Everyday wear and tear and even extreme weather can damage a roof. From shingles to the skeleton boards (called trusses) and everything in between, there are many ways to repair a roof.
Small holes in shingles can cause rot and leaks for years, so it’s important to check them regularly. For professional expertise, contact Roof Repair Near Me.
Shingles, the thin, overlapping rectangular pieces of tin that cover your roof and create its surface, are an essential component to keeping your home comfortable. They act as a barrier against the elements and help prevent water leaks. Quality shingles protect your home and increase its value. To make sure you have a quality shingle roof, it’s important to perform regular inspections. This can be done by climbing on a ladder and looking at the shingles for damage or missing shingle corners. You can also check the shingle flashing, caulking, and roof cement for signs of deterioration.
When a shingle is damaged, it’s easy to replace it with another shingle. However, you’ll need a hammer, a flat pry bar, a utility knife, and a handful of 11/4-in. roofing nails. Starting at the missing shingle, slide the pry bar under the shingle above it and lift it to expose the first row of nails beneath. Then, loosen the nails with a hammer claw and pull off the damaged shingle. Replace the damaged shingle with the new one and nail it down with the remaining nails.
If a shingle has curled, use roofing sealant to glue it back down. You can find roofing sealant at most home improvement stores. Apply a thick bead of sealant under the shingle corner and press it down firmly. Then place a brick on top to keep it down until the sealant dries.
You should avoid attempting to do any roof repairs during stormy weather or when the sun is directly overhead. The sun will heat the shingles and cause them to crack. Also, you should never climb onto a wet or icy roof.
If you notice any shingles that are missing, it’s important to contact your contractor right away. If left unattended, the holes will allow rainwater into your home and damage insulation. The contractor will inspect your roof for any signs of leaking or other problems. They may also remove any shingle debris, such as granules or old valley flashing, and sweep and clean the roof surface. They will then use tarps to protect foundation plantings and shrubs from the tear-off process and collect all shingle debris in a roll-off dumpster.
Flashing
In the roofing world, flashing is a vital element of a roof that allows it to do its job: protect the interior of the building from water damage. It is typically made of metal, and you’ll find it around any penetrations in the roof (such as chimneys, vents, or skylights), edges of the roof, or valleys. Flashing is thin and waterproof, and it’s designed to prevent leaks by covering any gaps and redirecting rainwater.
There are several types of flashing, and your roofer will use the right one for each situation. For instance, base flashing is two pieces of metal that can move over each other as the roof expands and contracts, making it ideal for chimneys or protrusions. Counter-flashing is placed on top of base flashing, and it helps seal the area.
Leaky roofs are often the result of damaged or poorly installed flashing. Having your roofer inspect the flashing regularly will help you spot any issues before they cause a leak in the house. The signs to look for include dents, holes, or rust on the flashing. Additionally, if you notice a gap between the flashing and the roof or wall, this is another sign that it’s time for a repair.
If you’re getting a new roof, consider having the flashing replaced at the same time. This will ensure that it’s done correctly and lasts as long as your new roof. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to replace the flashing whenever you suspect it’s worn out or leaking.
Flashing can be difficult to identify, and many homeowners don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. If you notice a hole or rust in the flashing, you should call your roofing contractor immediately. They’ll be able to perform the necessary repairs to keep your roof leak-free and your home safe. If you wait, the moisture will get into your attic and start to rot the insulation, leading to water damage and a rotting, moldy roof. Avoid this costly scenario by contacting your roofing contractor today. They’ll be happy to help!
Gutters
Gutters are a key component of your roof that help prevent foundation damage, soil erosion, and the rotting of eaves. When they are functioning properly, they direct water away from your house and into downspouts. However, holes or clogs can lead to significant problems that are costly to repair or replace. Fortunately, the earlier gutter repairs are made, the less expensive they will be. At Southern Premier Roofing, we specialize in both new gutter installation and gutter repairs, so you can avoid the structural damage that can occur if this crucial system is not working correctly.
Gutter systems consist of a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of the roof to channel rainwater into downspouts. They are designed with a slope to ensure that the water drains down and away from the structure rather than back up over it.
When a gutter has a hole, it is important to patch it right away so that moisture doesn’t seep into the structure of your home. You can do this by purchasing a tube of roof cement and a metal repair patch that matches your gutter material. First, wire-brush the area around the hole to remove dirt and loose rust. Then, clean the area well with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. If the gutter isn’t rusted through, you don’t need to use a patch and can simply spread the cement over the hole.
If the hole is large, you can purchase a piece of wire screening that fits the inside of the gutter and is at least 1 inch bigger all around than the hole. Cut the screen to size, and then spread the cement over it. If the hole is the result of a downspout blockage, you will need to remove the downspout and flush out the debris that is blocking the flow of water.
The best way to identify leaks is by looking for water stains on ceilings or walls. If you notice any, contact your local roofer to perform a roof inspection and make any necessary repairs.
Skylights
Skylights bring natural light into rooms that may otherwise be dark and help to create a cozy feeling in a room. They also let you see stars in the night sky and the snowfall during a winter storm. However, as a protrusion from the roof, they must be properly installed and sealed to prevent moisture from leaking through them into the home, which can cause significant damage.
Leaky skylights are one of the most common problems that homeowners face. These leaks usually occur around the edges of the skylight but can extend to areas of the ceiling that are close to it. Often, the flashing around a skylight is damaged or the seals on the window are broken. This can be a result of poor installation or the use of roof cement to fix a leak, which does not hold up well under prolonged exposure to the elements.
If a leak is detected, a roofer should be called to inspect the skylight and its surrounding roof area to find the source of the problem. A good roofing company will be able to repair the leaky areas of the roof and the ceiling around the skylight.
If you have old skylights, consider replacing them when you replace the roof. It can save you money in the long run, and the new skylights will be more energy efficient than older models. Having a professional install the skylights will ensure that they are correctly fitted and sealed and will be able to withstand the elements.
Regardless of the flashing you use, it should be installed correctly. Keeping it clean and properly maintained will extend the life of your roof and keep water from causing damage. Having a professional 