What Is the Purpose of Roof Treatment?
Roof treatments provide a protective layer that prevents water, algae and other contaminants from penetrating the building. They are usually sprayed or roller applied to an existing roof system.
Liquid membranes need to adhere well to clean bare substrate surfaces. Before a craftsperson applies the product, they must pressure wash the surface to remove dirt, dust or grease that can weaken or obstruct adhesion.
1. Prevents Water Damage
The first line of defense a house has against water damage is the roofline. Leaks and water damage from the ceiling can often be traced back to an area where a shingle is cracked, missing or damaged. A regular inspection of the ceiling by a homeowner can help them spot potential problems. If a leak is found it can be repaired before the damage spreads through the rest of the house.
The shingles themselves provide an effective barrier against moisture, but as they age, their integrity can deteriorate. This can allow moisture to penetrate the shingle and drywall. The best way to prevent this is to look for telltale signs of a leak, such as wet areas on the ceiling, rotting wood and sagging drywall. The next step is to check the underlying structure of the roof for problems, such as rust or missing shingles.
Many common leaks are caused by faulty flashing, especially around chimneys, skylights, vents and other protrusions on the roof. The flashing is usually made of metal and seals the gap between the shingles and the home. If the flashing is bent, rusted or missing it can allow water to enter the home through these areas.
The application of a roof treatment can prevent leaks by coating the surface of the shingles and sealing them against water penetration. However, if the underlying structures of the roof are damaged, it is important to repair them by A&J Roofing & Construction Services INC. They are licensed and certified roofers they have experience with all types of roofs including shingle roofs, metal roofs, flat roofs, EPDM roofing, asphalt roofs, and more. Click Here and see why.
2. Prevents Algae Growth
Algae is a common problem in humid areas. When the algae spores are deposited on your roof, they grow and spread, leaving dark streaks across your roof. You can probably see similar stains on other homes in your area.
These streaks, commonly called roof mold or fungus, typically show up on the north side of your house because it receives the least sun and stays damp longer. They thrive on limestone fillers in shingles and feed off the moisture in the air. If left unchecked, the algae can cause the wood under the shingles to rot, which is also bad for the health of your home and your family.
Roof treatment eliminates the algae and prevents it from coming back. If you choose to use bleach, it’s best done by professionals because it washes down into the soil and plants around your home and can kill them. The bleach can also wash into your eyes and make you sick.
Another way to help prevent algae is to trim trees that shade the roof and clean gutters regularly to eliminate standing water. You can also purchase moss-resistant shingles or zinc strips to protect your roof. They contain metals that act as algaecides or fungicides and can help stop the growth of algae, moss and lichen. It’s best to take these steps before you have a problem, but even if you do, the treatment will keep it from returning and save you from losing your roof warranty or homeowners insurance.
3. Prevents Damage to Shingles
Over time, water erodes the asphalt layer on roof shingles. If left unattended, this erosion can cause shingles to curl or break off. This can result in a loss of traction, which increases the chance that debris will fall off the roof or ice dams may form along the bottom of the roof. Water also can saturate the shingle, which causes deterioration and leads to leaks. A regular cleaning prevents this erosion, protects the structure of the house and helps extend its lifespan.
Moss and lichen grow on shingle surfaces, creating pits and stains that are difficult to remove with a general surface cleaning. They also retain moisture, causing shingles to deteriorate more quickly. Moss is also a source of airborne mold spores, which can cause respiratory problems in family members and pets.
The best way to prevent the growth of moss, lichen and algae is to ensure that your roof gets enough sunlight. This can be done by regularly clearing debris from the roof surface and ensuring that gutters are clean to allow water to flow freely. You can also trim overhanging trees and move garden features away from the roof to expose more of the shingle area to sunlight. A roof treatment can also help reduce the likelihood of moss and algae by saturating the shingle with bio-oils that choke off the roots of these plants.
4. Prevents Damage to Wood
A roof that is covered in algae, moss, or lichen isn’t just unsightly – it can actually damage the wood. These organic buildups create spaces between shingles and trap moisture underneath, which can cause rot and leaks. Over time the organic growth can also degrade shingle materials and shorten your roof’s lifespan.
A clean, algae-free roof can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home and increase its value. In addition, regular cleaning prevents the spores from spreading to other parts of your property and your home, such as exterior siding or even interior furniture.
Whether it’s caused by age or natural events, your cedar roof can be susceptible to wood rot and other damage. The combination of ultraviolet light, humidity, shade, and heat can lead to premature deterioration, weakening the structure and potentially allowing water into your house.
The most common source of damage to a cedar roof is moisture. When moisture is allowed to collect on the surface of a wood roof, it can cause the wood to swell and shrink in response to temperature changes, resulting in cracks and splitting. Over time these cracks can allow water into your home and create a perfect environment for fungus to grow. The best way to protect your cedar roof from moisture is by using a high-quality water repellent.
5. Prevents Damage to Concrete
Many people overlook the fact that concrete roofs can be damaged by water. In fact, when a concrete roof becomes compromised in any way, it can lead to ongoing issues throughout the home that affect electrical components and insulation. This is why it’s so important to take steps to protect your concrete roof with a waterproofing treatment.
Like any building material, concrete is naturally porous and is prone to absorbing moisture from the elements. This can occur due to weather conditions and also when there are cracks or holes that are not sealed properly. When this happens, rainwater and even air moisture can seep into the concrete surface. This can lead to damage, mildew, mold and ultimately leakage.
As a result, it’s very important to inspect your concrete roof regularly and have any problems addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage. A waterproofing product creates a barrier to prevent water from penetrating the concrete, stopping leaking and protecting the structure of your building.
If you’re worried about your concrete roof, speak to a specialist today. They can help identify any areas of concern and recommend the best waterproofing solution to suit your needs. The process can take as little as 30 minutes on an average-sized roof and can be completed in a few hours if necessary. Before the process begins, it’s important to check the area for ponding water and any other potential areas of leakage.
6. Prevents Damage to Metal
Metal roofs are robust and versatile, but they’re not impervious to damage. Whether it’s from wind-blown debris, rust or corrosion, or just the normal stresses of local weather conditions, metal roofs can suffer from dents and scratches that can compromise their integrity.
Clean gutters and drains: Leaves, sticks, and other types of debris can get caught in your gutters, which will clog them. The excess moisture can corrode your metal roofing and invite pests near your property. Having your gutters cleaned and installing gutter guards can help prevent future issues.
Examine the underside of metal panels: Metal roofing is coated on both sides, but the underside of some panels can corrode prematurely if not properly coated. If you live close to the coast, consider a metal roof that’s less likely to react with salty water.
Check for rusted spots: Rust spots are easy to repair by applying a gentle scrubbing cleanser and using a garden hose to rinse off the dirt and debris. If a spot is still corroding, lightly sand it and apply a metal primer to prevent further deterioration.
Look for leaks around flashing areas: Leaks often occur at add-ons on a metal roof, such as pipes or chimneys. These are areas where different materials come into contact, and if the sealants and butyl tape used to secure these joints are damaged or not installed correctly, they can be the source of a leak.
Roof treatments provide a protective layer that prevents water, algae and other contaminants from penetrating the building. They are usually sprayed or roller applied to an existing roof system. Liquid membranes need to adhere well to clean bare substrate surfaces. Before a craftsperson applies the product, they must pressure wash the surface to remove dirt,…