Residential roofing systems are designed to handle years of depreciation from exposure to the elements, but pests can speed up deterioration if left unaddressed. Roof damage caused by pests can require extensive repairs or even a complete roof replacement, and it may also lead to water damage in other parts of the home. Here are four common pests that can cause roof damage.

Rodents

Although they are commonly associated with basements and garages, rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels are also a threat to residential roofing systems. As natural climbers, rodents won’t hesitate to chew through a roof’s shingles and wood to get into the interior spaces below. Homeowners should seek professional assistance at the first sign of a rodent problem in the roof or attic.

Birds

Unfortunately, birds don’t only build their nests in trees. When built in a home’s gutter system, bird nests can quickly block the flow of water and lead to dangerous buildup, which can seep inside and cause water damage in the home’s interior. Birds also leave behind feathers and harmful droppings, which can be both detrimental to roofing and dangerous to human health.

Termites

Termites are perhaps the most detested household pests, as they are able to chew up and damage many different areas of a home. This includes the roof, where termites can damage underlying wood and even loosen shingles. Because the roof is a home’s primary defense against water, any termite damage can quickly lead to dangerous leaks, mold, and mildew.

Bees

In addition to being dangerous to humans and pets, bees and other stinging insects can cause significant damage to the structure of a home. Burrowing bees can cause termite-like damage to a roof, and their hives can promote mold and loosen shingles. What’s worse, the presence of bees and their larvae can attract birds and other creatures that feed on such insects.

Roof damage from pests can quickly cause dangerous structural damage, leaks, and water seepage, so it’s important to contact a professional at the first sign of a problem. Our team at Action Roofing provides a wide variety of roofing services to Billerica-area residents, including repairs and full roof replacements. To request a free estimate, contact us today by calling (978) 726-9709.

In addition to simply being annoying, roof leaks are often a sign of more widespread roofing issues. Leaks can be caused by even a minor problem with a home’s roofing system, which is complex, delicate, and vulnerable to the elements. Left untreated, a small leak can quickly cause mold, mildew, and structural damage, so it’s essential to contact a professional before the problem becomes more serious—and expensive. Here are three of the most common causes of roof leaks.

Broken or Missing Shingles

Heavy rain, strong winds, and flying debris from trees can all wreak havoc on a home’s shingles, breaking them or even knocking them off completely. When a section of broken or missing shingles can’t adequately protect a roof from water, there’s no stopping the leaks that may follow. Fortunately, damaged or missing shingles are often easy to spot, which makes it simple to find the source of an interior leak and remedy it.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters allow rainwater to form pools, which can seep into tiny cracks and holes in the roof and cause leaks. Like missing or broken shingles, clogged gutters are often easy to diagnose. From the ground, homeowners may be able to see buildups of leaves, branches, and other debris in the gutters, or they may notice that downspouts are emitting little to no water during a storm or heavy rainfall. If the gutters are broken, sagging, or pulling away from the roofline, a new gutter installation may be needed.

Improperly Sealed Valleys

Roof valleys are the straight lines that form where two different planes of a roof meet. Because valleys are usually sloped, they experience lots of water flow when it rains. If a roof valley isn’t adequately sealed, rainwater can easily get in and cause leaks. Valley problems are best diagnosed by checking for wet spots along the interior roof seams. Improperly sealed or cracked roof valleys will need to be repaired to prevent ongoing issues with leaks.

Because roof leaks can quickly lead to water damage, mold, mildew, and structural problems, they should be assessed and diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible. In addition to solving leak issues, Action Roofing provides homeowners in the Billerica area with roofing repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. For a free estimate, contact us today by calling 978-726-9709.

The roof of any building is vital in protecting it against the elements. Not only does proper roof installation provide protection, but it also augments the architectural design of the building. The durability and elegance of a roof depend on the roofing material and installation technique used during construction. Asphalt roofing has become widely used due to its wide variety of colors, shapes, and texture and other benefits.

Asphalt Shingles Can Be Unique

Asphalt shingles come in a wide array of colors and texture to match the style of the building. Unlike other roofing materials, asphalt can be modified to mimic the appearance of wood, cedar, or even slate roofing. In addition, asphalt shingles are available in various unique shapes. Most roofing service companies have rectangular and square shingles arranged in either a flat or overlapping pattern.

Durable and Easy to Maintain

Properly installed asphalt roofs are exceptionally durable, oftentimes with a lifespan of 30 years or more. Asphalt shingles are neither too heavy nor too light, so they’re not prone to uplift and don’t require reinforcement. Moreover, installing asphalt with fiberglass matting makes it resistant to extreme temperatures and fire. Asphalt roofs also have an upfront installation procedure and are easy for homeowners to maintain.

