While shingles and tiles are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, strong storms and high winds can damage them. Fortunately, many roof repair issues can be solved with a little work by your local roof repairs contractor.
Keep an eye out for discoloration that indicates a leak, as well as any other signs of trouble. To learn more, visit https://www.ellingsonroofing.com/roofing-helena-mt.
There are a variety of reasons that shingles become damaged. Severe storms, hail and snow, changes in temperatures, age, and improper attic ventilation all contribute to shingle damage. While a number of these factors are outside of your control, many can be addressed quickly and easily. Visual clues such as shingles that are curling up at the ends and leaks or water stains on ceilings and walls are often your first indication that you need to do some roofing repair.
Once you know which shingles need to be replaced, gather your tools and materials. Be sure to wear a harness and work with a partner when climbing on the roof. Secure your ladder before starting.
A pry bar and a hammer are both helpful for loosening nails and removing the old shingle. Using the pry bar, gently lift each tab of the shingle above the damaged area and expose the nail. Then use the hammer claw to remove the lifted nails. If necessary, cut off any loose shingle pieces with the utility knife.
After removing the old shingle, apply a thick bead of roof sealant beneath the curled or cracked shingle. Press down and spread the sealant with a putty knife. If you have a lot of colored shingle granules in your gutter, try to collect them and sprinkle over the wet sealant. This camouflage trick makes the repair nearly unnoticeable.
Replace the shingle and nail it into place. Repeat the process for any other damaged shingles in your roof area. Be sure to check the shingles surrounding the repair area to make sure no undamaged shingles were damaged during the replacement process. Also, be sure to clean up the area and dispose of any shingles or nails you pull off the roof as well as the tarp that was covering the repair zone.
Leaking Gutters
Gutters do a vital job for your home, redirecting rain water away from your foundation and other vulnerable areas. If they leak, the water can cause expensive damages such as a flooded basement or foundation erosion. It’s essential to inspect your gutter system and fix any leaks right away to prevent damage.
If your gutters are leaking, check to see if there is a hole in the downspout or if the gutter is leaking from the seams and joints. If the gutter is leaking from a joint, you will need to remove any dirt and debris, and then use caulk or a metal repair patch to fill the hole. You should also apply a coat of waterproof tape to protect the patch.
One of the main reasons why your gutters might leak is because they are clogged. This can be caused by leaves, twigs, or other debris that pile up in the gutter over time. This extra weight can cause the gutter to sag and create separation between it and your home’s fascia boards.
The hardware used to attach the gutters can also loosen over time. If this happens, the gutters will shift and prevent the water from flowing correctly through them. If you notice any loose hardware, make sure to tighten it or replace it. You should also inspect the downspouts to ensure they aren’t blocked by landscaping or other items. If they are, you should unblock them so that the water can flow freely down them and away from your house.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are one of the most common roofing problems. You may notice shingle granules in your yard after a storm or see bare spots on your roof from the ground or with an extension ladder. You can also visually inspect your roof from your yard or a nearby window to check for bare spots or changes in color.
If you do spot a missing shingle, it’s important to address the problem as quickly as possible. Missing shingles expose your home’s foundation, insulation and interior structures to water and other weather elements that can cause expensive damage.
Most roof shingles are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 100 MPH, and most shingle loss is due to natural aging or materials defect rather than installation error. A qualified residential roofing company can identify the main source of the problem and provide timely shingle repair to protect your home and your family.
A single shingle left untreated can lead to a major roof leak over time. While most shingle edges are covered by the shingle above, the exposed nail heads are an easy entry point for water to penetrate your roof and cause significant damage. An experienced residential roofing company will inspect the area surrounding the missing shingle and ensure all nails are protected with caulk, cement or roof coating to prevent water entry.
A leaking roof can lead to extensive water damage in your attic, crawl space, and throughout the property. Even a small leak can cause structural damage and mold growth, which requires costly repairs to restore the integrity of your home. An experienced residential roofing company will examine the area around your missing shingle and determine whether a felt paper barrier is enough to protect your home from further moisture intrusion or if the leak needs to be addressed with a complete roofing replacement.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the thin protective material installed during roof construction that connects seams and prevents leaks around chimneys, vents, skylights and other roof penetrations. While it does an excellent job of keeping water out, if your flashing becomes damaged, it can open the door to rotted framing and sheathing, mold and significant water damage.
Flashing damage often comes from natural wear and tear. If your home is located near the ocean, for example, corrosive salt air can cause metal flashing to rust or deteriorate. Heavy winds can also bend or pry flashing loose from the roof. Flashing can also become damaged from improper installation or roof repairs.
Roofing contractors can repair most kinds of flashing damage. But since most flashing protrudes under your shingles, the best way to fix it is to remove those shingles and replace the flashing. A roofing expert will carefully place the new flashing, then put the shingles back in their original position.
Failed flashing is the number one reason for home leaks. These leaks can result in health hazards, including mold, and a lowered energy efficiency because of compromised insulation. They can also damage the value of your home and detract from curb appeal.
Some steps you can take to prevent flashing damage include:
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing, also known as BUR, is a time-tested roof system that provides durable waterproofing for low-sloped and flat structures. Its multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing materials make it a solid choice for a variety of geographic areas and climates.
There are several different types of BUR, but tar and gravel built-up roofs are one of the most popular choices for homeowners. They offer durable waterproofing, and they are relatively easy to install. However, like any roof, a tar and gravel built-up roof will require routine inspections to spot problems and repair them before they become costly.
One of the biggest issues that can affect a tar and gravel built-up roofing is the presence of bare spots. These bare spots can lead to water ponding and other problems. To avoid this, homeowners should keep the area around these bare spots clean and trim any overhanging trees.
In addition, homeowners should check for any damage to the underlying asphalt layer of the built-up roof. If the asphalt deteriorates, it will cause cracks and leaks. If the underlying asphalt is damaged, it should be repaired immediately.
Repairing a deteriorated asphalt layer is a fairly simple process. First, the affected area must be cleaned thoroughly and dried completely. Then, a layer of roofing cement should be applied over the damaged area. Finally, a light layer of fine gravel or sand should be spread over the top to prevent sunlight from heating the area and speeding up the drying process.
BUR roofing is a durable and cost-effective option for commercial buildings and homes. It is a great choice for high-traffic locations, and it offers significant resistance to extreme weather conditions. However, it is important to schedule yearly roof inspections to address any issues promptly.