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As a homeowner, few things are more important than protecting your investment from the elements. One of the key ways to do this is by ensuring that your roof is properly waterproofed. Not only can water damage cause significant structural problems, but it can also lead to mold growth, mildew, and pest infestations. 

In this blog, we'll take a closer look at why waterproofing your roof is a must-do for every homeowner and provide tips and advice on how to get started. From identifying potential leaks to choosing the right products, we have everything you need to protect and secure your roof.

So, whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just looking for expert advice, read on to learn more about the importance of waterproofing your roof.

Table of Contents

Understanding Roof Waterproofing

A well-maintained roof is the unsung hero of your home's structural integrity. One crucial aspect of roof care that often goes overlooked is waterproofing.

Roof waterproofing is applying specialized materials and techniques to create a barrier that prevents water from infiltrating your roof and causing damage to your home's interior. Essentially, it's your roof's armor against the elements.

Common Roofing Materials Susceptible to Water Damage

Some common roofing materials and their susceptibilities to water damage help you make informed choices for your roofing needs and understand the importance of regular maintenance.

The Role of Waterproofing in Preventing Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your home's structure and interior. Waterproofing serves as your roof's first line of defense against water intrusion. It creates a barrier that prevents water from seeping through the roofing materials and into your home.

Signs of Water Damage on Your Roof

infographic illustration on signs of water damage on your roof

A well-maintained roof is essential for protecting your home from the elements, but over time, it can succumb to wear and tear, resulting in water damage. Below are key interior and exterior signs that indicate potential water damage on your roof, helping you identify issues before they escalate into costly problems.

Interior Signs

Exterior Signs

Benefits of Roof Waterproofing

Your roof stands as the fortress protecting your home from the elements. When safeguarding your investment, roof waterproofing is an indispensable measure. 

Not only does it prevent costly repairs, but it also fortifies your home's structural integrity, enhances energy efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your roof.

One of the foremost advantages of roof waterproofing is its ability to avert the financial burden of extensive repairs. Without proper waterproofing, your roof becomes susceptible to water damage, leading to leaks, rot, and structural deterioration. 

Addressing these issues after they occur can be significantly more expensive than implementing preventive measures. Roof waterproofing is a proactive shield, saving you money in the long run.

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home's structural components. It can weaken the foundation, compromise the integrity of walls and ceilings, and lead to mold and mildew development. 

Roof waterproofing forms a robust defense against these threats. Keeping moisture out helps maintain the strength and stability of your home's structure, ensuring a safe and secure living environment.

Roof waterproofing also contributes to increased energy efficiency. When your roof is watertight, it prevents air leaks and heat loss. 

This means your heating and cooling systems can operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature enhances overall comfort and minimizes temperature fluctuations.

Your roof is exposed to a barrage of weather-related stressors year-round. Sunlight, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations can impact roofing materials. Without proper waterproofing, these materials can deteriorate more quickly. 

Roof waterproofing helps prolong the lifespan of your roof by providing an extra layer of protection against the elements. This means you won't have to replace your roof as frequently, saving you both time and money.

Types of Roof Waterproofing Methods

When safeguarding your property from the elements, one of the most critical aspects is ensuring your roof is effectively waterproofed. Various methods are available to achieve this goal, each with unique advantages and suitability for different types of roofs and applications. 

Sealants and Coatings

Sealants and coatings are among the most common and cost-effective roof waterproofing methods. They involve applying a waterproof coating directly onto the existing roofing material. 

These coatings create a seamless barrier that prevents water infiltration. They are especially useful for flat or low-slope roofs. Silicone, acrylic, and elastomeric coatings are popular choices, offering specific advantages such as UV resistance and flexibility.

Membrane Roofing Systems

Membrane roofing systems are widely recognized for their durability and effectiveness in waterproofing. These systems involve the installation of a waterproof membrane, often made of materials like modified bitumen, EPDM, or TPO, over the existing roofing structure. 

