Monthly Archives : March 2017

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roofing tulsa

How To Assess Wind Damage

Ah, spring in Oklahoma. Just like the Oscar Hammerstein lyrics, “where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.” While wind damage may not be first on your mind when Oklahoma’s notorious spring storms hit, it can leave your roof vulnerable. Just as you would check your roof after a hail storm or if debris were to fall on your home, inspecting your roof after strong winds are as important. Roofing Tulsa for more than a decade, Roofscapes Exteriors has helped a number of Oklahomans with wind damaged roofs. Here’s what to look for:

Missing Shingles

High winds can tear off shingles which can expose your roof deck and leave you susceptible to the elements.

Curled Shingles

Shingles that are curled on the end have been pulled up from their surrounding shingles and can allow for moisture to permeate your home.

Torn shingles

Bad weather can tear away at your shingles. Torn shingles can expose your roof’s underlayment and leave your home unprotected.

Dents/Missing Granules

Most commonly found with hail or fallen branches, dents and missing granules can also be seen after a particularly strong wind storm in Tulsa. Roofing granules found on asphalt shingles protect against rain and sun damage so it’s important that you maintain the integrity of your shingles.


Roofing Tulsa is our specialty. Roofscapes Exteriors is your roofing partner when Oklahoma’s spring winds and storms hit.
Connect with Roofscapes Exteriors on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about roofing Tulsa and helpful tips for keeping your roof in tip top shape.

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Tulsa Roofing

Top 5 Tulsa Roofing Problems

Roofs are susceptible to lot of different issues. Thankfully, most problems are easy to identify and the Tulsa roofing professionals at Roofscapes Exteriors are able to provide a quick and effective fix before things get too bad. Christopher Jurin of the website The Spruce shared five common issues he found with roofing:

Fascia

Fascia is an architectural term for a band running horizontally and situated vertically under a roof edge. In simpler terms, it’s a roof trim – or the front board along your roof line. It typically consists of wooden boards or sheet metal. So, picture the vertical finishing edge that connects to the ends of rafters, trusses and the area where the gutter attaches to the roof.

The primary function of fascia is to protect by acting as a layer between the edge of the roof and the elements of the outdoors – especially water. It also protects the interior of your building from weather damage by blocking its entrance into the structure. Fascia also plays an aesthetic role, creating a smooth, even appearance for the edge of a roof. Moisture is the number one cause of problems with your fascia so be sure to look for signs of rot or damage and contact a roofing contractor immediately if you notice an issue.

Soffit

Soffit comes from the French word for “formed as a ceiling” and the Latin term for “to fix underneath”. Can you guess where your soffit is? The exposed surface beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave or the finished surface below the fascia and rafters is called the soffit.

Vented soffit has small holes that provide air circulation so it can cycle to the vents and draw heat and moisture away from the house.

It plays an important role in helping to ventilate the attic and prevent rot in the sheathing and rafters. Most soffits are made from vinyl because it is a water-resistant and cost-effective material. It helps regulate the temperature in your attic and through the rest of your home making it a comfortable place to live. Look for cracks, holes and rotting to avoid an easy entrance for water or insects and small animals.

Flashings

Flashings are components used to seal roof system edges, perimeters, penetrations, walls, valleys, drains and any other area where the actual roof covering is interrupted or terminated. The primary function of flashing is to help seal any voids in the roof system where water may enter making these prime areas for leak causes if not checked regularly.

The material is usually aluminum or galvanized steel and, depending on the type of roof you have, is most likely in the valleys, around the chimney and even around dormer windows or skylights. Weather and oxidization are the most common culprits for flashing deterioration but it is possible that flashing can just simply come loose.

Most professional roofing contractors cut and shape their own flashing from sheet metal but many flashing pieces today come pre-formed and can be applied without much difficulty using caulking or roof cement.

Gutters

Gutters are designed to keep water away from your building’s foundation and to protect the structural integrity. It is imperative to keep your gutters doing their job properly as they are highly susceptible to water and debris buildup causing mold and mildew under your roof.

Fortunately, the most common gutter problems can be fixed by the homeowner. The number one problem is when a gutter and downspout get so backed up with debris they become useless. Excess weight of leaves, twigs and standing water can cause them to sag and pull away from the fascia. If they are sagging, this is usually a problem with the hangers. Hangers are the hardware that secures the gutters to the fascia. They can deteriorate over time or may be spaced too far apart to support the full weight of the gutters. Hangers are a cheap fix. If your gutter has leaks or holes, sealing them by caulking the joint or filling small holes from the inside with gutter sealant is another cheap fix. Larger holes will require a patch.

Be sure your gutters are pitched toward the downspouts for water to flow properly. The general rule is a minimum of a quarter inch slope for every 10 feet. If there is standing water, you most likely do not have enough pitch. Keep your downspouts extended four to five feet from the house, otherwise water will find its way into your basement. Gutter extensions are inexpensive and will preserve your foundation.

Shingles

Shingles roof systems offer great protection but are prone to discoloration and curling. Areas of missing or broken shingles can leave underlying wood susceptible to rotting, holes and other damage. They can also buckle if they were not adequately ventilated during installation.

Discoloration is an indication of a roof leak and small spot can grow into a gaping hole in your ceiling. Curling is caused by a lack of ventilation, high nails or improperly installed fasteners. They look unsightly and are an open invitation for water seepage. If you have missing shingles, water, snow and ice are hitting your roof square on, which is a direct route to rot. Check your roof often and make repairs or replace shingles as necessary.


Tulsa roofing needs to be resistant to many different seasonal elements. From rain, to snow, ice and hail, Tulsa roofing weathers all types of, well, weather! Seeing that your roof is without issue will help it last longer and protect your family and home. Connect with Roofscapes Exteriors on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about our roofing systems and helpful tips for keeping your roof in tip top shape.

Caution: Ice Dams

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that can build up and form at the edge of your roof. When snow builds up on your roof, the snow underneath will start to melt from the heat your house is creating. This meltwater will then run down to the eaves, and because eaves tend to be the coldest point on the roof, it freezes. Once this happens, meltwater will continue to run down the roof, and the ice will continue to grow due to the initial ice that froze in the eave of the roof. As the meltwater continues to drip with nowhere to go, a water backup will occur.

Standing water and your roof are never a happy mix. If you see this happening contact us right away for a free inspection.

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