following: Check the Eaves for Debris & Nests Once on the roof, you will look under the eaves for debris- such as leaves, sticks, or nests. If you find any debris, clean it up. Be careful of insects and birds as they like to nest in open areas in your eaves. Rodents, insects, and birds' nests can cause many roof problems. For example, bird droppings are acidic and damage shingles over time. In addition, roof rats, squirrels, or raccoons can burrow through your roof and chew through your electrical insulation. And bats can squeeze into the tiniest openings and roost in your attic. When you spot an open space in your eaves, repair them quickly. Check for Shingle Damage Check for loose, torn, dented, or missing shingles. Shingles are exposed to various elements daily and can become worn down or torn off over time. Damaged shingles make your home's interior vulnerable to water seepage and rot. If you find any damaged shingles, call a local roofing contractor for a bid on your next steps for roof repair or replacement . Check the Roof's Flashing Check the roof's flashing. The flashing is the thin material that directs water flow away from critical areas. They are installed to surround vents, chimneys, and skylights. If the flashing is loose, it can cause water leaks when not replaced. If you find cracked or loose flashing, it's essential to replace or repair them right away. Loose flashing can be screwed back onto the framing to resecure it to your roof. Small holes or cracks can be repaired by cutting some flashing larger than the hole or crack and securing it with roof cement. Note: We recommend contacting a roofing expert for roof repair services. Check Your Vents Good ventilation guarantees the balance of air circulating in the house. And it prevents roof materials from reaching high temperatures. So, check your vents. You can do this by checking your utility bill for any increase not related to seasonal changes. A steady increase could mean you have issues with your ventilation system. You will also want to visit your roof and attic to check the vents and metal stripping. Replace any damaged metal stripping to prevent leaks. And it can improve roof ventilation! Check Your Skylight Not all homes have skylights, but if your home has them, they should be checked from the roof several times during the summer. A hail storm could damage the glass or even leave a crack that you can't see from inside the home. You will also want to check the metal stripping around it to ensure it's not leaking. If you see cracks or damaged glass on the skylight, call your local roofing contractor to replace it. And in the meantime, it might be worth covering with a tarp until repaired or replaced. Tip 2: Clean the Gutters No matter what season, gutters should be inspected and cleaned. Gutters and drains direct water away from your home. If they are clogged with leaves and other debris, the excess water may be left sitting on your roof. And that stagnant water will eventually soak through your roof and into your ceiling and walls, putting your home at risk of water damage and mold. Structural damage is something that no homeowner wants to deal with, so take the time to check your gutters before the next big storm. First, check the gutters and drains around your house, and realign and tighten all the bolts. Then, clean out the gutters, drains, and downspouts. On the next rain, check to see that everything is flowing correctly. Or, you can run a hose through the gutter system to check for correct flow. Tip 3: Trim Troublesome Trees You may have trimmed your trees in the spring or fall, but don't stop in the summer. Look at your landscape and check for branches leaning on your roof or within 6 feet of your roof. Tree branches can scratch and gouge your roofing materials or, worse, fall on your home. Trim any troublesome tree branches that are getting too close. Tip 4: Be Aware of Mold, Moss, or Algae Guess what thrives in Kansas City's humid summer days? Mold, moss, and algae. Inspect your home's interior and exterior. When temperatures and humidity increase, mold can spread faster. Check walls, ceilings, and the attic for mold. Look for any discoloration like large black or white spots or off-colored wood. And on your roof, you might find moss or algae. Moss and algae can lead to roof decay. Regular roof checks in the summer can help prevent the accumulation of these microorganisms. If you see any signs of moss or algae on your roof, you will want to treat it as soon as possible. While using a power washer might seem great, the wrong tip or spraying too close can clean off the granules which protect your shingles from the sun. A better option would be to spray eco-friendly cleaning compounds. Or have copper or zinc strips installed on your roof as a natural prevention. Ask For Help From Roofing Professionals Roof maintenance is not a fun summer activity, but it is essential to avoid roof-related issues in the future. Hiring roofing professionals to perform regular maintenance can prevent problems from developing, too. Are you looking for roofing maintenance in the Kansas City metro area? That's where we come in. At Accent Roofing Group , we have provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Kansas City, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Mission, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Raytown, Raymore, Bonner Springs, Spring Hill, and Lee's Summit. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). When you work with us , you will never have to worry about your roof again. Don’t worry…we’ve got you covered.