Membrane roofs are known for their resistance to water and UV radiation, making them a preferred choice for commercial and residential properties.

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

Sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) is a versatile and highly effective roof waterproofing method. It involves the application of a foam material directly onto the roof's surface. The foam expands and forms a seamless, watertight barrier. 

SPF is known for its exceptional insulation properties, making it a popular choice for energy-efficient roofing systems. It also provides excellent protection against water infiltration.

Green or Living Roofs

Green or living roofs are a unique and eco-friendly approach to roof waterproofing. These roofs feature a layer of vegetation, such as grass, plants, or even small trees, planted on top of a waterproofing membrane. 

The vegetation acts as a natural barrier, absorbing rainwater and reducing runoff. Green roofs provide effective waterproofing, offer insulation benefits, and promote environmental sustainability.

DIY vs. Professional Waterproofing

Roof waterproofing is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity and durability of your home's roof. It protects your investment from costly repairs and potential structural damage. However, deciding to undertake waterproofing as a DIY project or hire a professional comes with its own considerations.

Pros of DIY Waterproofing

Cons of DIY Waterproofing

When to Hire a Professional

While DIY waterproofing can be cost-effective, certain situations warrant hiring a professional:

Cost Considerations

The cost of waterproofing can vary widely depending on several factors:

Steps to Waterproof Your Roof

Protecting your home from the elements begins with safeguarding its first line of defense: the roof. Whether you're dealing with a new construction project or looking to enhance your existing roof's resilience, understanding the essential steps to waterproof your roof is crucial.

Waterproofing Your Roof: Long-Term Maintenance

Achieving a waterproof roof is the beginning of safeguarding your home against the elements. Long-term maintenance is crucial in preserving your roof's integrity and preventing water damage.

Conclusion

The decision to undertake DIY waterproofing or hire professionals involves considering the complexity of your roof, your level of expertise, and safety concerns. While DIY projects can save costs, professional assistance may be necessary for intricate or high-risk situations.

Taking a proactive approach to roof waterproofing, along with regular inspections and maintenance, will help prolong the life of your roof, protect your home's structural integrity, and provide peace of mind during rainy seasons. 

Whether you choose the DIY route or opt for professional help, the goal remains: ensuring a dry and secure home through effective roof waterproofing and maintenance.

It is anticipated that tile roofing should endure a lifetime. Nevertheless, there are situations when it needs to be fixed owing due to leaks caused by slipping, cracking, or sagging, defective flashing, or a worn-out underlayment. Making repairs as quickly as feasible is critical.

Damage gets gradually worse if not corrected. The repair prices and considerations for these materials are distinct from those for other types; if they need to be serviced or repaired, it is essential to have a good hold on them.

Damage could arise from a range of different sources. Wind, ice, debris, hail, and even the sun's heat all cause damage to a roof over time.

When a roof of this type is damaged, it usually only affects a single tile at a time. In most circumstances, you will not have to replace all of the tiles on the roof. Only damaged ones will need to be replaced, but it's always advisable to get an expert opinion to see how bad the damage really is.

In other circumstances, the repair might not even require new tiles. Alternatively, you might have the current tiles repaired. When the tiles are damaged, they can potentially cause leaks, which can, in turn, generate additional damage to the roof. Damage to the building's interior from leaks is also possible and can be expensive to repair.

The cost of repairing a tile roof in Arizona

Repair cost  Price
Material  Composite tiling: $10 and $20.50 per sq ft
Plain tile: $8 to $9 per sq. ft
Terracotta tile: $11 to $23 per sq ft
Slate: $12 and $14 per sq ft  
Style  Plain tile: $8 to $9 per sq. ft
Pantile tiling: $8 to $10 per sq ft
Mission tile: $9 to $11 per sq. ft
Roman tile: $9 to $11 per sq ft
Spanish/ Mediterranean tile: $8.50 to $11 per sq ft
French tiling: $9 and $11 per sq ft
Interlocking tiling: $9 to $11 per sq ft
Tile repair: $9 to $11 per sq ft
Scandinavian tiling: $12-$14 per sq ft  
Problem  Slipped tiling: $8 - $13 per sq ft
Sagging: $15 to $25 per sq ft
Flashing costs: $25 to $30
Repairing a crack: $25 to $50 per tile
Leak repair: anywhere from $150 to $500.  
The repair cost of some materials

