A step-by-step home check-up guide to find warning signs and advice on how to repair them.<\/p>\n
The holidays are just around the corner and thus winter weather is at our doorstep. Now is the ideal time to do a home health check-up to ensure your home is prepared for the ice and snow winter will bring.<\/p>\n
So, what are the three key areas of your home to examine and what do you look for? We have you covered from roof to deck. Follow this step-by-step home check-up guide to find warning signs and advice on how to repair them.<\/p>\n
1. Roof<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ve probably never thought about it, but your roof has to battle a lot of Mother Nature\u2019s enemies: ultraviolet rays, rain, wind, snow and ice. But the good news is most new shingle roofs are designed to last about 20 years. Slate roofs and some types of tile and metal roofs can last even longer. The actual life span of your roof is determined by several factors, including environmental conditions, material quality, proper application and regular roof maintenance.<\/p>\n Warning Signs : How do you know when your roof is in trouble? Look for these warning signs.<\/p>\n Outside Inside Repairs Needed?<\/p>\n If repairs are needed, don\u2019t skimp on quality to save a few cents. Much of the damage associated with serious storms results from water entering the home when roof coverings or siding is blown off. This is why it is imperative that you have a secondary layer of waterproofing protection underneath the shingles and siding. If proper protection measures are not taken, the resulting leaks are the main cause of interior damage, as well as potential causes of rot and mold. Rot and mold can lead to major structural damage and even potential health problems for homeowners.<\/p>\n Use Underlyaments : FEMA has published recommendations for the use of fully-adhered roofing underlayments as an enhanced secondary water barrier for homes in both coastal and inland hurricane-prone areas. To ensure quality roof protection, contractors have relied on GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD\u00ae fully-adhered roofing underlayment from GCP Applied Technologies for almost 40 years. It provides premium performance as it seals to itself at overlaps, seals to the roof deck and, most importantly, seals around the fasteners used to attach the shingles. All these features help prevent water from leaking into your home. In the event roof coverings are blown off or water manages to get underneath your shingles, these underlayments are the key to preventing water infiltration.<\/p>\n 2. Windows & Doors<\/strong><\/p>\n Beyond the roof, a home\u2019s doors and windows can also become major leak zones. Even if the windows and doors are well shuttered in a storm, wind-driven rain can be blown into the house at these points, especially if they have not been properly flashed and weatherproofed.<\/p>\n Warning Signs : How do you know when your doors and windows are in trouble? The following are some signs of water damage.<\/p>\n Inside & Outside Repairs Needed?<\/p>\n Use Flashing : Flashing is a critical part of your home\u2019s weather barrier system. If not properly selected and installed, wind-driven rain, ice and snow, can leak and quickly cause damage to your home. Flexible flashings such as GCP Applied Technologies\u2019 VYCOR\u00ae PLUS and VYCOR\u00ae PRO self-adhered flashing tapes can be used to seal the most vulnerable spots, including windows, doors, corner boards, and other non-roof detail areas. It is designed to work in severe winter climates, milder climates, and in coastal areas where wind driven rain is common.<\/p>\n 3. Deck<\/strong><\/p>\n Last but not least, check the deck. If your deck is not protected against the extreme weather, it can deteriorate and become unsafe. Decks, fences and other wood products should be routinely weatherproofed and cleaned to maximize their useful life. Weather combined with the treatment chemicals used for today\u2019s pressure treated lumber means that the modern deck must be proper constructed to hold up.<\/p>\n Warning Signs : How do you know when your deck is in trouble? Look for these warning signs. Repairs Needed?<\/p>\n Use a Protective Barrier: Even with today\u2019s treated and high-tech decking products\u2013which look great and last and last\u2013preventing joist rot and decay, as a result of water accumulation under the decking boards, remains a major problem. GCP Applied Technologies\u2019 VYCOR\u00ae DECK PROTECTOR\u00ae self-adhered flashing is a unique solution to significantly extend the useful life of decks. VYCOR\u00ae DECK PROTECTOR\u00ae self-adhered flashing helps prevent joist rot and decay and decrease the corrosion rate of connectors and fasteners.<\/p>\n By inspecting these three areas of your home and correcting any damage with the best materials, you will ensure your home will live longer and endure the winter ahead. And, your wallet will be happy too.<\/p>\n
\nShingles that are warped, blistered, missing or torn
\nShingles covered in moss or algae, which hold moisture and encourage rot
\nLoose material or wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations
\nOverhanging tree branches that could gouge the roof in a strong wind
\nExcessive debris (leaves, dirt, ice, roofing granules) in the gutters or downspouts, which block drainage<\/p>\n
\nCeiling spots or leaks
\nCracked paint
\nDiscolored plasterboard
\nPeeling wallpaper
\nMold, mildew or rot in the walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems
\nIn the attic, look for signs of water infiltration such as staining, dampness, or mold growing on insulation, sheathing and rafters. A poorly ventilated attic that shows signs of moisture promotes the roof\u2019s decay. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents.<\/p>\n
\nLeaks or breaks in seams around window trim and sills
\nUneven doorframes
\nDiscolored plasterboard
\nPeeling wallpaper
\nChipped or cracked stucco finishes
\nMold, mildew, or rot in the walls, insulation, and electrical systems
\nMissing, cracked, or blistered paint inside the home<\/p>\n
\nWarped boards
\nCracked or split boards
\nDebris that is \u201cclogging up\u201d space between deck boards
\nLook under the deck for corroded joist hangers and other connectors
\nSoft wood
\nMold and mildew<\/p>\n