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How to Make Sure Your Roof is Ready for Storm Season in Kansas City
Spring is upon us, which means storm season in Kansas City. To ensure your roof is ready for storm season, we have the perfect checklist to ensure your house investment stays as damage-free as possible.
No matter the season, it's essential to make sure your roof is ready for storms. Winter brings snow and ice. Spring and Summer bring heavy rain, hail, wind, and lots of sun!
Weather can degrade your shingles, fill your gutters, and damage your roof's structure. But now is the perfect time to be proactive and prepare for storm season to minimize or prevent storm damage to your roof.
Ideally, your roof will make it through storm season unscathed. But follow this simple checklist to ensure your roof is ready for storm season in Kansas City.
Check your gutters, downspouts, and drainage areas.
Check your gutters and downspouts for clogs, dents, and loose or weak fasteners at least every Spring and Fall. Clogged or dented gutters or downspouts can cause water to back up unto your roof and under the shingles. And loose or weakened fasteners can cause gutters to break away from the roof and take pieces of the eaves with them.
Be aware of the water pools near your property's foundation, sidewalks, or driveways. You want to make sure that water can run away from your home's foundation and not towards it.
Check all your trees, especially those near your roof.
Trees are great for providing shade in the summer, but they can also be a hazard to your roof and home if not properly checked.
Check if you have any weak or diseased trees that can snap or become uprooted in heavy winds. You don't necessarily need a professional for this either; look for signs that the tree is under stress.
Trees under stress might have dead limbs, missing bark, withered branches, and deformed or dopped leaves. Trees that are leaning could show they have a weak root system. Call a tree professional if your tree shows any signs that heavy winds could knock it out. They can help determine what needs to be done to save the tree or remove the tree.
Tree branches are also essential to check. High winds can cause the limbs to act like whips, damaging your roof. A tree branch can cause damage to your roof without even falling on it. So trim trees and branches to be at least six feet away from your roof. And remove dead or weakened branches as well.
Inspect your roof or have a professional do roof maintenance.
Roof maintenance is essential to ensuring your roof lasts as long as possible and doesn't cause damage. Before storm season hits, check your roof and attic and spot problems before severe damage occurs from a storm.
For your roof inspection, you will want to clean any debris on your roof and then check the shingles and hardware. Look for the following roofing components that may need repair:
- Cracked or worn boots around the pipes or vents
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Compromised sealant or underlayment
- Visible rust on various roof components like the flashing
- Absent, faulty, or loose nails
By doing a roof inspection, you are making sure that wind and rain can't penetrate the protective layers of your roof. And if you see roofing components that need to be repaired, you can have it done before a storm can cause damage.
And in the attic, you will want to check for water stains and leaks before and after you have some rain. You can ensure your first inspection was accurate by checking before and after.
Buy some tarps before storm season.
Tarps are great to have on hand and are hard to find after a storm. To be prepared for any damage after a storm, buy some tarps and set them aside for emergencies. Tarps can come in handy for temporary repairs and any leaks you discover before they can get fixed.
Make sure your home insurance is up to date.
Make sure that your home insurance has no coverage gaps. Keep your roof warranty and insurance policy together. You can even go one step further and download a claims form in case of power outages that keep you from accessing your policy online. And save updated pictures and videos of your home and valuables to be used after a storm for comparison. It can help expedite your claim and ensure it gets approved.
Secure loose items in your yard.
And right before a storm is about to hit Kansas City, be sure to secure your doors, windows, and any loose items in your yard.
Patio furniture, umbrellas, and lawn decorations can become flying debris in heavy winds. Store them properly in a garage or shed or tie them down to prevent them from causing damage to your home or someone else's.
Flying debris can break windows and increase the pressure inside your home, which can cause your roof to act as a giant parachute. To prevent this, make sure your windows can't be broken by loose items in your yard and that your doors and windows are tightly secured and locked during a severe storm.
Now You Are Ready for Storm Season in Kansas City
None of these steps are challenging but can be time-consuming. So whether you do the checklist this weekend or you hire a roofing professional, like Accent Roofing Group in Kansas City, being proactive in ensuring your roof is ready for storm season in Kansas City can save you money in untimely repairs and damage.
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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.
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.
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