Roof Repair is a major undertaking for any homeowner, but not as daunting as replacement. The main thing is to assess what needs doing and then do it.
Examine for leaks, shingle damage, and other obvious problems. If you’re unsure, take a hose up on the roof and spray areas where leaks manifest in the house. Click the https://www.myprestigeexteriors.com/ to learn more.
The type of roofing materials you choose for your home has a significant impact on its appearance and how well it withstands the elements. However, it’s important to note that not all roof materials are created equal. Some last longer than others and require specialized expertise for installation and maintenance.
Asphalt composite shingles are the most popular choice for residential roofing, balancing cost and durability. Individual shingles can last up to 30 years, and they’re easy to replace when damaged. Metal roofing provides a sleek aesthetic for modern and industrial-style homes, while clay tile roofing enhances Mediterranean or Spanish-style houses. Wood shake shingles add charm to cottage and classic-style homes, and they hold up well in dry climates.
Slate is the most durable of all residential roofing materials, with lifespans up to two centuries when properly maintained. Its longevity is complemented by its striking beauty, and it pairs beautifully with stone or stucco siding. However, slate is expensive and requires a skilled professional for installation.
Other long-lasting roofing options include clay tiles, which are ideal for hot or salty climates, and steel or galvalume shingles, which offer a real raw metal finish. However, these roofs are heavier than other roofing materials and can cause structural problems if they’re not installed properly.
Another important element for your roof is the sheathing, a layer of plywood or OSB that’s attached to the decking and supports shingles or other coverings. This layer is also susceptible to damage from weather and insects, and it needs to be replaced promptly when necessary.
While some homeowners are tempted to clamber onto their roofs to conduct roof repair themselves, the best course of action is to leave this job to roofing professionals. In addition to posing health and safety risks, roof repair involves specific materials and tools that not every homeowner has at home. Luckily, you can educate yourself about the materials that roofers use and what to expect from a typical roof repair project.
Inspecting the Roof
When you hire a roof repair contractor, he or she will inspect your home’s roof. This is an important step that helps to catch small problems before they become big ones and can save you money on roof repairs. A professional inspector will examine the exterior of the roof, looking for moss and piles of debris that retain moisture. This moisture can lead to shingle damage, including buckling. He or she will also look for shingles that are missing or curled, as these provide easy access for water to drip into the home. He or she will also assess the condition of the flashing, which are strips of metal that line penetrations on a roof, such as skylights and chimneys. The flashing should be whole and without holes caused by rust or other damage. He or she will also examine ridge vents, gable vents, soffit vents and other ventilation components to ensure that they are working properly.
He or she will also walk around the perimeter of the home to look for stains and signs of leaks on the underside of the roof deck. If you have an unfinished attic, a qualified professional will also check for mold, pest infestation and other issues from the inside of the attic. He or she will also examine soffit boards, the eaves’ underside, and fascia boards, which run along a roof’s edges, for rot, warping or other types of damage.
A flat roof should be inspected by a professional for damage after a severe storm. These roofs don’t have the self-draining incline that other roofs do, so they are more likely to experience leaks after rain or snowfall. He or she will examine the drainage system, checking for pools of water and any indentations where the seams meet.
While you can do a basic visual inspection of your own roof from the ground or from a ladder, you should always have a professional do a more in-depth inspection after a major storm or when you notice that your house is losing heat. Getting on the roof is dangerous, and slipping or falling could result in serious injury. If you’re going to do a DIY roof inspection, be sure to wear proper footwear and take a sturdy ladder with you.
Repairing Damaged Shingles
If your roof has a lot of damage or is nearing the end of its life, it may be time to consider replacing the entire roof. But if the damage is limited to a few areas, there are several things you can do.
Start with an inspection of your shingles to see what condition they are in. If you have water stains in your ceiling or walls, or if the shingles are curling, this is a sign of serious problems and could lead to leaks and structural damage to your home. Other signs of shingle damage include missing shingles and cracked or torn shingles.
To repair a damaged shingle, first find the nail that holds it in place and remove it with a flat pry bar or crowbar. Then pry up the tabs on the shingle above and below it, working around the damaged area to loosen the adhesive strips that hold the shingle in place. Be careful not to crack or break any shingles above the one you are working on.
Once the shingle is loose, pull it up and replace the nail. Be sure to secure any shingles below it that are also loose with roofing tar.
If a shingle is simply cracked or torn, you don’t need to replace it. Instead, you can fix it by applying a thick bead of roofing sealant underneath the crack. Then press the shingle down and apply another bead of sealant on top of it. After it dries, spread some color granules from your gutter on top of the sealant to camouflage it.
It is possible to replace only a few shingles if the damage is limited, but it’s important to make sure that any new shingles you install will blend in with the rest of the roof to avoid noticeable repairs. You can use some of the spare shingles you set aside for this purpose, but it’s usually best to buy a bundle in a matching color from your local roofing supply store. It is much easier to match the color of existing shingles than it is to try to match the color of new shingles that have been exposed to the elements.
Repairing Damaged Flashing
Roof flashing protects areas of the roof where it meets other structures, such as chimneys, dormers, and vent pipes. These areas tend to receive a lot of water, making them vulnerable to damage and leaks. Flashing is a thin material, typically made of galvanized steel, that secures these areas by wrapping around them. Flashing can be damaged by storms or from age-related deterioration, leaving the area exposed to water penetration. Detecting and repairing flashing damage early can help prevent costly and extensive water-related repairs to walls, ceilings, insulation, and structural components of the home.
Leaks and water stains on the ceiling or walls are common signs that roof flashing is damaged. A thorough inspection can reveal the location of the leak and the cause. A damaged or missing flashing can allow water to seep into the attic and damage the interior of the home. The good news is that most roof flashing can be repaired or replaced in a relatively simple process that doesn’t require the entire roof to be removed.
Flashing repairs should always be done by a professional roofing contractor to ensure that all aspects of the flashing are addressed. The roofing contractor will remove the shingles, expose the damaged flashing, and replace it. It’s never a good idea to install new flashing over old, as this can lead to water getting trapped between the two layers and leading to more serious problems.
Keeping up with regular roof inspections and prompt repair of flashing damage is essential for protecting the value of your home. Inspecting the flashing can often be completed in a few steps using some basic tools, such as a ladder and a caulking gun or putty knife. The first step is to clean the area and remove any dirt, debris, or old caulking from the damaged flashing. Once the area is cleaned, you can apply roofing cement or caulk to small cracks and gaps in the flashing and smooth it with a putty knife for an even and watertight finish. If the damage to your flashing is more severe, you may need to replace it altogether.