Storms are a common cause of roof damage. Even a slight leak can lead to expensive problems like mold and mildew inside your home. Before you call a roof repair expert, walk around your property. Look for leaking spots, damaged shingles, and broken flashings. These are all telltale signs that you need to have your roof repaired. Visit Website to learn more.
If you have a roof that’s mostly intact but has one or more damaged shingles or tiles, it’s possible to repair them without the expense of a full replacement. But you’ll need to climb up onto the roof. The first step is to locate the damage:
Shingles aren’t just a beauty feature; they protect the waterproof asphalt material beneath them. But aging and weathering can cause them to curl, blister or lift. And granule loss, which happens when UV rays wear down the shingle surface, can lead to deterioration and leaks.
Loose shingles aren’t just a nuisance; they can fall and break, creating a safety hazard for your family and pets. And they also allow water to seep through the shingle layer and into your home.
Generally, you can fix this problem by replacing the damaged shingle or by using a caulking gun to seal the area. But a better option is to use roofing tar. If you apply it quickly, you can prevent the underlying shingle from leaking into your house.
To replace a damaged shingle, you’ll need a pry bar, a hammer, a utility knife and a handful of 1-1/4-inch roofing nails. Slide the pry bar under the shingle directly above the damaged one, then gently lift it to break the sealer strip connection and expose the first row of nails.
After removing the old shingle, cut a replacement shingle to the precise length needed with your tinsnips. Then place it in its place and nail it down with the roofing nails, if you can. Otherwise, secure it with a caulking gun loaded with a tube of roofing tar.
Avoid “facing nailing” a new shingle, which means securing it with the exposed side of the nails instead of the head. It breaks the watertight seal and can also leave the nails vulnerable to rust. Also, remember to inspect your roof at least once a year. You should clear the cobwebs from soffits and roof vents, recaulk areas where the caulking gas has failed or shrunk and paint flashing that’s showing signs of corrosion.
Damaged Flashings
Flashing is a metal sheet installed at the points where your roof meets other structures such as chimneys, skylights, dormers and roof windows. These areas have a higher chance of developing leaks because water tends to gather and sit in them. Roof flashing is designed to direct water away from these areas and into the gutters.
Unfortunately, inclement weather conditions and physical damage can cause flashing to become damaged or cracked. This leaves holes that allow moisture into your home, which can lead to wood rot, staining in ceilings and walls and mold growth.
If you’re concerned about the state of your roof flashing, it’s a good idea to schedule regular inspections by experienced roofing contractors. They’ll spot any problems and repair them before they can grow into major leaks.
Look for signs of flashing damage like bends, cracks and dents. These can break the galvanized coating on steel flashing or weaken the structure of other metals, exposing them to corrosion and water damage. Internal leaks are another common sign of faulty flashing. If you notice water stains in your ceilings or walls, it’s likely because of roof flashing damage.
In some cases, the flashing may be missing altogether. This is particularly common around roof chimneys, where it’s often exposed to the elements and prone to damage from hailstorms.
Replacing missing flashing is a complicated job that should be left to professionals who have experience handling the task. The new flashing must be cut to size and affixed securely, using nails that penetrate through the shingles without damaging the flashing underneath. The edges of the flashing must also be sealed using roofing sealant to prevent water infiltration.
For small holes in the flashing, a patch made from roofing cement or tar is an effective repair solution. Apply a layer of the material to the compromised area, and use a putty knife or trowel to spread it over the hole. Make sure to cover the entire area of the hole, and apply an extra layer of cement or tar over the patch to ensure a waterproof seal.
Damaged Underlayment
An underlayment is a crucial component of a roof. It adds another layer of water resistance to the roof and prevents leaks during heavy rainfall or snow accumulation. However, the underlayment can suffer damage from several factors. The most common causes of underlayment damage include high temperatures, improper installation, and poor maintenance.
Asphalt felt underlayment is the most popular type of roofing underlayment. It is affordable and easy to install, but it has a short lifespan due to the fact that it isn’t resistant to UV exposure. This means that it will break down rapidly if not covered, so it should always be replaced when exposed to sunlight. Alternatively, you can use non-bitumen synthetic underlayment to avoid these problems. These products are made of polypropylene or polyethylene and offer higher resistance to UV rays than traditional felt.
During the roofing process, underlayment may be damaged by roofers or workers who walk on it. Since the underlayment is fragile, this can cause it to tear and break apart. It can also be weakened by excessive rain or strong winds. To protect your underlayment, it’s essential to have roofing professionals inspect and repair your roof after a storm or any time you notice damage.
In addition to leaking, damaged underlayment can lead to mold and other health concerns. The dark and damp environment is ideal for the growth of toxic mold, which can then enter your home through the ceilings or walls. If you notice dripping water or dark-colored stains on your walls or ceilings, contact your roofing company to schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible.
If your shingle underlayment is damaged, you can repair it by using a sealant. Start by scuffing the area with steel wool or an abrasive material to prepare it for the sealant. Next, cut a replacement patch with your aviation snips and apply it to the damaged area. Ensure that it’s flush with the pencil lines on the underlayment, and spread the sealant evenly over the area. Allow it to dry before removing the steel wool or abrasive substance and checking the area for any stray fasteners.
Damaged Gutters
Gutters are designed to collect rain, melting snow, and other water from the roof and safely channel it away from your home. Homes that have clogged or otherwise non-functioning gutter systems can suffer from basement flooding, damaged landscaping, and discolored siding. A new gutter system that’s properly sized and installed will help prevent these problems.
One of the biggest signs that your gutters are in need of repair is if they begin to sag. This is usually a sign that they’ve been weighed down by debris and water that has built up in them over time. Over time, this can cause them to pull away from your house and eventually break apart.
Another sign that your gutters are in need of repair or replacement is if they’re beginning to leak. Leaking gutters can cause water to seep into your home at the joints where the gutters meet and can damage walls, ceilings, and electrical systems. This can also lead to mold and rot in your home.
One way to help prevent leaking gutters is by regularly cleaning them and running a hose through them. However, if your gutters are starting to show signs of damage, it’s best to get them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Other common signs of gutter damage are holes and rust. Rust eats through steel gutters and can cause them to corrode and fall off of your home. In addition, metal gutters can be punctured by branches or sharp tools that overhang the gutters.
Holes and rust can also develop in gutters that aren’t sloping properly or that have been clogged. In this case, you can patch the hole using a small amount of roofing cement or a sealant like caulking.
Gutters can also become damaged by overflowing during heavy rainfalls. This can damage garden areas, erode soil, and damage the foundation of your home. By installing a new gutter system, you can help prevent these problems by making sure that the gutters slope down and away from your home and that they’re directing water away from the foundation.
