Tag: roofers

What You Need to Know About Roof Repair

Elene Chamberlin Roofing , , , ,

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.

Shingles Or Vinyl Siding – Which Roofing System Is Best?

Helen White Roofing , , , ,
roofing

roofingIf your roof is leaking, you need the roofing services of a qualified and experienced roofing contractor. The roof is the most expensive part of your home. The damage caused by leaks can cause you to lose your home, your personal belongings, and all of the equipment stored in your home. Leaks can start small and end big – they can start with a small leak in one area and end up with an entire wall leaking water. When you call a professional roofing contractor to come and inspect your roof and see what the problem is, you are taking that step to ensure your home’s continued safety and functionality.

When you have an existing roof, or you just want a brand new roof installation, a roofing company will come out to inspect your home, evaluate the situation, and provide free estimates for roofing replacement. These estimates are generally provided on the spot, and can save you time and money. They can also help you determine the extent of the damage, and let you know the best course of action to take. When you are considering a new roofing installation, you should keep in mind the type of materials used, the amount of wear and tear you may have to endure, and the likelihood of leaks or other damage. You want a quality system, but one that is less likely to cause damage in the future.

Roofing contractors can also recommend commercial grade roofing materials for your residential needs, including high quality roofing shingles. This will reduce the chance of leaks or other damage. Leaks are not the only cause of damage to a roof. Weathering can cause it to crack or bow, and wind damage can cause it to bend and lift off its surface. A qualified roofing contractor can analyze your situation and recommend the best solution for your particular needs, whether it is repairing leaks, replacing damaged shingles, repairing damage or energy efficiency.

There are several types of roofing system. There are roofs that are attached to the home, called gable roofs. There are homes withperimeter-mounted roofs, which rest on the foundation and are known as domino roofs. And there are flat roofs, which are generally not gable or domino, but are attached to the home and sometimes slope to the driveway. All roofs have two layers: the top layer is the structural exterior of the home, which is called the fascia, and the bottom layer is called the sheathing, which is typically made of fiberglass, asphalt or tar paper. The roofing materials used for these systems can vary greatly, as can the choices of materials for the top, bottom and other layers.

It is common for a new roof installation to include the installation of new roofing materials, such as shingles and slate. If your existing roof is weak and prone to leaks, you might want to consider replacement shingles for the entire roof. This is particularly true for older homes, which might have undergone more damage from the weather than newer homes. However, if you live in an area that experiences colder temperatures for part of the year, you might be able to save money by choosing to use slate instead of shingles. Slate is a very durable roofing material that is also fairly easy to install.

If your home has had a recent leak, you may also want to consider vinyl siding. Although this option is often associated with older homes, it can work for new construction as well. Vinyl siding has been proven to be highly resistant to fire. Plus, if you choose this product, you will find it to be highly aesthetically appealing. In fact, many homeowners with homes built in the 1970s have opted for vinyl siding due to the appearance of ease with which they can clean and maintain the product.

If your roofing system has extensive damage, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure the least amount of damage is inflicted on the interior of your home. For example, if your attic or exterior wall has visible damage, you should contact a roofing contractor to identify how the damage was incurred. This information can help you avoid placing materials on the wall in the future that could cause additional damage, such as adding insulation to the wall. In some cases, if the cause of the damage is not clearly identifiable, the roofing contractor may suggest replacing the existing insulation.

Unfortunately, most roofing contractors cannot offer a guarantee on the condition of your roof or your gutters because most leaks occur after years of neglect. If you notice small amounts of water leaking onto your ceiling or walls, you should speak with a professional roofer immediately. He or she can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action to repair the leaks.