Repairing a tile roof can cost anything from $900 to $2,300 across the country. Steel tiles damaged by area damage on a 1,500 square foot roof typically cost roughly $1,800 to repair. The least expensive option available is approximately $500 to repair metal flashing that is damaged or missing. Repairs of deteriorated underlayment and replacing the roof at the high end could cost up to $8,000.

How much does it cost to repair a tile roof in Arizona? Many factors can affect the cost, e.g., the type of material and quantity of tiles that need to be replaced or repaired. Concrete, lightweight concrete, metal, and clay are all possibilities.

Tile Roof Repair Cost by Material

The cost of repairing a tiled roof ranges from $8 to $23. The material has an impact on it. Prices for various types of materials might differ significantly. When compared to other types, some demand more in the way of materials and labor. Concrete is the cheapest option, while clay or composite is in the middle of the cost spectrum. The table below includes the most popular types of materials available and their repair costs per square foot.

Cost of Tile Roof Repair by Style

The style impacts the repair expense, ranging from $8 to $14 per sq. ft., depending on the style of tiling. When completing your study, you will notice the many styles available on the market. All styles differ in appearance, texture, and cost. Style is a component that also affects the price you pay. A flat style is less expensive than a Roman style since it is more straightforward. Below you'll find a table that illustrates the relative costs of repairing various cost styles.

Tile Roof Repair Cost by Problem

Your structure is a considerable investment that carries out the crucial duty of protecting you and all of your assets. Ignoring any tiny problem now can lead to significant problems later on. Some typical issues include leaks, sagging, slid tile, cracked tiling, and damaged flashing. The price of tile repair by problem ranges from $8 to $25 per sq. ft. and $25 to $500 per problem.

Cost of repairing a tile roof

Model construction workers on new roof

Sixty percent of the overall repair costs range from $900 to $2,300. $540 to $1,380 will be spent on labor, with materials accounting for the remaining 40 percent. A professional might be engaged to complete repairs at $45 to $75 per hour for labor.

If your style is out of the ordinary or the slope is steeper than average, your labor costs will rise. The repair process starts with visually inspecting the structure to establish the issue and the necessary repairs.

Then, they will negotiate a repair strategy, which may involve removing and replacing damaged components. Repairs aren't always necessary for the entire piece. The repair needed directly influences the project's cost and duration. Even the tiniest of repairs require at least two hours to accomplish.

ProjectCost
Tile restoration$300 to $600 and up to $6,000 to $11,000
Tile replacement$5.50 to $36 per square foot
Underlayment replacement$0.50 and $2 per square foot
Roofing felt replacement$0.50 and $1 per square foot
Synthetic roof underlayment$0.75 and $2 per square foot
The costs of some tile projects
  1. Tile Roof Restoration Cost

Minor restoration projects, such as cleaning the gutters, might average between $300 and $600, depending on the size of your structure. However, a thorough restoration costs around $2,500 for an average property.

Prices might range from $6,000 to $11,000, depending on the scope of the work. Restoration is the process of extending your structure's longevity, offering you a cheaper option than a complete replacement.

Over time, tiles can be damaged by several factors, including extreme weather, infestation, or falling debris. This technique entails cleaning, repairing, or replacing any broken, damaged, or cracked surface. Protecting the surface with a clear coat prevents any further damage.

  1. Roof Tile Replacement Cost

If the materials need to be replaced, you may spend roughly $5.50 to $36 per sq. ft. The replacement cost includes removing the current materials and discarding the old ones, underlayment, materials, and installation.

