So you own one of Ontario’s historic barns and want to know how to properly maintain it.
Snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures make winter conditions difficult for agricultural buildings. Extreme weather conditions may occur in our province — rain on top of existing snow, drifting snow, and imbalanced snow loads on roofs can add to the stress already experienced by farm structures due to winter weather. Summer too is not an exception.
Roof and building damage can be caused by a number of structural problems, as well as winter and summer weather. Damaged and deteriorating buildings and structures, as well as the slope and form of a roof, all contribute to a building’s stability.
Whether you own a barn, see them around your neighbourhood, or simply admire their beauty, consider how you can help in their maintenance. The following are a few ways for maintaining an older barn roof:
- Examine your roof, especially after a storm.
During the summer, torrential rains might fall at any time. Strong winds and heavy rains can surely jeopardise the roof’s integrity since little, undiscovered defects might progress and become a leak or cause other problems. We recommend contacting a roofing contractor to schedule an inspection to verify the safety of your house. You may reach barn roof painters in Norfolk County for best advice.
- Water intrusion must be addressed quickly
A simple damp patch on the ceiling might be an indication of a roof leak. We recommend that you address these sorts of concerns as soon as possible so that they can be resolved. A modest roof leak will only worsen over time.
If you discover a leak while performing roof repair, make sure to have all of your AC lines examined if they run through the attic area; the lines may leak and give the appearance of an active roof leak. This is especially important during the hot summer months when the air conditioner is working overtime and the rains are more frequent.
Address any symptoms of roof damage or damaged tiles as soon as possible.
Roof damage, like water intrusion, should not be taken lightly and should be addressed in a proactive manner. Depending on what caused the break, a broken or cracked tile might signal damage to the roof’s underlayment. The longer a roof problem goes neglected, the more vulnerable your roof becomes to the environment, perhaps leading to more damage and leaks.
- Do not go up on the roof
This is something that may occur more frequently than not, and you may be unwittingly jeopardising the integrity of your roof. If not done by a roofing specialist, walking on a roof might put undue strain on the structure. If you need to get a better view, we recommend utilising a ladder.
- Clear out your gutters
Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year to allow heavy rains to flow freely down the roof; otherwise, collected water on your roof might create a roof leak. If there are trees nearby, gutters may need to be cleaned more frequently.
Every 5 years, contact a professional roofing firm to undertake preventative maintenance.
If you have an asphalt roof, you should think about covering it with elastomeric or silicone sealant. These coatings will increase the life of your flat roof by 2 years or 5-10 years, depending on which you choose.
Looking for a new roof? Maybe you have hail damage or need storm restoration service? Call Roesler’s Roofing and Remodeling San Antonio today! They are the most affordable in town. Free estimates are also available!!
