What You Need to Know About Roof Repair
Nothing else in the house is safe if the roof is not tip-top. Look for damp stains, dark spots on the ceiling and walls, and standing water in the gutters.
Water and humidity in your home create a perfect environment for mold to grow, which can cause serious health issues for family members: the more widespread the damage, the higher the repair cost. Contact Roof Repair NJ for professional help.
A roof’s shingles are its primary barrier to the elements, and if they’re damaged or missing, they’ll need replacing. If the damage is isolated and limited to a small area, repairing the shingles may be a practical option rather than replacing the entire roof. However, a full replacement is often more cost-effective in the long run if the extent of the damage is severe.
Start by examining your roof from the ground and identifying the area of shingles in need of repair. If you’re lucky, the roofer who did the last job left some leftover shingles; otherwise, purchase a bundle at a home center or lumberyard that closely matches your existing ones. Once you’re on the roof, begin by sliding a flat pry bar underneath the shingle directly above the one that needs to be replaced. This will break the adhesive seal and allow you to pull up the shingle.
Continue loosening and removing the shingles above the damaged one, working progressively closer to it as you go. Once you’ve lifted the tabs of the shingle and retrieved all the nails, carefully slide it off. Once the old shingle is out, replace it with a new one and nail it down. Make sure to use the same type and color of shingles, and don’t forget to apply a fresh coat of roofing tar as soon as you’ve finished.
Inspect the surrounding shingles for signs of other damage, such as curling or buckling. These can also be repaired by injecting a layer of roofing sealant under the loose shingles, but it’s best to replace severely cracked shingles altogether.
Another possible sign of intentional damage is a series of recurring blemishes that look like the marks left by an implement, such as a nailing hammer or ice pick. Natural hail does not create a consistent pattern, so if you see this type of damage, call your insurance company.
Check your roof vents too, and look for cracked housings on plastic vents or a broken seam on metal vents. If the vents aren’t sealed properly, moisture can enter the house and cause rot or leaks in other areas.
Leaks
A leaking roof is a problem that requires immediate attention. Even a small leak can cause mold, water damage to drywall and ceilings, rotted framing and sheathing, and destroyed insulation. A homeowner that ignores a leak will probably end up with an expensive repair bill and a lot of frustration.
There are a variety of reasons for roof leaks, including age, wear and tear, improper flashing, clogged gutters and chimneys, damaged shingles, and incorrectly sealed valleys. Regular inspections and repairs can minimize leaks caused by aging, wear and tear, and improper flashing.
If a homeowner has attic access, it is easy to track down the source of a leak by looking for water stains or damp areas in the living space below. However, many newer homes have vaulted or cathedral ceilings with inaccessible attics. A professional roofer can go up in the attic to check for signs of a leak, but they may need to break through drywall to get there.
The first thing a roofer will do when they suspect there is a leak in the ceiling is remove a few shingles close to where the stain is located. This will allow them to see the underlying felt paper and to find evidence of where the leak is coming from. If the shingle is in good shape, the roofer will put it back in place and reseal it. If the shingle is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Leaks can also be caused by roof penetrations. Plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers, and other features often penetrate the roof at different points, so they can leak in different ways. When a roofer inspects for a leak, they will look for any gaps or cracks in the penetration area, and they will look for any water stains or dark spots near the penetration site.
Sometimes, the most common reason for a roof leak is simply neglect. If a roof isn’t inspected regularly, minor problems can balloon into systemic issues that require a full re-roof or structural work.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a thin, protective material installed during roof construction to connect the seams of installations such as chimneys and skylights. It also helps prevent water from entering these areas and causing serious damage to your home. Flashing is typically made of copper, aluminum or galvanized steel. It is prone to wear and tear, especially from harsh weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rains and snow.
Damaged flashing is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. These leaks can lead to water damage throughout your home, causing structural damage and other health issues. If you have a leaking roof, it’s important to address the problem immediately.
Identifying flashing damage can be challenging. However, there are some signs you can look for to determine if your flashing is damaged.
Visible Rust or Corrosion
Metal flashing can develop rust and corrosion over time, compromising its effectiveness. Cracks or Gaps in Flashing: Flashing should be sealed tightly against surfaces, so any gaps are a sign of damage. Loose or Missing Flashing: If a section of the flashing is missing, it leaves vulnerable areas exposed to water infiltration.
Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls
Water stains are a telltale sign that you have a leak in your roof. If you notice these stains, it’s likely due to a compromised flashing installation.
Roof flashing is a tricky component to install, so it’s not recommended that you attempt this repair yourself. Roofing contractors know how to properly install flashing and will be able to spot any problems that need attention.
In addition, roofing professionals can help you spot any problems before they become major leaks. It’s always better to catch roof problems early, as they can cause significant damage to the integrity of your home.
While it’s important to inspect your roof regularly, you should have professional inspections performed after severe weather events. These inspections will give you a clear idea of the condition of your roof and help you to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Leaking Gutters
Gutters do a great job of helping to guide rainwater away from your home, but they can become damaged and clogged. When this happens, water can leak from the gutters into your siding, soffits, foundation and other areas of your house. This can lead to rotting wood, mold and flooding. If left untreated, leaking gutters can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home.
If you have a leaking gutter, there are several things that can be done to repair it. The first step is to clear the gutters of any leaves or debris that may be blocking the flow of water. This will help to prevent further leaking. Once the gutters are cleared, you can inspect them for any other issues that may be causing leaks. The most common issue is a hole or crack in the gutters. These holes can be caused by storm damage, aging or even just normal wear and tear. Small holes can be repaired using a tube of gutter sealant or a gutter patch kit, which costs only a few dollars.
Another common issue is a sagging gutter. If a gutter becomes too heavy due to excess water, it can pull away from the fascia board and eventually separate from the roof. This can also cause leaks and other problems with the gutter system. A simple way to fix a sagging gutter is to prop it up with a straight 1×4 or 2×4 brace. You can do this by getting up on a ladder and sighting along the length of the gutter to find the problem area. Then, simply prop the gutter up with the brace and re-secure any loose fasteners.
If you have noticed any of these problems, or if you notice a leaking gutter, you should schedule a roof inspection with local roofing contractors as soon as possible. These inspections can help identify and repair any potential problems before they turn into serious leaks that can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. By having a professional inspect your roof and gutters on a regular basis, you can reduce the risk of expensive future repairs.