Although it can appear expensive to replace tiles, it is occasionally a more practical alternative than repair. If your anticipated price to repair is more than half the replacement price, you may want to consider a total replacement instead. Several positives to consider regarding a replacement, including having all concerns repaired at once.

If you opt to repair one area of your structure, another area might need repair later. Long-term savings are realized by having your structure repaired instead of replacing the existing one.

  1. Cost of Underlayment replacement for a Tile Roof

Depending on the material, replacing an underlayment costs between $0.50 and $2 per square foot. The underlayment between the tiles and the deck acts as a protective barrier, keeping the surface dry and free of leaks and damage caused by the elements.

Repairing or replacing a structure often necessitates replacing the old underlayment, especially if the structure is more aged. A robust underlayment protects your structure if damaged and can prevent many severe problems from developing, including leaks.

Underlayment is typically included in the project cost, but it never hurts to double-check.

  1. Replacement of Roofing Felt

Felt, commonly known as asphalt-saturated felt, has been a standard underlayment material for construction types for decades. The material is comparable to tar paper but combines polyester, cellulose, bitumen, and asphalt soaked in a waterproofing agent.

It costs between $0.50 and $1 per square foot to replace the felt underlayment, including the materials and labor. It's available in two weights: 15 lbs. and 30 lbs.

Compared to the 15-pound type, the 30-pound class is significantly thicker and more rigid. As a result, the 30-pound felt is an excellent option due to its resistance to damage from the elements.

  1. Synthetic Roof Underlayment

It costs between $0.75 and $2 per square foot to replace synthetic underlayment, including supplies and labor. Underlayment should be replaced if damaged or exposed for an extended time. Professionals currently employ synthetic underlayment as their primary underlayment.

Compared to paper or asphalt, durable plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene are commonly used in synthetic underlayment. Exceptional strength, flexibility, and waterproofing characterize this underlayment, making it resistant to mold and other fungi.

This tear-resistant substance stays smooth and rarely tears around fasteners. It holds up nicely against UV damage and light.

  1. Roof Tile Repair and Upkeep

As a result of its sturdiness and endurance to the harshest conditions, tile is a popular flooring choice for many homes. Maintaining and giving reasonable care to your structure is a must.

It should be checked at least twice or thrice a year or after a large storm or other weather events that could have caused harm. During the examination, clear the area of any debris and inspect the tiles, fasteners, and sealant. If there are any damaged sections, suitable measures should be taken quickly to reduce further concerns.

You should clean it any time you spot stains, mold, or mildew. Hand cleaning with a trowel and wire brush is the preferred method. Consult a professional if you aren't sure if you can handle it on your own. Avoid using high pressure on the structure.

This has devastating damage. Once your surface has been thoroughly cleaned, you can take additional steps to protect your building, such as polishing, priming, painting, or resealing to keep it in good condition.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Roofing tools for post  How much does it cost to repair a tile roof in Arizona?
ProjectEstimate cost
Removal of a Roof$0.50 to $1.5 per square foot
Tile painting$2,550 to $4,250
Roof support$300 to $5,000, $500 to $5,000 (Truss replacement)
Roof Inspection$100 to $600
Tile cleaning$0.30 to $0.75 per square foot
The estimated cost of some tile roof projects
  1. Cost of removal of a Roof

Removing a roof might cost anything from 50 cents and 1.5 cents per square foot. You can anticipate paying double this cost for structures with more than one layer of tiles.

2. Roof Tiles Paint Prices

Typically, painters charge from $2,550 to $4,250 for painting. The amount varies depending on the region, the materials, the type of structure, and the materials' condition.

3. Roof support

Supports are a vital feature of any structure that maintains the structure stable and prevents it from collapsing or warping over time. A support problem can cost $300 to $5,000 in repair costs, depending on the nature and extent of the problem. If you need complete trusses replaced, those range from $500 to $5,000 to be installed.

4. Inspection of the Roof

The average fee for an inspection is between $100 and $600. Size, material, pitch, and present condition all influence this pricing. An inspection assesses the structure's condition and lifespan and any necessary repairs or replacements. An assessment is vital in finding potential problems and solutions to concerns.

