The roof is a strategic component in a building's envelope. A roof's longevity and its ability to remain waterproof will be increased if it is properly maintained. The following checklist can help evaluate the condition of a roof in order to get the most out of the regenerating benefits from an elastomeric roof coating.

Condition of the roof

Measure and inspect the surface to make a list of required minor repairs. It may be necessary to add some repair compound around any openings, such as the chimney. Repair or replace aged or damaged shingles, remove moss and mildew, clean out the gutters, etc.

The attic

If the attic is accessible, the following items should be verified:

Watertightness

It may be possible that the roof is not completely waterproof. Even though the careful application of Techni-Seal's ELASTOMERIC ROOF COATING reduces the risk of water leakage, it is still important to correct the problem that allowed the water to penetrate before applying the roof coating. An inspection of the attic is a good way to find which locations are the sources of the water leaks. Look for dark stained areas on wood, usually a sign of water damage. They are often found around nails, openings or other components that compose the roof. The accumulation of ice in the lower areas of the roof may also cause water leakage.

Insulation

Ceiling insulation is composed of a continuous vapour barrier and an insulating material. The vapour barrier must be installed between the finishing material for the ceiling and the insulation. The vapour barrier must be as airtight as possible, and all holes for pipes, cables, etc., must be sealed. The purpose of the vapour barrier is to prevent warm and humid air from going through to the attic and condensing just under the roof structure during cold weather. The insulation material should provide an R-factor of 30 or more (minimum of 25 cm or 10 inches of thermal home insulation). The formation of ice on the lower areas of the roof is a sign of poor insulation.

Ventilation

The appropriate ventilation and insulation of the attic allows the air to circulate under the roof. In winter, proper ventilation reduces the melting of snow and the resulting risk of ice accumulation on the lower portions of the roof. In summer, it makes the house more comfortable and limits the overheating of the shingles. Before increasing the ventilation, however, it is necessary to ensure that all measures have been taken to prevent warm air inside the house from escaping into the attic.

*Note: This information is provided as advice only, and should not be interpreted as being in conformity with construction standards in effect in your geographic region. To obtain more information on insulation and ventilation, please consult the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca, and search for "roofing".

This article is courtesy of Techni-Seal. Please visit their website for more roofing information: http://www.techniseal.com