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Most villa owners, at this time of year, face the same question:
Is my roof able to support the strong winds and rains which come during rainy season?
A typical homeowner can perform minor maintenance jobs, like removing debris from your roof. However, in most cases, you will need to hire professional roofers to perform your roof maintenance. A professional roofing company will be able to check for any signs of damage. Common roofing problems that a professional can address are gutter back ups, leaks, curls or cracks, missing shingles, granule loss and roof mould. This maintenance to your roof should be done every 5 to 10 years depending on the material used to water proof and if the roof is not damaged.
If you have roof tiles, it is important that your roofer checks for cracked or broken tiles. Just one damaged tile can allow a significant amount of water to soak in and damage the layer below and in many cases this will lead to algae and mold growth. If your home has asphalt or painted surfaces you need to be extra vigilant, when water soaks in through cracks it causes blistering. Blisters occur when water gets between the layer of paint or tiles and the one beneath it. The water will just sit there and ultimately damage both. If you come across any blistered areas, the worst thing you can do is puncture them, it is imperative that you call a professional roofing company right away.
Your roof acts as an umbrella for your home, protecting the contents and structural integrity. That is why regular maintenance is essential and if your roof is in need of repairs, do not put it off. Unlike many home improvement projects, replacing your roof isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity – if you wait too long you risk damage to the structural integrity of your home.
Also when contracting a professional roofing company their are some things you should be aware of. For wood roofs with tiles, Casa de Campo recommends the use of a 4ml membrane with sbs asphalt composition and the membrane should have a granular feel to allow the tile to adhere effectively.
For other types of roof (not wood) a 3ml membrane which is less expensive, can be used. On tile-less roofs granular or plain membranes can be used, the only difference is that the plain membrane one is applied with a aluminum paint, so it has to be maintained ever 2 years, where as a granular membrane is maintenance free.
When having your roof fixed or maintenance done, you should always request a warranty for the job, the length of which will depend on the type of membrane, but most contractors give from 5 to 10 years. A good contractor will give you options on the different types of membranes available, these can vary in thickness and quality to best fit your budget.
Contributed by Ing. Rafael Aybar, who is President of Constructora Aybar, who build luxury projects, such as large-scale hotels and designer villas.
If you would like to contact someone regarding the up-keep or repair of your roof, Rafael recommends:
Ing. Manolo Martinez
selladorescobian@hotmail.com
809-715-1111