5. Tile Roof Cleaning Cost

Roofing is exposed to several elements and severe weather. It is inevitable that debris, staining from food or drink, mold, and algae may accumulate over time. This can cause long-term damage and issues if it isn't cleaned. Cleaning services cost, on average, $0.30 to $0.75 per square foot across the country.

6. Additional considerations and expenditures

Purchasing new tiles is more expensive than repairing existing ones, but this is not always the best option. The labor cost will depend on the amount of damage and work.

The cost of cleaning up and removing any old tiles and materials should be factored in. If the problem isn't fixed, the roof and the house's contents risk further harm. Taxes and permit fees are not included.

A dead roof valley

Most of the time, residents in Arizona may be oblivious to the areas that are prone to roof leaks when designing and building a roof. Changing roof slopes meet in a roof valley with a name that stems from the roof's valley-like appearance, preventing water buildup on the roof.

The roof valley helps the roof slope drain water and reduces snow and ice accumulation on roof liners while at the same time improving the home's appearance. Complex roofs with multiple pitches will have dead valleys that must be protected and maintained.

A dead valley is a place on a roof where water cannot easily run down because of two slopes or a slope and a wall. Dead valleys can cause leaks and other roof damage if not properly maintained.

Good home designers who understand roofing and water movement avoid dead valleys in their blueprints, but when this is neglected, a roofing company must find and safeguard vulnerable areas. Where two roof slopes meet, a trough allows water to flow readily down the roof, but if the configuration is not designed well, water flows directly into these pitch regions, which have inadequate or no drainage.

When opposing roof slopes meet in a dead valley, there is little or no fall, leading to water and debris collection. Water generally drains fast, but in a dead valley, it can't because of the valley's flatness.

It can also occur when a roof section meets a lower outside wall. First, a regular valley runs into a flat wall corner instead of off the roof. Second, two or more slopes merge into one.

Low-sloped roofs should use materials that can endure water runoff without early deterioration. Roofing contractors often shingle over these sections without the proper underlayment, costing homeowners hundreds in repairs.

Debris and water can deteriorate wood and shingles, causing costly repairs. Dead valleys on roofs collect rainwater, snow, leaves, and other detritus, and as the roof ages or disintegrates, debris and water will leak through the shingles.

Dead valleys become an issue for roofers as leaking spreads, and the roof structure decays. When serious damage is long-lasting, the roof and adjacent structural components may need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes roof damage in Arizona?

Even if you can remedy a dead valley, it will limit your roof's lifespan if you do it too late or with the wrong method. Builders and roofers often "solve" a flat area by laying shingles and felt paper.

Despite their thoughts, a bad solution like this will leak in three to five years. It may lead to:

Leaks:
More roof leaks may indicate an unknown dead valley. Most homeowners don't know they have a dead valley roof until a leak is discovered, but that doesn't imply the situation is irreparable.

During roof repairs, membranes and other solutions can avoid water pooling and damage.

Roof water and debris collection:
Stagnant water is a common cause of leaking roofs, but it's not the only problem. Pooling water causes issues and can attract bugs.

Rooftop puddles attract mosquitoes because they provide ideal nesting conditions. Water seeping through the roof also attracts cockroaches and termites.
Standing water can cause expensive repairs and create ecosystems that should be avoided.

Ice dams:
Ice dams can cause substantial damage and leaks even when water appears to be flowing. Ice dams can create dead valleys where none existed previously.

A roof ice dam prevents melted snow from draining off the side. This can promote mold and mildew growth. Repeated freezing and ice thawing can cause considerable roof cracking and paint blistering and peeling.

Rot and moss:
Vegetation can develop in even the slightest roof breaches, creating a concern. Roofs with moss, algae, or weeds are less water-resistant, making them more vulnerable.

Roots can break roof membranes, enabling water to accumulate and attracting more pests.

