Your roof protects the rest of your home from harsh weather, but it will eventually wear down. When that happens, you will need to decide between repairing or replacing it.
Repairing is the preferred option for localized damage, such as leaks or missing shingles. A well-executed Roof Repair can keep your roof intact for several more years.
Leaks are a common roof repair need. They may start as an occasional drip or a damp spot in the ceiling, but left untreated they can cause significant water damage to your home and increase energy bills. A leaky roof often leads to weakened attic framing, mold growth and rotted siding, which can require costly repair by a professional. The best way to keep a roof leak from becoming a major problem is with regular inspections by a professional roofer.
Look for obvious damage to shingles or areas of missing shingles, as well as rusted flashing and chimneys, skylights, vents and other exterior features. You can also spot leaks by noticing wet spots or mildew in the attic or interior walls.
When the weather is dry, carefully walk around your roof to inspect it for signs of water intrusion. You should also look in the attic for sagging or discolored insulation, and for wet or rotten wood in the attic framing.
Water leaks usually occur where shingle tabs are sealed together, around chimneys, in valleys, near skylights and vents, in corners and on the edges of the roof. Older roofs with tar-based sealant are especially susceptible to drying and cracking, so you should have these repaired as soon as possible by a professional roofer.
If you suspect a leak, a simple test with a garden hose and a bucket can help you pinpoint the source. Stand on the ground below the suspected leak and run a hose up to the roof, spraying the area to simulate rainfall. If the hose stops running, it is a good place to start your repair.
Leaks can be difficult to find and even harder to fix, so if you think you have one, contact your local roofing contractors as soon as possible. These professionals can use their expertise and tools to quickly locate the leak and create a game plan for repair.
Shingles
Keeping up with shingle repairs and replacement will ensure your roof is protected for many years to come. This is vital to preserving the integrity of your home, as well as preventing potential damage from rainwater that could leak into the building materials and cause costly damage.
There are many signs that it is time to call a commercial roofer for a shingle repair, including curling and buckling shingles, cracks, missing shingles, and moss or algae growth. A professional roofer will have the tools and experience necessary to assess shingle damage and determine whether it is repairable or if a replacement is required.
If a shingle is damaged, it is important to replace it quickly to prevent further damage and to protect the integrity of your roof. Some shingle damage may be covered by homeowners insurance, depending on the type of damage and your policy’s coverages.
A shingle is designed to absorb the impact from environmental weather and other factors, such as falling tree branches or debris, so it is not uncommon for them to be torn or damaged. However, this damage should be repaired by a roofing professional to avoid further deterioration of the shingle and the roof beneath it.
A shingle is coated with tiny stone granules that help enhance its appearance and provide fire resistance. When these granules wear off, the asphalt is exposed and can deteriorate more quickly. It is a good idea to inspect your shingles regularly for bare spots or excessive granules in your gutters, which are signs that it’s time for a shingle repair. A professional roofer will be able to replace the damaged shingle and apply roofing cement around the edges to create a watertight seal.
Flashing
While not as visible as the shingles themselves, flashing is a vital component of roof maintenance and repair. Flashing is a thin piece of metal (usually galvanized steel or aluminum) that professional roofers use to seal the joints and intersections of the roof. These include areas around protrusions like chimneys, vents, and skylights. It’s also used in valleys, where two slopes of the roof meet. Without flashing, water would easily infiltrate these vulnerable areas and cause leaks and structural damage.
A roofer can inspect a home’s roof and determine whether it needs a flashing repair or replacement. They can also replace damaged flashing when replacing shingles or installing a new roof. For best results, this work should be done at the same time as the roof replacement to prevent any future leaks.
If you see signs of a leaking roof, it’s essential to call in a roofing professional immediately. Leaks can cause water damage to the underlying insulation and wood framing of your home. If left unchecked, it could lead to mold and mildew problems in your attic and interior rooms.
The first sign of leaks or water damage is often water stains on ceilings and walls. If you see this, it’s important to take action right away to avoid costly structural damage and mold growth.
A leaking roof can result from several issues, including cracked or missing shingles, broken or deteriorated flashing, and insufficient ventilation and insulation. Fortunately, these problems can be prevented with a thorough roof inspection and proper maintenance and repair.
A good roof is an investment, so don’t ignore even the most minor problems. A leaking roof can cost you money in the long run, so make sure to hire an experienced and licensed roofing professional for your roof repair.
Safety
When your roof is exhibiting signs of damage, it’s important to take action quickly to avoid extensive and costly repairs. Whether your roof is the victim of a fire, has been damaged by severe weather, or simply needs to be replaced because it’s old, you need to act before the problem gets worse.
Routine inspections and timely minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your roof, reduce energy costs, and minimize repair expenses. By conducting internal and external examinations, you can identify potential leak sources before they lead to extensive interior damage or water ingress. Internal inspections should include looking for water stains, mold, peeling paint, and warping on ceilings and walls. Moisture detection methods such as infrared thermography can also be useful for identifying hidden moisture. Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor gutters and downspouts, compromised seals around roof penetrations like vents, pipes, and skylights, or roofing material failure due to age.
While patching is a quick and cost-effective solution for repairing leaking areas, it’s not ideal as it doesn’t address the root cause of the issue. In addition, patching can leave the underlying area vulnerable to further damage.
Leaks and shingle damage can be caused by a variety of factors, from high winds to storms and hail. Even a single missing shingle can let in water and damage the surrounding shingles and the underlayment.
Aside from addressing immediate issues, it’s important to plan ahead for any major roof repair projects. Proper planning involves assessing the level of damage, gathering necessary tools and materials, and choosing a good time to conduct repairs. Having someone to assist with holding ladders, passing tools, and providing guidance can improve safety during the project. It’s also important to wear the proper gear, including sturdy work boots, a hard hat, and a safety harness or fall protection system.
Ladder use is unavoidable for many roof repairs, and it’s vital to follow proper ladder usage guidelines to prevent accidents. If the ladder is being used on wet or unstable ground, it’s a good idea to have a spotter to help maintain three-point contact and secure the ladder in place. Mindful movement while on the roof is also crucial, avoiding sudden movements that could destabilize the balance.