The right roof repair for you depends on what type of roof you have and how long you plan to live in your home. The more problems a roof has, the more expensive it is to fix.
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Moisture leaks are usually the result of bad flashing at a gutter or vent opening. Look for a telltale flow mark or ‘shiners’ on the underside of shingles near those points.
Shingles are the roof’s outer layer, protecting and insulating your home. Even a small hole in your shingle can cause water to seep in, rot the wood sheathing underneath and lead to further damage throughout your house. That’s why it is essential to check your roof for any signs of shingle damage or wear, and repair them as soon as possible to avoid costly water leaks.
The most common shingle repair is a simple reattachment. If a shingle becomes loose or partially detached, it can be easily reattached with asphalt roof cement (available in tubes for use with a caulking gun). If the shingle is curled back, you may be able to flatten it out by gently heat-spraying the edge of the shingle with a propane torch fitted with a flame-spreader nozzle. Be careful not to overheat the shingle, which could cause it to melt or burn.
If the shingle is cracked or torn, you may be able to repair it with roofing sealant. First, locate the cracked or torn shingle and slide a flat pry bar beneath it. Slowly, and carefully, lift the shingle to break its sealer strip connection with the shingles above it and expose the first row of nails. Once the nails are exposed, gently shear them off the roof deck with the flat pry bar. Continue to loosen the shingles around it, working progressively closer to the damaged portion of the roof.
If you don’t have a matching replacement shingle, apply a thick bead of roof sealant (available in a wide variety of colors) under the shingle and press it down flat. Then, weigh it down with a brick until the sealant dries. Finally, if you have any spare shingle granules from your rain gutters, sprinkle them over the wet sealant to camouflage the repair. With proper maintenance, your shingle roof will provide years of service to your home and family. But if you neglect it, even minor roof damage can result in the need for a full roof replacement sooner than you might think. That’s why it is critical to inspect your shingles regularly, especially after severe storms or extended periods of hot or cold weather.
Flashing
Flashing is sheet metal bent into shape to fit over a joint in a roof. It is used in areas where leaking is most likely to occur, such as roof valleys (where two slopes meet) and around roof penetrations like chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights. Flashing can be exposed or concealed and is usually made from a weather-resistant material such as copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel. It can be installed in either internal or external roof structures.
There are a few types of flashing that a roofer will use, depending on the situation. These include base flashing, which is placed where a roof meets a wall and must be paired with counter flashing, as well as step flashing, which is installed along the eaves of the roof. It is often paired with drip edge flashing, which channels water into gutters.
Over time, flashing can become damaged and require repair. Exposure to the elements can corrode the metal, and even the galvanized coating on steel can wear away over time. A roofer can replace corroded or damaged flashing and prevent leaks from occurring.
Because flashing is so vital to the integrity of your roof, it should be regularly inspected to determine whether it is functioning properly. A regular inspection will help to identify any problems and repair them before they cause serious leaks or damage your home.
Flashing can be tricky to work on, and it is important that you have the right tools before attempting to do so. You will need to have a sturdy ladder, and you should always be careful when climbing on your roof. Make sure that you are wearing gloves, closed-toe shoes, and a safety harness. It is also a good idea to have someone on the ground who can serve as a spotter in case you need to get off of the ladder for any reason.
If you are not comfortable working on your roof, it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor for any repair work or replacements that may be needed. They will have the specialized equipment and knowledge to work safely on your roof and ensure that your flashing is secure.
Gutters
Gutters are the unsung heroes of your home, keeping rainwater from flooding basements and wreaking havoc on foundations and walls. They also prevent soil erosion, which can cause a host of problems. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to keep gutters in top working condition.
If your gutters become clogged, water will spill over the sides, damaging the eaves and possibly leaking into the house itself. Eventually, standing water can soak through the roof shingles and damage the siding, fascia and soffits. It can also erode the ground around the foundation and lead to basement leaks, as well as damage any stored items on the ground below.
A clogged gutter is a common problem that can be prevented with gutter guards, which are installed at the end of the downspout and catch large debris like leaves and twigs before they can enter the downspout. Regularly cleaning the gutters is also a good idea to remove any decaying organic matter that may build up and block the flow of water.
Leaks in gutters are usually caused by rust or the expansion and contraction of metal. You can repair a gutter that has a small leak by covering the damaged area with roof-and-gutter repair tape. First, wire-brush the damaged area to clean off rust and give the tape a good bond. Then, apply the tape as described above and let it dry. If the leak is larger, you can replace the entire downspout.
If you decide to replace the entire downspout, start by removing the old one. Then, cut a piece of rolled flashing to the length of the new downspout and tuck it into place under the drip edge at the fascia board. If you’re replacing the gutter at a corner, buy a premade metal apron that fits over the joint and fasten it with sheet-metal screws. To help keep the apron in place, overlap long seams by at least 1 in. and end seams by 4 in. Also, tuck the step flashing up under the shingle, pushing it firmly into curves and corners.
Soffit
A soffit is a board that covers the underside of the eaves of your roof overhang. They are usually made from a variety of materials including wood or vinyl, and they help keep your attic space well ventilated. They also prevent moisture from accumulating, and keep the air from getting too warm in summer. A properly functioning soffit can keep your home comfortable year-round.
Soffits can be either vented or non-vented, but most homes have a combination of both to strategically control the flow of air into and out of the attic. When soffits are ventilated, hot air that rises from your house in the summer can escape to the attic space and be replaced by cooler fresh air. This helps to keep your attic cool and prevents mold, mildew, and condensation damage to your wooden roof beams.
When a soffit is not ventilated, the air in your attic can become too hot, which causes your roof to overheat. This can lead to a number of problems, including mold and mildew, ice dams, and excessive snow build-up that can cause water leaks into your home. A properly functioning soffit will allow cold air to flow in during the winter, helping your attic to stay cool and prevent these problems.
If you notice that your soffit is rotting, it’s important to have it repaired before the problem gets worse. A rotted soffit can allow water to get into your attic, and damage the structure of your roof and ceilings. This is a job that should be left to professional roofers, who have the equipment and experience to perform the necessary repairs.
Another important consideration is that a soffit or fascia that has been damaged can allow pests to make their homes in your home. Pests can chew through soffits and fascia boards, and make their way into your attic space where they can cause damage and mold.
When a soffit or fascia is damaged, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the damage and note any other issues with the boards. This will be helpful for the roof repair service provider when estimating costs and timeframes for completing the work.