What You Should Know About Fixing Your Roof

By Author: Tanya Wiseman
Total Articles: 45
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Make your family safe from the rain

Flat roofs tend to develop more problems than pitched roofs, but some of the problems can be avoided with a practical preventative maintenance. This means a flat roof should be inspected for cracks, exposed nail heads and flashing, and general damage at least twice annually-four times if possible.
Flat roofs are constructed of a series of asphalt roll roofing and/or asphalt building paper. A layer of gravel or crushed stone is embedded in the hot asphalt to finish off the surface. Due to this type of construction is necessary, the flat roofs are usually installed by a professional roofer, who can be hired in Sacramento area as a roofing contractor; and who will require special equipment.
However, there are some maintenance repairs that you can conduct yourself.
You can inspect the flowing areas of your roof:
· Flashing and roofing pulled away from chimneys, vents or tacks, and other roof projections such as skylights.
· Exposed roofing nail heads.
· Around roof drains where water goes into gutters, or downspouts or other drainage systems. ...
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· Exposed roofing-that devoid of gravel/stone.
· Roofing seams or laps.
· At junctures with other roofs.
· At any valleys.
The best time to make a flat roof inspection and repairs is on a fairly cool day when there is no moisture on the roof and no rain in the forecast .Make the inspection and then determine the tools and materials you'll need and carry them to the roof at one time. This way, you avoid lots of ladder climbing and walking across the roof surface. Wear thick rubber-soled shoes, for safety, even though the roof isn't pitched. You can always call your local Sacramento or San Jose Roof Repair Company or contractors to make sure the job is done correctly. As the real and licensed roofing professionals they will be able to do a sufficient and adequate job on your roof.
The next step is to Repair a Flat Roof:
1) Sweep gravel and dirt away from the damaged area (penetration).
2) Cut out the damaged area, making a rectangular cut with the aid of a straightedge and utility knife. Slice through the top layer and other damaged layers.
3) From roll roofing or asphalt shingle, cut a replacement piece sized the same as the cutout. Spread plastic roofing cement inside the cutout area and up over the edges. Fit the patch in place and nail it around the perimeter with galvanized roofing nails spaced about 2 inches apart.
4) Cut a second patch 4 inches larger than the first one, large enough to overlap by 2 inches on all sides.
5) Cover the first patch with roofing cement, carrying the cement about 3 inches beyond the patch's perimeter.
6) Press the second patch into place and nail and cement it the same way youas you did the first one.
7) When the cement begins to set up, sweep the gravel back over the top of the patch.

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