Roofs
The roof is your building ’ s first “ line of defense ” against water infiltration , which is why almost every congregation faces roof repair or replacement at some point . Roofs are designed to keep water out of the building and channel water down and away from the building foundation . Metal flashings provide a water-tight seal around chimneys , dormers , and other transitions where horizontal roof surfaces meet vertical architectural elements . Roof slopes direct water off the roof ’ s surface into gutters and downspouts , channeling water into an underground sewer system or deposit water at ground level .
To keep your roof and water conduction system ( gutters and downspouts ) functioning correctly :
1 . Replace worn or missing roofing shingles , tiles , or slates so that you have complete roof coverage . On flat roofs , look for cracks or open seams in the roof membrane . On metal roofs , look for small holes and open seams .
plants hold moisture and contribute to material deterioration .
2 . Re-attach loose flashings and replace them where they are missing . Make sure the tops of the flashings are tucked into masonry joints or closed with sealant to keep them water-tight .
3 . Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris , so they do not clog . Look for holes or open seams
Masonry Walls
Brick and stone masonry walls are also designed to keep water out . When the mortar between these masonry units is deteriorated or missing , water can seep into the building through these gaps in the wall surface . If water seeps into open mortar joints during the winter , the water may freeze and expand , exerting pressure on the surrounding masonry . in gutters and downspouts that will allow water to wash over the building , saturating materials and allowing moss and other plants to grow on the surface . These
Most buildings expand and contract as the outside air temperature changes during the year . Mortar is the element in the masonry wall system that accommodates this normal thermal movement . An appropriate mortar for historic masonry buildings has some lime in it because the lime gives the mortar enough flexibility to allow for normal expansion and contraction . ( A typical mix is a Type N : 1 part Portland cement , 1 part lime , and 6 parts sand .) Avoid using Portland mortars without adding lime because they are
14 SACRED PLACES • SUMMER 2021