Many people are concerned about the devastating effects that ice can cause after a heavy snowfall. Such damage is basically caused by the damming of ice that forms through the uninterrupted warming of standing snow on the upper portion of the roof causing water to run down to the eaves and then refreeze. As a result, water tends to pool and back-up behind the dam, penetrating underlying roofing structures and leaking into the attic or upper portion of the building.

This is a preventable event that happens to structures located in snowy areas and can be very expensive if not detected at an early stage. Prior to calling in an expert, it is important to identify the possible signs of ice damage and know the corresponding actions that must be taken to address any problems.

Complex Interaction

Theoretically speaking, the primary cause of ice damming is the result of a complex interplay of: heat loss that comes from an attic; standing snow on the ridge line; and exterior atmospheric conditions. When warm air (320F or above) rises into an attic space and increases the temperature of the roofing material above, snow at that point on the roof starts to melt. Water then flows down the roof and into the eaves and ridge lines until the outside temperature drops to less than 320F, at which time it refreezes.

While most people know how important it is to hire a reputable roofer, there are times when no matter how carefully a selection is made, the contractor hired does not live up to expectations. This sometimes occurs when the basis for hiring was from recommendations of friends or family, which is normally one of the recommended ways to locate a reputable roofer. So results less than expected can be very shocking under such circumstances. Any time the finished product is not what was stated in the contract, it is important to take action quickly.

Below are some prudent steps to take if a roofer does not do an acceptable job well as some helpful hints on how to discern a bad company from a good one when searching process begins.

Investing in a new roof can be very costly. Such a sizable investment needs some sort of protection; it would be an unwise decision to not protect it in some fashion should any problems arise during its lifetime. Therefore, the price for a new roof should also include the cost of a warranty. If unfamiliar about how such coverage should be handled, it would be vital to find about about all of this ahead of time before any quotes are obtained.

Each bid for a new housetop covering should be carefully examined to ensure it does include provisions for a warranty and that the cost for such coverage has been included in the contract and added into the final price. Before considering any quotes, the following helpful information should be carefully reviewed and considered.

Even a well-built roof can get stains; this unsightly problem can not only affect the overall look of the top of a house but can lead to costly damage in the future. Therefore, it is important to know how such discolorations occur and how to get rid of them safely in order to have a neat and clean roof!

Bad Algae

When roofing material turns black, it is a good indication that the area has become a breeding ground for an algae known as gleocapsa magma. Species like these have spores that are easily carried by the wind and can land on housing surfaces; the presence of this unsightly occurrence accounts may appear on many roofs in the same area. It likes to inhabit surfaces that are warm and humid where it appears on slopes that are shaded or in areas which lack direct sunlight. It only requires moisture, nutrients and enough warmth to grow and quickly spread. It is fed by inorganic material like limestone fillers that are present in asphalt shingles. As the algae establishes itself across the surface of the roof, it leaves a visible black streaking.