If you are considering cleaning your roof valleys on your own, there are risks associated with this activity. First, you may damage your shingles and gutters if you do not understand the right techniques for handling these tasks. Next, your safety is at risk if you are working around power lines and other electrical hazards. And, finally, you may end up damaging the structure of your home.
Clean the Gutters
As a homeowner, your primary goal is to protect your home and its contents from water damage. One way to do this is to keep the gutters and downspouts on your roof free from debris. A broom, a shovel, or other light tools can be used to remove debris from these important drainage systems.
Aside from removing debris, you also want to make sure the gutters are properly functioning and draining away all rainwater from your roof. This can be done by testing your system with a water hose and removing any packed debris that is blocking the flow of rainwater out to the ground. If you think your knowledge and experience in cleaning your gutters is not that enough, then the best choice is to hire a professional gutter cleaning service such as Gutter Cleaning Sarasota. This is also to make sure you can prevent further damage and will give you safety and assurance.
Clean the Shingles
If your shingles have a tendency to develop black streaks or gloeocapsa magma (a bacterial growth that thrives off of water and expels oxygen afterward), you may want to consider having them cleaned. These dark stained areas are a sign that algae is present, and you need to take steps to remove it.
Check the Condition of Your Roof Valleys
If you have a sloped roof, your roof valleys are an essential part of directing water away from your house. As such, they should be inspected at least once a year and repaired before water damages your home.
Whether your roof is sloped or not, it's crucial that you have the proper flashing in place to prevent water from penetrating beneath the shingles. Your local building codes will determine which type of flashing is required for your specific area.
Choose the Correct Valley Style
The roof valley is a critical part of your roof because it receives the most water flow. Therefore, choosing the proper valley type for your home can help extend the life of your roof.
Open Metal Valleys
IKO's roofing experts believe that an open metal valley, in which the shingles are installed next to the metal flashing on their side, parallel with the valley center line, provides your roof with better resistance to water penetration. Plus, it sheds debris, snow and ice more quickly than any other roof valley type that uses shingles in the valley.
Woven Valleys
A woven roof valley, in which the shingles are woven together through the valley, creates a continuous look, but it is more difficult to install than an open metal valley. It is less common than an open metal valley and should only be done by experienced roofers.
A leaking roof is a disaster and can cost thousands of dollars in repairs, so it's best to fix a problem before it becomes a full-blown leak. A leaking roof can result in rot and mold, as well as significant interior and structural damage to your home. So, if your home is prone to water damage, consider getting an open metal valley installed by a certified IKO roofing contractor.
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