The Benefits of Breathable Underlayments for Roofing Systems

There’s much more to your roof in Bellevue than keeping rain and snow out of your house. The quality of your roof vents will also play a role in the amount of energy your household uses, and it will change the amount of moisture that’s let into your home. Watch this video and learn about the benefits of breathable underlayments for roofing systems.

There are countless types of roofing systems to choose from, and you should know about the benefits of breathable underlayments. Breathable underlayments allow for better attic ventilation, which helps protect your home and attic from moisture. A breathable underlayment can reduce the amount of moisture in your home by up to 20%. This reduces your risk of water damage and mold problems, and it makes your home safer and more efficient. If you want to improve your roofing system, look into breathable underlayments.

Your roof in Redmond protects your home, and your gutters protect your roof. At the end of the day, it’s your job to maintain these fixtures so that they can continue to protect you. Watch this video and clean out your gutters to protect your roof.

A properly maintained roof can last for 20 years or more, so it’s worth it to walk to the curb and look at your house once in a while. If it looks like your gutters are overflowing with leaves and animal nests, then it’s time to do some cleaning. Water can spill over onto your roof, leak into your house, and create an array of issues. Have your gutters checked and cleaned 3 times a year to get rid of debris before there’s any buildup, and install a gutter protection system to preserve both the gutters and the roof.

Seasoned roofing contractors in Redmond may recommend that homeowners install new gutters along with their new roof. If your gutters are failing, leaving them in place might lead to significant damage to your new roof shingles. Bad gutters increase the risk of ice dams during the winter. Consequently, ice dams can damage the roofing materials. This means you’ll have to schedule emergency repairs in the middle of winter. Ice dams can also cause significant damage to other structural elements of your home, and they may lead to flooding inside your home.

In addition to ice dams, failing gutters can lead to rotting and deterioration of the fascia boards, which hold the gutters in place. And if your home has wooden siding, this material can also sustain moisture damage from the water overflowing from the gutter system. If you’re scheduling a roof replacement, having new gutters installed is a smart move. Since the work can be done at the same time, it will minimize the disruption to your family’s routine.

If you notice any signs of damage to your roof, you should call a roofing contractor in Redmond promptly to schedule roof repairs . It’s also advisable to walk around the exterior of your home after a major storm to visually check for missing or damaged shingles. If you do notice anything that looks out of place, call a professional to do a roof inspection—don’t try to climb up there yourself.

Your energy bills will increase.

The same gaps in your roof that allow water to leak in will also allow for heat transfer. In the winter, your heated air inside the home will escape. In the summer, the hot air outside will make your air conditioner work harder. The result is higher utility bills all year-round—and a less eco-friendly house.

The damage will get worse.

At first, you may only notice some slight discoloration on your ceiling. As time passes, it will start to look more like a water stain. Later on, your ceiling might start leaking. Missing and damaged shingles, gaps between shingles, and other problems never go away by themselves. The longer you delay roof repairs, the worse the damage will get. Eventually, your home may show signs of water damage to the following:

• Decking underneath the roof shingles
• Insulation
• Attic
• Drywall
• Foundation

The more widespread and severe the damage gets, the more expensive the repairs will be when you finally do schedule them.

Water damage will allow mold growth.

Toxic mold is one of every homeowner’s nightmares. It can sicken your family and pets, and cause existing medical conditions to get worse, such as asthma and allergies. Mold spores can spread easily and multiply rapidly. Once your home is damaged by water, it’s susceptible to widespread mold infestations. You could even have toxic black mold behind the walls or under the wallpaper without realizing it.

Animals and pests can get into the roofing system.

Many homeowners think that animals could only penetrate the roofing system and the house if there are very large gaps. But actually, mice can climb through holes as small as a dime. Some pest experts say that mice could even get through a hole the size of a pencil eraser. And if the gaps in your roofing system are larger, you might even hear squirrels rustling around in your attic. The sooner you get your roof repaired, the better protected you’ll be from pests.

When it’s time to schedule a roof replacement in the Redmond area, ask the roofer about using Owens Corning’s ProEdge Hip and Ridge Shingles. These exceptionally well-designed roofing materials are often preferred by contractors, because they effectively resist the effects of moisture and wind.

Watch this video to find out more about Owens Corning roofing materials. You’ll see how the ProEdge Hip and Ridge Shingles enhance the overall look of the new roof. They form a waterproof barrier and protect against high winds, but these ridgeline shingles also allow the attic to “breathe” for proper ventilation. These materials are compatible with many types of Owens Corning products to complete the roof.

Your home’s roofing system will provide it with sturdy support for decades. However, even the highest quality roof may contain certain weak areas that require routine maintenance and repairs. By taking the time to inspect and repair these areas, you can extend the overall lifespan of your roofing system. A team of roofers serving Redmond can provide you with a thorough inspection of all of the vulnerable spots on your home’s roof. To help you identify which areas of your roofing may eventually need repairs, here is a look at some common roofing problem areas.