Compare Prices

Got a roof that needs some restoration love, but trying to figure out how much it’s going to cost before you make a decision? Most roofing contractors offer free estimates. So you can easily compare prices between companies before committing to hiring a contractor.

Average Roof Repair Costs Depend Primarily on 3 Factors

We would advise getting at least 3 free repair estimates to get a feel for what the average cost of your roof repair should be. If you’re looking for a ballpark range, the cost to restore a roof in Arizona can range from $350 to $2,000+ depending on 3 Items.

Type of Roofing Material

Your roofing material strongly alters the restore cost. For example, concrete tile rates about 3 times as much as heavyweight asphalt shingles. And clay tiles are slightly more expensive than concrete tiles, which comes from the Tile Roofing Institute. So, if you have tile, you shouldn’t be surprised if the estimated cost seems a little higher than you’re expecting. While it may cost more to repair, tile roofing lasts longer and is more fire resistant than asphalt shingles.

To make things a little more complicated, the tile on your roof imay not be available in the marketplace. During the economic downturn, many tile manufacturers shut their doors – and with them their proprietary molds. The molds impact the direction tile connects with each other and actually lay on the roof. This may require doing a larger part of tile in order to have a logical start and stop point.

Scope of the Restore

Answers to these questions (and others) will determine the needed supplies and amount of time required to do the repairs.

Who Does the Repair

This is why we strongly recommend getting at least 3 free bids. You need to get a feel for :

Where the repair was done

For example the same roof repair in California would most likely be more expensive than a repair in Phoenix. The average roof repair cost in Los Angeles County, CA, ranges from $300 to $1,800. If you had a roof repair that costed $1,800 in California, same repair may only cost $1,500 in

Look for Experienced Contractors

When you get estimates, don’t just jump at the cheapest one, because how long they’ve been in business matters. Some say the best way to selected a roofing contractor is to find at a 10 -year-old yellow pages volume. If they’re listed in that volume and they’re still in business, they should be on your short list of contractors to use. Then, carefully check each bid to see if you’re getting apples to apples services. One contractor may skimp out on important work to give you a lower bid.

Once you get a few repair approximations, you might feel like replacing your old roof is perhaps more cost effective in the long run. Once you’ve chosen your roofing company, have that conversation with them and determine what the best and most cost effective option will be.

A Bucket Won’t Cut It

People tend to put off fixing small roof leaks because they have a tight budget. Or perhaps it’s the thought that it can be managed with a strategically placed bucket.  Either way, delaying a repair by a roof repair contractor will likely lead to a variety of additional issues, resulting in much higher repair costs.

Regardless of the size of a roof leak, significant damage and other problems can result over time. Move quickly to fix a leak with a professional roof repair contractor.  By doing so, you’ll get repairs done when they are at their least expensive point.  You’ll also be avoiding other issues that can be costly as well as hazardous.

Here Are Some Results From Procrastinating Fixing Small Roof Leaks

Damage to Paint and Drywall Materials

The nature of roof leaks is that they will grow over time, saturating larger areas with increasing amounts of water. Delaying a repair by your roof repair contractor can start bubbling paint and/or staining ceilings and walls if the water is carrying roofing materials such as tar with it. Repeated saturation also starts breaking down drywall materials, turning them from a solid structure to a powdery substance.

Deterioration of Insulation Materials

Insulation materials lose their effectiveness when damp, with an immediate result being an increase of demand on heating/cooling systems and higher energy bills. Additional costs can be incurred if cold and wet conditions keep insulation from drying out, creating the ideal environment for mildew. The combination of compromised insulation and mildew growth will require replacement of the affected materials.• Electrical issues – Water leaking down the walls can potentially lead to electrical shock and/or short out electrical circuits.

Structural Deterioration

In addition to breaking down drywall, framing and beams that are constantly exposed to moisture over the long term can start rotting as well, with the result being a steady decline in structural support. Once this process of degradation starts, it is difficult to stop and will ultimately necessitate the re-building of the home’s structural support system.

