You need your pitched roof to be structurally sound for it to serve its function and purpose. Otherwise, the slopes and the central ridge won’t save your home’s interiors from being exposed to rain or snow. That’s why it’s crucial to make your roof resilient to weather element.
Of course, you’ll need high-quality roofing materials to ensure sturdiness and longevity. Similarly, you should consider getting fascia boards, gutter systems, etc., for optimal water resistance.
In this blog, we will discuss four such ways you can waterproof your pitched roofs.
#1. Gutter Systems
If you don’t have an effective gutter system or downspouts, your roof might be prone to waterlogging. When that happens, the roofing materials could eventually get damaged, leading to leaks. According to Forbes, pitched roof homes will benefit from gutters because they can prevent rainwater or melted snow from seeping into the home’s foundation.
Hence, you can easily enhance your roof’s water resistance with a carefully placed downspout. These can help manage the water’s flow and provide protection to your attic, clay soil, basement, etc.
However, you need to regularly clean and maintain the downspouts because they’re prone to becoming clogged. If the clogging isn’t removed, the gutter-garbs integrity will be compromised, leading to water overflow and structural damage.
To clean it, you’ll need to expose the opening and remove any visible debris using an auger. Once done, a spray of high-pressure water will help flush out everything else.
The average cost of installing new gutters in your home can be between $600 and $4,100. However, it’ll depend on the gutter’s quality. For instance, materials like aluminum and vinyl will be cheaper, whereas copper, zinc, and steel will be expensive.
#2. Underlayment
Did you know that an underpayment can be an effective barrier between your home’s interior and the roof’s structure? A robust underpayment protects your pitched roof from weather-related challenges like water leaks and moisture intrusion.
With it, you can enhance the resilience of your pitched roof’s waterproofing capabilities throughout the year. It’s usually made of synthetic materials or rubberized asphalt, making it a strong protection layer against weather damage during rain or snow.
An underlayment is installed directly on the roof deck and is fastened to the truss system. However, the exact installation process will depend on your roofing materials, like plywood, OSB sheathing, etc.
On average, installing an underlayment during construction could cost between $0.75 and $4 per square foot. Once installed, it could last up to 20 years, depending on its quality and environmental exposure. Eventually, you’ll need to spend $1,100 to $9,000 to replace it.
#3. Fascia Boards
A fascia board is positioned along the edge of a pitched roof to reduce or prevent weather and water damage. It’s usually made of aluminum, wood, vinyl, or composite materials. The use of these durable materials ensures that the board strengthens your roof’s durability and reduces the need for maintenance.
These vertical boards enhance your home’s curb appeal because you can design them any way you want. According to Belco Forest Products, fascia can effectively seal any gaps between the home’s exterior walls and roof. Hence, it promotes optimal resistance to weather-related damage.
You can expect to pay an average of USD 2,700 for replacing a damaged fascia board. Similarly, painting the board could cost you anywhere between USD 500 and USD 1,000.
#4. Ventilation
If you want your pitched roof to be resilient, then you must invest in proper ventilation. Adequate ventilation can regulate humidity in the house, enhance the longevity of your roofing materials, and increase energy efficiency. It will also help regulate the attic’s temperature and prevent any condensation.
For instance, ridge vents and soffits can provide essential airflow throughout your the attic. It’ll pull fresh air inside your home, prevent moisture build-up, and reduce leaks. These horizontal panels can also mitigate the risk of rot or mold by keeping the roof dry and cool.
Usually, installing a roof vent could cost you anywhere between $240 and $600. However, a solar roof vent on steep roofs will cost $1,450.
In conclusion, you need to look beyond conventional considerations when waterproofing a pitched roof. For instance, you must prioritize a well-maintained gutter system, robust fascia boards, and durable underlayment. Vigilant ventilation will also help safeguard your home from natural elements.
But remember to perform regular inspections to detect any structural issues in your roofing systems. Doing this will help you maintain the integrity of your pitched roof.
