Roofing Basics -- Defrehn Corporation -- Roofing and Restoration

     THE DeFREHN CORPORATION
     P.O. Box 622
     Newtown, PA 18940
     Phone: 215-860-1000
     Fax: 215-579-2489

Roofing Basics | Material Defects | When to consider re-roofing
Roof Structure | Warranty Basics

When to consider re-roofing

Leaks
A leak, of course, is the most obvious clue that your roof needs some attention. Leaks can be caused by a variety of reasons, including ice dams, shingle blow-off or improperly installed or deteriorated flashing.

Don't just look for a drip coming from the ceiling, though. Signs of moisture also include discolored spots on the wall, loose wallpaper, peeling paint on the ceiling or a damp smell in a hallway or room. And remember that water traveling into your home may take a circuitous route, running down rafters, top plates, studs and sole plates before reaching your ceiling.

A leaky roof can be caused by a variety of factors, such as ice dams, shingle blow-off or improperly installed flashing.

Ice dams
Repeated exposure to ice dams can damage your home permanently. Build-ups of ice and snow at the eaves, ice dams are formed when escaping attic heat melts snow at the ridge or peak of the roof. The meltwater seeps down the roof under the snow and refreezes at the eaves, which are colder. Some of the trapped water can seep through the roof, damaging shingles, the roof deck, even your home's interior. Although ice dams might seem like a roofing problem, they are actually caused by poor attic ventilation. If ice dams plague your home, consider applying a waterproofing shingle underlayment when you reroof. Then be sure to increase ventilation.

Ice dams form from the freeze-melt cycling on your roof's deck. They are usually characterized by festoons of icicles hanging from the gutters after the first big snow.

Update your home's appearance
Even if you're not experiencing specific problems, you might decide to re-roof your home. Maybe a neighbor's re-roofing job has impressed you, or maybe you're simply trying to give your house a face-lift. Add a dimensional look to your roof through the use of layering, shadow lines or intricate blends of colors. Or, preserve your home's look with of natural slate or wood shakes.

Thinking about giving your home a makeover? A new roof from The Defrehn Corporation provides an opportunity to give your home a distinctive look, as well as superior protection.

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