Asphalt Shingles Are Affordable and Recyclable

For anyone looking to install or repair a roof, asphalt roofing is a great, cost-effective choice. Asphalt shingles are not expensive to purchase, and most roofing contractors offer installation services at affordable prices. In addition, asphalt is eco-friendly and does not vitiate with recycling. Asphalt shingles are often recyclable even after being in use for over 20 years.

Using asphalt roofing and selecting a competent roofing services provider can make a considerable improvement in the quality and durability of your roof. At Action Roofing, our team is experienced, licensed, and reliable. With our premium roofing materials and free estimates, it’s easy and affordable to have a durable, attractive roof. Contact us to request installation, repair, or maintenance services in Billerica, MA.

A beautiful snowy day creates the perfect winter wonderland, but too much of it can potentially harm a homeowner’s property. Preventing roof damage from snow accumulation is critical to ensuring that the rough winters of Massachusetts don’t wreak havoc on one’s home.

Making Preparations in Advance

Before the snow and ice hits, it’s good practice for a homeowner to get their roof inspected. Make sure the roof is in the best shape possible to handle the predicted amount of accumulation before the winter season. Homeowners should take care of any issues or damages before the first snowfall. Preventative maintenance, such as making fixes and cleaning out the gutters, is necessary to avoid costly roof damage down the line.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Before major disasters occur, there are usually warning signs that homeowners can look out for. For example, pay close attention to sagging ceilings, major water leaks, and any cracks in the wall or loud cracking sounds. It’s best to call a roofing service right away if any of these issues should arise at home. Leave roof repairs up to the professionals so that the roof is sturdy enough to endure the rest of the winter months.

Removing the Snow

The reality is that a roof can only handle so much weight in snow accumulation at a time. If a homeowner is in the danger zone and fears the roof can’t support the amount of snow on the house, he or she should get in touch with a professional snow removal service to make sure the home is protected.

If you’re concerned that there’s too much snow on your roof, reach out to roofing experts to avoid a potentially disastrous situation. Action Roofing offers a licensed, insured, and professionally trained team to deliver reliable roofing services that will help keep your roof in excellent condition. Contact us today for an estimate on removing snow from your home and preventing roof damage.

Choosing roofing materials goes beyond aesthetics and economics. The angle of the roof, commonly referred to as the pitch, can impact which materials will have the best performance. To make an informed decision, a homeowner should learn how roof pitch relates to the choice of roofing material.

Basics of Roof Pitch

Roof pitch refers to the steepness (angle, slope, or slant) of a roof. The pitch is shown by a fraction, where the numerator represents the height and the denominator refers to the width. For instance, a roof pitch of 4/12 means there’s a 4-inch rise in height for every 12 inches of width.

In most residential properties, pitch ranges from 4/12 (a moderate pitch) slope up to 8/12 (a fairly steep roof pitch). However, some properties have nearly flat roofs or an extremely steep roof. An extremely steep roof pitch is great for keeping water off, but it can be difficult to repair. A flat roof, on the other hand, requires a special drainage system, which can be costly.

Roof Pitch and Roofing Materials

The roof pitch dictates the ideal roofing material for a structure. It is often one of the first things a roofing contractor considers when recommending a new roof. The roof slope also affects the quantity of roofing materials and, therefore, the overall cost. Here are the best roofing materials for different roof slopes.

• Low-pitch roofs: A low-pitch roof can go as low as 0.25/12. These are easy to maintain, often less expensive to install, but prone to pooling water. A flat or low-pitch roof works best with commercial-grade roofing applications, including built-up roofing (BUR), “torch-down” roofing, tar and gravel, rubber, or standing seam metal.
• Average-pitch roof: Most residential properties have an average-pitch roof, which ranges from 4/12 to 8/12. The best materials for this type of roof pitch include wood and slate shingles, asphalt composite shingles, clay, or cement tiles.
• High-pitch roofs: High-pitch roofs, which range from 9/12 to 18/12, are the most expensive roof systems to install and maintain. High-pitch roofs are more efficient for drainage but are impractical for larger buildings. Steep roofs require lighter and cheaper materials to cover the larger roof area. The best roofing materials for this roof pitch include clay or cement tiles and composite or asphalt shingles. These materials lock tightly and are also light.

If you are looking for dependable roofing services in Billerica, MA or the surrounding areas, you can rely on the fully licensed and insured professionals of Action Roofing. We offer quality roofing solutions for both residential and commercial clients, and we’re GAF Master Elite Certified. Contact us today for a free roofing quote.