Flashing & Chimneys
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The primary function of the roof system is to protect against and manage the weather elements, particularly precipitation, there by protecting the interior and structural components of the home. For the purposes of a home inspection, the roof system consists primarily of the roof coverings, flashings and chimney.

In addition to the protection the interior elements of the home the roof components should also be designed, in conjunction with the gutters and downspouts, to divert rainwater and runoff away from the foundation area, to help reduce the potential for soil erosion and water entering the basement area.

Because of the important functions this system provides, it's condition should be assessed regularly, and maintenance provided when and wherever necessary. David ness jr can provide this maintenance for you

Flashings

The purpose of flashings is to prevent the entry of water at areas on a roof where two components join together or intersect . Flashing, which is usually made of galvanized steel, tin, aluminum, copper, lead or lengths of roll-roofing is the choice of material used for the roof covering.

Flashings will always expand and contract, metal in particular, with heat from the sun and air temperature changes. They also move and stretch with typical building shifts. The areas where flashings are required are typically very vulnerable to water penetration. There is a high risk of water leakage and wood decay from a damaged, loose or poorly constructed flashing. The regular monitoring and maintenance of the flashing areas is important to preventing leaks.

Chimneys

The most common materials used in chimney construction are masonry and steel. Masonry chimneys can be brick, block or stone and are sometimes stuccoed or parged. Chimneys often have more than one flue. A flue is a separate and distinct channel for the smoke on the inside of the chimney. In most cases, each appliance within the house must have a separate flue. In certain cases, two gas furnaces on the same floor within a house can share a common flue, as can a gas furnace and a gas hot water heater on the same level. Some wood furnaces are designed to share a flue with an oil furnace, if at the same floor level.

Some flues are unlined in that there is masonry exposed on the inside of the flue. Unlined chimney flues are most common in houses built before the Second World War. These unlined masonry flues have performed reasonably well for fireplaces and oil-fired furnaces, however most have deteriorated beyond a safe condition. Gas appliances require a suitable liner.

Flue can be lined with clay tiles or metal liner. For more information about chimneys and chimney liners, refer to the "Heating" section.

Skylights

Skylights are windows installed into a roof, where the ceiling is vaulted with the roof, or where a well has been constructed thru the attic area, to provide a passage from the ceiling to the roof window. Ideally, skylights should be installed on curbs, projecting at least 6 inches above the roof surface, in order that proper flashings can be applied. Some skylights are manufactured with built-in curb and flashing assemblies. Sometimes skylights are installed flush to the roof. This configuration almost always leads to water penetration at the joint between the skylight and the roofing material. Frequent monitoring and regular maintenance of this joint are essential to reducing the incidence of water penetration.

Evestroughs (gutters) and Downspouts (See "Exterior")
Considerations

The component of roofs that is most vulnerable to early deterioration is the area around the flashings (chimneys, plumbing stacks, the intersection of two or more roofs, skylights, etc.) It is not uncommon for these areas to develop a leak well before the rest of the roof material has aged significantly. Also, because these areas are frequently made of metal they can be more susceptible than the rest of the roof coverings to damage from wind and expansion/contraction from freeze/thaw cycles. So while flashings may appear fine on the day of an inspection and the roof may be relatively young in age, the flashings should be monitored on a regular basis (at least semi-annually) to detect any changes in condition that may indicate maintenance or repair is necessary. Leaks left unattended can cause serious damage to other parts of the roof and structure.

Flat roof technology has been improving and some of the newer methods are predicted to last longer with fewer problems. However, as a generalization, flat roofs are more vulnerable to leakage than sloped roofs. The traditional method of covering flat roofs with built up material does work, but it has a shorted life expectancy than some of the newer materials and there is an increased possibility of premature leakage. A primary factor in the life expectancy of a built-up roof is the workmanship of the installers. Built-up roofs with excellent workmanship will last up to 15 years, while the work of less skilled installers may develop problems in 5 years or less. A flat roof that is past mid-life may develop leaks fairly quickly. Because of this behavior characteristic we recommend monitoring of flat roofs to detect signs or symptoms that may indicate imminent failure

Quality, Service & Dependability for over 25 years. David Ness has served CapeCod Massachusetts Roofing contractors, property managers, architects, insurance companies, homebuilders and individual homeowners with quality services that include residential replacement roofing, commercial and residential new construction, Rubber roofing, shingle rroofing, Roofing repairs, maintenance service and gutters.