Homeowners are in charge of the repairs and maintenance of their homes. Some maintenance and repair projects are minor, some are special DIY projects, and others require professional input. Roof replacements and installations are one type of home repair that requires some professional experience. Unfortunately, not all roofing professionals provide quality work. Sometimes, roofing contractors incorrectly install roofing systems, which can lead to many problems. Asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 15-30 years. If you had a roof installed and a year or two later are already having problems, you might want to consider that your roofing contractor did a bad job. A new roof might look perfect at first, but the imperfections from a poorly installed roof will begin to show after a year or so. Here are common signs of a bad roofing job to look for to safeguard your investment. 7 Signs of a Bad Roofing Job Your Roof Doesn't Look Uniform. Your Roof Has Damaged or Missing Shingles. Your Roof Has the Wrong Nails, or the Roofing Contractor Used an Improper Nailing Technique. Your Roofer Didn't Check the Roof Decking Before Installing the New Roof. Your Roof is Missing Important Roofing Components. Your Roof's Layers Were Completed in the Wrong Order. Your Roof is Already Leaking. Learn more about each sign of a bad roofing job below. 1. Your Roof Doesn't Look Uniform. A new roof installation or roof replacement should have your roof looking fantastic, and it should all look the same. You don't even need to get on your roof to check this. You can look at each side of your roof from the ground to ensure it all looks the same. If one side looks different, you had a bad roofing job. A roof that is not uniform might have sagging rooflines, mismatched shingles, or reused flashing. Therefore, checking for uniformity after a roof installation or replacement is essential to catching mistakes that must be fixed. What's a Sagging Roofline Look Like? Sagging rooflines will curve or dip. However, a properly installed roofline will always be completely straight and even in appearance. If you notice your roofline is sagging, it could mean you have issues with framing or roof deck rot. Why are Mismatched Shingles Bad? Mismatched shingles are typically different in color. Mismatched shingles are bad because it typically means that your roofer ran out of your preferred material and just used what they had instead of ordering more. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell them you noticed and want that changed! Don't Reuse Flashing. Flashing is the thin piece of sheet metal installed on your roof that prevents water leaks into your home. Expert roofing contractors know that the nails installed in your new roof won't always go through the old holes in the reused flashing. So the only way to ensure you won't have leaks is to replace old flashing with new flashing. Besides, a new roof should mean all new materials. So don't let a bad roofing contractor skimp on costs. Your Old Vents Weren't Replaced with New Vents. Roof vents help your home breathe. Breathing, also known as circulation, helps prevent moisture from collecting, which, if it accumulates, can result in mold or rot. When you have your roof replaced, don't use old roof vents because, just like your flashing, the nails in the roof vents might not line up with the old holes, which can lead to leaks. 2. Your Roof Has Damaged or Missing Shingles. Time and weather can cause shingles to go missing or be damaged. A few lost or damaged shingles do not indicate that you need a new roof, especially if you had it replaced within a few years. Damaged or missing shingles come with time and general wear and tear and should not be present following a roofing job. If, after a minor storm , you already have missing or damaged shingles and your neighbor's roof did not, you likely had a bad roofing job. 3. Your Roof Has the Wrong Nails, or the Roofing Contractor Used an Improper Nailing Technique. Nails are just as important as all other roofing components. The wrong nails could lead to your roof leaking. Depending on the roofing material, your nails will differ in type, grade, and size. And just as important is the nail technique, which is how the nail is driven into the roofing material. An over-driven nail will cut into the shingle, which increases the risk of leaks. An under-driven nail won't penetrate through to the deck, increasing the risk of leaks or even missing shingles. And a nail that is driven crooked will increase the chances of damaged shingles or leaks. Bottom line: the wrong nail or the wrong technique could result in your roof le aking. 4. Your Roofer Didn't Check the Roof Decking Before Installing the New Roof. The roof decking is your roof's foundation; if it's damaged, you can guarantee that you have a roof leak. Every component of a roof is attached to your roof deck. Time and weather, like all things, can eventually compromise the decking. An experienced roofer will check the integrity of the decking and make necessary repairs before installing your new roof. 5. Your Roof is Missing Important Roofing Components. Your roof is more than shingles and nails. The proper hardware works together to ensure a healthy, uniform, leak-proof roof. Roofing components impact the integrity of your roof. Whether the roofing contractor uses the wrong materials or doesn't use them will lead to a premature aging roof or could cause other structural problems. A Missing Drip Edge A drip edge is the metal sheeting installed on your roof to protect the board beneath it. Drip edges keep the water moving in the right direction. A good roofing contractor will install a drip edge between the shingles and the underlayment to ensure your home's structural support stays intact and prevents water leaks. A bad roofing contractor won't install a drip edge. A missing drip edge makes your roof susceptible to mold, flooding, stains, and soil erosion on your foundation. A Missing Underlayment A roofing underlayment is a felt-like material installed below your shingles and above your roof decking. The underlayment helps create waterproofing for your roof system. In addition, it ensures that your shingles work efficiently and keep your home water-free. A missing underlayment makes your roof deteriorate faster, and you will have to replace it before the average lifespan is up. Missing Starter Strips A roof replacement should always be done with an underlying starter layer of adhesive strips. Without starter strips, you have to install shingles directly to the frame, leaving your roof susceptible to wind and other elements. Shingles could blow off just a few months or years into the roof's lifespan without starter strips. 6. Your Roof's Layers Were Completed in the Wrong Order. As you see, your roof is more than just shingles. This is because so many components go into your roofing system. Of course, each part is essential, but what's also important is the order each layer is added. Every roofing contractor expert knows the order of each layer necessary for a successful roof installation. To add one layer out of order could compromise your entire roof and the overall protection it's supposed to provide. 7. Your Roof is Already Leaking. Water leaks in your home are never good. Over time they can hurt the structure of your home. For example, water leaks can cause your roof deck to rot, leading to dangerous breakages or collapses. An easy way to check if you have water leaks is to check for stains on your roof. Stains are dark in color and can be spotted on your roof or attic. Multiple stains across your roof likely mean you need to install a brand-new roof. Even if you have had a new roof installed and it looks great, it's important to do periodic roof checks to ensure it was correctly installed and has no leaks. Avoid A Bad Roofing Job & Hire an Expert Roofing Contractor Finding a roofing contractor expert in your area is crucial to ensuring your investment stays an investment and not a catastrophe. Accent Roofing Group is your local expert roofing contractor who has provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Kansas City since 2015. We work in all neighborhoods throughout the metro like Overland Park, Prairie Village, Mission, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Raytown, Raymore, Blue Springs, Liberty, and Lee's Summit. We are licensed, bonded, and insured with an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB). When you work with us , you will never have to worry about your roof again.
