Your roof needs regular inspections, inside and out. A professional should look for missing shingles, water stains, and any signs of animal damage.
If you find damage from storms or other natural events, check with your insurance company to see if you qualify for coverage BEFORE making repairs. Contact Columbus Roof Repair now!
Shingles and tiles are built to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but they’re not infallible. High winds can rip them loose, and hail damage can chip or crack them. Visible gaps can allow water and cold air to seep into the house, leading to mold and rot.
A roof repair is required when you notice damaged shingles or tiles. If you’re not able to spot the damage from the ground, you’ll need to climb up to your roof and inspect it for yourself. It’s best to do this in cool weather, as hot or warm temperatures can cause the asphalt sealant used on the shingle to become gooey and hard to shear.
In addition to the usual weather-related wear and tear, shingle damage can also be caused by improper installation or lack of maintenance. Neglecting to clean off the roof and remove fallen debris can contribute to shingle damage, and failing to inspect and fix protrusions on the roof like air conditioning ducts, chimneys, and vents can lead to leakage and structural problems in the attic and ceiling of your home.
To begin a roof repair, you’ll need to gather supplies. First, check to see if you have any spare shingles lying around, or purchase a bundle of shingles that closely match your existing ones. Next, carefully peel back the shingle layer directly above the damaged one and pry loose any nails holding it in place. Take care to not damage functional shingles that surround the damaged shingle, and use a flat pry bar to lift the shingle up and remove the nail beneath it.
Once the shingle is removed, insert the replacement shingle into the gap. If the new shingle hasn’t been nailed down yet, put a nail through the tar strip that covers the nails on the existing upper and lower undamaged shingles. Apply a layer of roof sealant over the nail hole, and then re-nail the shingle to ensure it won’t come loose again. Repeat this process for each shingle that needs replacing.
Flashing
The area where the roof meets a wall needs extra protection to prevent leaks. This is where flashing comes in, a sheet of corrosion-resistant metal bent into place to cover the joints. It is also used to protect roof penetrations like chimneys, skylights and pipes. Properly installed flashing seals these critical areas, preventing water leaks and reducing the need for costly water damage repair.
Roof flashing is typically made of aluminum, copper or galvanized steel. It is prefabricated to fit the application and can be bent by hand or with tools to ensure a snug fit. Most flashing is hidden behind shingles or other roofing material to provide an unobtrusive look. It is important to note that some flashing may need to be removed before installing a new roof. It is best to use a roofing professional for this type of repair as it requires the proper skill and knowledge to avoid causing further damage to the roof.
Some types of roof flashing are a single continuous piece while others have built-in expansion joints. Continuous flashing, called apron flashing, covers roof valleys and other low areas to direct rainwater toward the gutter. Other types of flashing include pipe flashing, which resembles a one-piece collar that fits around a pipe’s diameter, and step flashing, consisting of overlapping pieces to cover a vertical wall or corner.
These flashing types are often paired together to provide a complete set for protecting hard-to-waterproof roof features such as chimneys. Base flashing, which attaches to the roof and rests against a wall, is followed by counter flashing, which is not attached to the chimney but sits above it. This system allows the flashing to flex as the roof and chimney expand and contract over time without leaking.
Another less common type of flashing is kickout flashing, which reaches from the edge of the roof to the wall and directs water into the gutter. This type of flashing is available as a stand-alone piece or can be soldered onto existing step flashing.
Leaks
Leaks can damage shingles, tiles and other roofing materials and cause mold and mildew. They can also ruin insulation, and if they reach drywall or ceilings, they can be costly to remove and replace. In addition, they can lead to serious health problems for anyone with asthma or environmental sensitivities.
Leaky roofs often result from poor flashing installation or old caulk that has deteriorated over time. Regardless of the type of roof you have, leaks are never good and should be addressed immediately to limit water damage to your home.
To find the source of a leak, start inside your attic or crawlspace and use a flashlight to examine the ceiling. Look for damp spots or water stains and track them down to their source. This can be tricky because a leak may travel along a beam or through a wall before reaching the ceiling below.
If you can’t find the source of a leak, put a large bucket or other container beneath the suspected area to catch dripping water. You can also place a piece of plywood across the joists in your attic or crawlspace to prevent further water damage.
The next step is to check the gutters and downspouts for clogs or damage. If water can’t drain off your roof, it will back up under the shingles and cause leaks. Finally, you should inspect the dormers to make sure the caulk around the corners and windows is intact and water-resistant.
If you have a leaking roof that is not repaired right away, the moisture can ruin insulation, causing it to clump and become ineffective at keeping warm or cool air in your home depending on the season. It can also rot wood framing and create an environment for the growth of mold and mildew, which are serious health issues and can affect the value of your home. Mold spores can travel through the HVAC system and be circulated throughout your whole house, making them a hazard for people with respiratory conditions. It can also cause energy bills to skyrocket due to a lack of effective insulation.
Old Age
If a roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, replacement should be considered to ensure proper protection and structural integrity. An old and damaged roof can cause structural damage to a building or property as well as a host of other problems including water leaks, rotting and mold and mildew growth. It can also trigger unwanted heat transfer and soaring energy bills. However, in most cases, a roof that is approaching the end of its life can be kept safe and functional for longer with regular inspections and timely repairs. This includes identifying and repairing small problems, such as a sagging roof or torn and missing shingles. By doing so, a homeowner can extend the lifespan of their roof and postpone the need for a full replacement.