Fascia

During a roof inspection, your roofers will typically take the time to inspect the quality and condition of your fascia. Fascia is a term that is used to describe the wood or metal trim that runs along the lower edge of your roof. Since the primary role of your fascia is to protect the internal components of your roofing system from the elements, it is critical that this component remains intact.

Soffit

The soffit is directly underneath the fascia, and this roofing component is responsible for ventilating the roof. To protect your soffit from damage, look for signs of cracks, holes, or pest infestations. Your soffit should be constructed from a water proof material that is ready to withstand the elements.

Flashings

Many residential roofs contain valleys, walls, and other types of edges. During a new roof construction project, your technician will seal your roof’s edges with a product called flashing. Flashing is your roof’s main line of defense against rain, UV rays, and other harsh elements. Unfortunately, your roof flashing can become damaged during a storm or other weather event. To ensure that your roof remains in good condition, make sure that your flashing is correctly installed and sealed.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the assortment of roofing shingles that are available for your roof replacement procedure, you may want to use technology to help you make your decision. Using the CertainTeed Roofing Guide App , you can compare high-resolution images of different colors and styles of roofing shingles. Using this app, you will have an easier time picking out your ideal roofing materials in Redmond.

For additional guidance as you are shopping for roof shingles , be sure to work with a reputable roof contractor in your area. Your roof installation experts will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about the benefits of CertainTeed Roofing for your home.

When you have a new roof installed, your roofing contractors near Redmond will leave you with some kind of warranty. A warranty protects you in case your roofing materials fail before they are expected to, which can be a lifesaver in certain situations. Warranties aren’t permanent, and there are some things that can void them. In order to keep your warranty active and retain your protection, it helps to maintain your roof and understand what not to do. Continue on for a few tips for getting the most out of your roof warranty .

If your roofing materials malfunction before you expect them to and you’re not covered by a warranty, the cost of repairs will fall on your lap. If you do have a warranty, you’ll want to have your contractor check on your roof on a regular basis to see if any materials are damaged or failing. This helps you catch premature problems while you’re still covered. You also want to avoid anything that will void the warranty, like maintaining your roof with harsh cleaners or scrubbing to the point of damaging your shingles. You can always play it safe by having a roofing maintenance professional clean and care for your roof.

The right choice in roofing materials in Redmond will leave you with a beautiful, efficient home, while the wrong choice can hinder your curb appeal as well as your comfort. Each of the different roof types offers its own advantages and disadvantages, and knowing them is the key to making the right decision. Between cedar shakes and shingles, asphalt composition, and synthetic shake, there are quite a few pros and cons you should consider before making your choice. If it’s time for you to upgrade your roof, keep reading and find out which material you should choose.

Cedar Shakes and Shingles

If you are going for a rustic home design with a natural look, cedar shakes and shingles might be the way to go. Wood in general is known for its ability to add an organic flair to any design, and the roof is no different. Cedar shakes and shingles are particularly interesting because they age beautifully, and you get to watch the process happen. These roofs are also durable and efficient, so they’ll last through the long run and help keep your energy bills low. They also do a great job of holding up during inclement weather. Cedar shakes and shingles are wood, however, which means that you’ll need to offer regular maintenance to keep enjoying your roof.

Asphalt Composition

An asphalt composition roof is a great example of versatility and variety. This material comes in a surprising array of color options and design styles. Asphalt shingles can fit in with roofs of all different shapes, sizes, and configurations. On top of their aesthetic contributions, asphalt composition roofs are also great for families. They resist impact, stand up against storms, and even stop fire from spreading. It’s wise to have this type of roof installed in cooler climates.

Synthetic Shake

Like asphalt, synthetic shake is resistant to impact and fire, only these roofing materials are significantly lighter. They are still durable, and they don’t easily deteriorate from the sun. Synthetic shake roofs are also a “green” solution because they can be easily recycled at the end of their lives.

Depending on where in the United States you live, your roof shingles might be vulnerable to black streaks that can compromise your curb appeal. If you want to protect your roof in Redmond and keep your home looking its best, you need the right roofing products. Watch this video and prevent black streaks with PABCO Roofing Products featuring Scotchgard Protector.

PABCO Roofing Products featuring Scotchgard Algae Resistant Protector can help preserve the appearance of your roof. The black streaks you see on your roof are caused by algae, and it may only take a couple of years for them to show up. Thanks to copper roofing granules, PABCO products keep these black streaks from showing up. For best results, choose a minimum of 10% copper blend spread evenly across the roof. PABCO’s products are tested in house as well as in an independent lab.