What are the Most Vulnerable Parts of Your Roof?

The most vulnerable parts of your roof are the eaves, ventilation systems, gaskets, chimneys and ventilation pipes, valleys, and the roof surface. Eaves (the lower edges of a roof) are prone to leaking if water runs under the first tile or behind the fascia. If your home has a ventilation system at its peak, that's another area to consider. Starter strips can help reduce the roof's vulnerability to wind damage.

Gaskets are the protective material that covers breaks in the roof plane, such as valleys or the place where the roof meets a wall. Flashes can come off due to high velocity winds or due to faults in fasteners or sealants, which can cause water to enter roof breaks. Chimneys and ventilation pipes are installations that penetrate the roof plane and require cone-shaped rubber boots to be installed on the base. Valleys are where two downward-sloping roof planes meet and need gaskets to be firmly attached to prevent water from seeping into the inner layers of the roof.

The roof surface includes shingles, nails, masking and fasteners which can be damaged by foot traffic, hail, raccoons or other animals. It is important to keep an eye on areas of the roof that are vulnerable to damage, as even minor damage can cause a roof leak. Local roofing company Mass-Tech Roofing and Building Co. offers a wide range of roofing services that ensure that even the most vulnerable roof areas are stable and secure. Regular inspections by a professional can help prevent damage to the edges of the roof by installing shingles designed to resist wind damage.

Face masks can easily be replaced by a roofing professional and it is necessary to install gaskets over valleys. Anything from strong winds to hail can damage shingles, so it's always important to have a proactive approach when it comes to maintenance.