Residences in Highland Park; photo by @ Wirestock DepositPhotos
We’re heading into spring in the San Gabriel Valley and that means several months of mostly dry weather is ahead. If you noticed any leaks in your roof when we had heavy rains this past December, now is the time to check your roof. It matters because the summer sun degrades old roofs and causes even more leaks the next time it rains.
That’s why Garvey Roofing repairs and installs roofs for all seasons.
Repair or Replace a Roof?
Thomas Garvey is a local roofing contractor serving Monrovia, Arcadia, Temple City and all cities in the San Gabriel Valley. The question he gets asked most often is, “Do I need a new roof or can I repair my roof?”
If you invest on a home improvement project like installing a new roof, you want to make sure you really need it. Otherwise, you’re wondering if you could have your roof repaired.
Garvey Roofing installs new roofs on all styles of homes—from historic bungalows to contemporary designs in areas like Glendora and Hacienda Heights. Thomas Garvey will have his team repair roofs if that’s best for the homeowner.
If your roof is leaking, here are the most likely reasons why:
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Sealing around the chimney is an easy way to stop common leaks; pic by Don Simkovich
Aging sealant around roof vents
- Poor nailing techniques
- Seals not working around skylights
- Leaks at the chimney base or through the brick and mortar
- Improperly installed drip edge on low slope roofs
- Water build-up on low slope roofs
Commercial roofs for apartments, warehouses, and retail stores have their own challenges, especially if they have interior drains. Garvey Roofing is especially careful when sealing those to ensure the water doesn’t puddle elsewhere on the roof.
Simple repairs may stop leaks and be a temporary fix in the short term.
If water is puddling on a low slope area is may have degraded part of the plywood decking. Garvey Roofing holds four licenses, including a general contractor’s license so they can do carpentry work if that’s necessary.
When the sun hits, the temperature on your roof soars and older sealants or putty cracks after prolonged exposure to the UV rays. The heat also dries out the natural oils in your roofing materials. You can apply a new sealant or install new flashing under the shingles.
But the sun also degrades older shingles. If they’re losing the granules then the shingles will keep degrading, curling and leaks will occur.
But leaks aren’t the only challenge. Your old roof isn’t energy-efficient making your air conditioner work hard in the summer and your heat work harder than it has to in the winter.
Your Roofing System
New plywood decking and the latest underlayment like Therma Sheet repel the sun’s most harmful rays. The newest asphalt shingle roofs and tile roofs are manufactured to combat the sun so your roof is a major defense against heat seeping into your attic and into your living areas. See more on the Cool Roofs page.
Thomas Garvey also ensures your home has proper ventilation so the air flows well and keeps the attic as cool as possible in the summer and as dry as possible in the winter.
Your roof has to serve you well throughout the year and in all seasons.
Contact Garvey Roofing for free estimates on residential or commercial roofs.