The Growth of Black Mold

The damp environment created by a roof leak not addressed by a roof repair contractor can result in the rapid build-up of mold that releases mycotoxins in high enough quantities to cause a variety of respiratory ailments including asthma, bronchitis, and other allergic reactions. These types of mold spores are particularly dangerous to people with weak respiratory and immune systems.

What To Look For After Big Storms

There are a variety of ways that weather can incur damage to your roof, even in moderate storms. When a storm has passed, the absence of leaks doesn’t guarantee the roof is undamaged. Whether the storm brought rain, wind, and/or hail, doing an assessment quickly can start the repair process before more damage incurs.

4 Things To Look For After A Storm

Look For Downed Power Lines

The most dangerous residual effect of high winds is downed power lines, so look for those first. Make this assessment from as far away from the lines as possible for safety purposes.  Report any issues to your electric utility immediately.

Check Trees For Missing Branches

Many areas of a roof may not be visible from the ground, but if you have trees that are missing branches that can’t be found, they may be up there.

Check The Attic For Leaks

Many leaks start small and grow over time. You may not see water damage unless you’re up in the attic. Look for damp insulation and inspect the areas around the chimney, the vents, and any other apparatus that penetrates the deck.

Evidence Of Roof Damage On The Ground

Take a walking inspection around the grounds of your home. Look for all types of roofing materials including shingles, fascia, and flashing that may have been blown off of the roof. Take a look around the mouths of all of your downspouts as well to see if any roofing materials came loose and were carried down by the drainage system. You may also be able to assess any separation of the shingles from the deck by inspecting the roof’s edges, which can be caused by storms with high winds. Remember that finding one broken shingle on the ground may mean that there are many more broken pieces that evidence roof damage repair that are still on the roof.

An Annual Summer Threat

Is your roof ready for the heat?  Phoenix has a lot of wonderful attributes, but the searing Summer heat isn’t one of them. Not only do we have intense heat but the monsoon storms can be extremely intense with strong winds. Combine these two and there’s definitely a yearly threat to the condition of your roof.  It’s extremely important that you prepare your roof so that it might survive the weather with minimal damage.

How To Ready Your Roof For Intense Phoenix Summer Heat

Trim Trees Near Your Roof

Tall trees near your house can cause damage to your roof when swaying or falling during summer winds. At the least, they could cause leaks in your roof, but if the branches are big enough, one could literally crash down right through it.

When planting new trees, don’t plant too close to your home and with existing trees, hire a professional tree trimming service to clear away any branches that might have the potential to cause damage to your roof before the storm season starts. Trees that look unhealthy or might be dead should be removed.  They could snap off at the trunk in a strong wind and threaten to crash down on the house.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

If you have gutters and/or downspouts, make sure they are clear of debris before the monsoon season begins. If they’re clogged, they wont be able to divert water from heavy rains away from your roof and foundation, which could lead to water pooling on your roof, or near your home, potentially causing damage to shingles, tiles flat roof systems and your foundation.

Inspect Your Roof Yearly

Before the monsoon season starts is the perfect time to get your roof inspected by a professional roofing company like Mikku and Sons Roofing. Your roof may have cracked shingles, damaged or misplaced tiles, and possible underlayment damage caused by last year's storms that you don’t know about. If these exist, you could have more damage and roof leaking from the new season’s storms.

It will give you an opportunity to make any necessary minor repairs before the storms turn them in to major ones. You don’t want to learn the hard way that you have some previous damage in the middle of a major storm that causes water to start pouring through your ceiling.

Think About a Cool Roof System

Not only can our extreme heat be tough on your roof, it dramatically increases your cooling costs. If you have an older roof, you might want to think about a phoenix roof replacement and go to a cool roof system.  These types of roofs are designed with materials that do a better job of reflecting, absorbing and redirecting heat to help keep your home cooler and your air conditioning bills lower. They can also be coated or painted with insulating materials that help with this task. Give a professional roofing company a call to discuss your options here.

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