If your home’s roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or you notice that it’s having a hard time doing its job, you may need to have it repaired. While Roofers can repair most damage, some require a full replacement. The key is knowing your roof’s age and condition and how long you plan to live in the home.
Broken Shingles
When shingles break off, it can cause leaks or rot the underlayment. It also lets water seep into the upper floors and attic, leading to damage that requires costly repairs.
Your roof shingles protect from rain, snow, and ice while also insulating your home. They’re designed to last 20 to 30 years but can be damaged by high winds or hail.
To repair a damaged shingle, gather the right tools and equipment: a ladder, shingles, asphalt roofing cement and a pry bar. Make sure you have appropriate safety wear, including gloves and eyewear.
Step 1: Insert the pry bar underneath the ripped shingle. Gently slide it from side to side to break the bead of sealant on the underside that holds the bottom edge flat against the roof.
Next, remove all the nails covering the damaged shingle and the next two courses above it (Photo 2). Then use the flat bar to push up under each shingle nail, centering them in the flat bar notch.
Small Holes
If you notice a small hole in your roof, it’s important to get the problem repaired. This will help protect your home from damage and prevent leaks down the road.
Holes can be caused by a number of things, including storms or tree limbs falling on the roof. In most cases, a small hole can quickly cause a big problem for your home.
Roofing contractors can fix small holes by replacing the shingles around them. They can also use wood and roofing tar to plug them.
Then, they need to cover the new patch with tar paper. This is a more involved process, but it will protect your roof from further damage and prevent leaks down the road.
Damaged Vents
Vents are a vital part of any roof. They help remove hot air and moisture from the attic, which prevents mold and mildew growth.
However, they can be prone to damage and failure. This can lead to leaks in your attic, which can cause a lot of damage to your home and property.
When this occurs, it’s a good idea to call a professional roofer to help you repair the problem. They can determine the cause of the problem and decide on the best course of action for your needs.
Generally speaking, if a vent pipe is damaged or doesn’t have the proper sealant, it will need to be replaced. This can be a fairly simple project for a roofing contractor to complete.
Wind can also affect non-shingle items on your roof, such as vent pipes and flashing. If these things are dislodged by the wind, water can begin to leak under them.
Flashing
Flashing is a metal or vinyl strip that’s installed on a roof to prevent water from entering the space around chimneys, skylights and roof valleys. It’s designed to keep water from seeping inside, which can lead to extensive damage and mold growth if left unchecked.
The best way to repair your flashing is to get a professional roofing contractor to take a look at it. This will allow them to identify any problems and make recommendations for repairs.
Besides protecting the inside of your home, flashing also prevents damage to the roof deck. Damaged flashing can cause water to penetrate the shingles beneath them, which can result in an expensive roof deck repair.
Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, including metals like copper and aluminum. It can be sealed or rolled to work as one continuous surface or reconfigured into a non-continuous shape that’s more flexible for installation in the spaces between roof projections.