Tips for a Successful Roof Repair
The roof is the most important part of any home. It provides protection from rain, snow and sun. A leaky roof can lead to a variety of problems including mold and mildew, water damage to ceilings or walls and even structural issues within the home. Roof repair is very important for your family’s safety as well as your property value!
The tips in this post will help you figure out if you need professional assistance or if it can be done on your own with some elbow grease. Read more below to learn how!
Check For Leaks And Water Damage
If you see signs of roof damage, you might not need to hire a roofing contractor after all. Roof repair is often a matter of removing ice dams or roof seams that have become unsealed. If water leaks are present, the problem should be easy to identify and fix. Ice damming can happen around roof edges during the winter months when snow develops on roof tops but does not melt completely before falling off as rain. The weight of overhanging snow causes it to slide off edge, where water accumulates and freezes again in colder temperatures. Dammed water can leak into your home through small cracks in your roof covering or in between shingles if they are missing or have shifted out of place. You may also notice leaks during heavy rains.
Clear The Gutters Of Leaves, Pine Needles, And Other Debris
When gutters fill up with leaves and other debris, they can’t carry water away from the roof properly. This trapped water can cause roof damage if roof shingles start to curl or crack. The best way to prevent this is by cleaning out gutters 2-3 times per year.
Check For Loose Roof Coverings
If you suspect roof repair isn’t necessary but you want to make sure your roof covering is secure, take a ladder and inspect each section of roof in daylight when it’s dry. Make note of any damaged or missing pieces and see if there are any places where shingles have shifted out of place. Also check for cracks around attic vents and skylights that may be allowing air infiltration into your attic.
Check Roof Ridge Caps
A roof ridge cap provides protection from water damage and roof leaks. It holds down roof shingles against wind gusts, preventing them from blowing off or becoming damaged during storms. Inspect roof ridge caps for cracking and ensure that the nails are tightly secured to avoid water infiltration. If you see any signs of roof repair being necessary, schedule an appointment with a roofing contractor to get the job done!
Repair Or Replace Wood That Is Damaged Or Rotting
If you notice roof damage near the roof edge or in roof valleys then inspect the roof decking and roof rafters for any signs of rotting. Rotten wood can be repaired with roof repair products but it would be easier and faster to just replace old damaged wood.
Replace Missing Roof Shingles
Missing roof shingles make your roof susceptible to leaks, especially if they are in a high traffic area like a walkway or porch. A good rule of thumb is that once you have lost 2-3 square feet of shingle coverage, it’s time to replace them! This will ensure that water flows away from your home instead of leaking into your attic. Shingle repairs should always be done by a professional roofer to ensure roofing repairs are done properly.
Replace Cracked Roof Shingles
Cracked roof tiles can lead to leakage. Cracks will allow water to seep into your roof and eventually damage roof covering, decks and walls on the inside of your home. A proper roof repair will fix those cracked roof tiles before any major problems occur! If you need help choosing between new or used roofing materials, check out this blog post for more information on that subject!
Check For Worn Roof Shingles and Roof Coverings
Worn roof shingles will need replaced in 6-10 years depending on usage of the roof. In addition, a coating such as asphalt, rubber or single ply could be 30-50 years. If roof shingles are coated check for cracking or wear and replace roof coverings if needed.
