A damaged roof creates a host of problems for your home. Water stains, for example, signal leaks that can cause mold, rot and structural damage.
The severity of the damage plays a key role in whether your roof is repaired or replaced. Small, localized issues like a single leak or missing shingles can be addressed with repairs, while more extensive damage requires replacement.
Repairing Damaged Shingles
If your roof shingles are damaged, it’s important to repair them promptly. If you don’t, it could lead to leaks and other serious problems. Damaged shingle signs to look out for include granule piles on the ground, missing shingles, or cracked or curled shingles. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call in a professional for a roof repair.
Before you begin any shingle repairs, make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and safety gear. You’ll also need a ladder and some roofing materials, such as shingles in the same color and style as those on your roof. If possible, work in cool weather so you don’t overheat as you carry out the repairs.
Start by carefully assessing the damage from the ground using binoculars. This will help you see the extent of any damage without putting yourself in danger by climbing on your roof. You should also be on the lookout for any areas of the flashing (the thin sheet metal that encloses pipes, chimneys, vents, and other penetrations) that might need to be bent back into place or resealed.
Once you have identified the area with the most damage, climb a ladder to reach it and complete your inspection. Use a pry bar to lift the affected shingle and expose any roofing nails that hold it in place. Carefully pull out the nail and remove the shingle, being careful not to damage surrounding shingles.
If the shingle is only cracked and not missing, you can apply roofing sealant to the cracks to stop water from getting in. This will extend the life of the shingle and prevent water from penetrating the underlying layers, which can cause structural damage to your home.
If the shingle is missing, slide a new shingle into place. Make sure it overlaps the shingle above it and secure it with roofing nails. If the shingle is curling or lifting at its corners, you can reseal it with roofing cement. Be sure to seal the edges and any gaps, as well, to prevent further water infiltration.
Repairing Damaged Flashing
Designed to seal joints and vulnerable areas like chimneys, skylights, and intersections with vertical structures such as walls, roof flashing can become damaged over time. This can lead to costly water damage and serious structural issues. Timely flashing repair prevents this damage, extends the lifespan of your roof, and protects your home from rot and mold growth.
Inspect the flashing regularly for rust, corrosion, cracks, and gaps. Check the corners where flashing meets other materials and eaves, and look at any overlapping sections of flashing. Pay special attention to these areas as they are more likely to develop problems.
Visible rust or corrosion indicate the flashing is deteriorating, while cracks and gaps may allow water to seep in. Loose or missing flashing is a common problem caused by high winds and other weather events, leaving the area vulnerable to leaks. Water stains on ceilings and walls are also indicators that the flashing is leaking, causing rot, mold growth, and structural damage in your home.
Before attempting to repair the flashing yourself, make sure you have the right equipment, including a ladder that is sturdy and safe to use and non-slip shoes. It’s also important to be familiar with local building codes and regulations to ensure you’re using the correct materials, installation methods, and safety practices.
A roofing professional will be able to complete the repairs safely and effectively, protecting you from injury or further water damage to your roof or home. They’ll carefully remove any damaged material without damaging the surrounding shingles or roofing materials, and install new flashing to the highest standards.
There are many different types of flashing available, including aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. Consult with your roofing professional to determine which type is best for your roof, taking into consideration the specific conditions in your area.
After removing and replacing the damaged flashing, a roofing contractor will apply a high-quality sealant around the joint. Then they’ll cover the joint with a waterproof membrane to protect against leaks and other moisture infiltration. They’ll also install a caulking strip to prevent water from running under shingles and into the home.
Repairing Damaged Underlayment
The underlayment of a roof is the layer that goes beneath the exterior roof covering. It provides an additional barrier against moisture and enhances the roof’s insulation to protect the structure and the people inside it. It’s important to address any underlayment damage promptly. Ignoring leaks or other signs of trouble can lead to serious structural damage that threatens the safety of those inside the building.
Roofing professionals can perform a variety of tasks to repair damaged underlayment, including patching, reinforcing, and replacing. They may also install new flashing, which is a protective metal covering installed over the joints of a roof to prevent water and air from leaking into the sheathing. Roofing professionals may also adjust the slope of the roof to improve drainage and reduce future problems with ponding.
When a large area of the roof is affected by severe weather like hailstorms, high winds, or heavy snowfall, it’s often necessary to replace the entire surface rather than just the shingles/tiles and underlayment. This helps ensure a fresh, cohesive, and durable surface that maximizes protection against the elements.
Before any flat roof repair work begins, the contractor must thoroughly clean the affected area to ensure the best adhesion of the materials used in the repair. This will include removing any old flooring and ensuring that all fasteners are secure. Roofing contractors will also sweep and vacuum the area to make sure it’s free of debris and squeaks before proceeding with the repairs.
Repairing Damaged Gutters
Gutters are critical to keeping your home in good condition by diverting rainwater and melting snow away from the siding, foundation, and roof. But if they are damaged or in disrepair, water can infiltrate your home’s structures, causing rot and costly structural damage. Signs of gutter disrepair include rust, dents, and leaks.
Fortunately, most of these problems can be fixed with a bit of care and attention to detail. Start by clearing the gutters of all debris and leaves, ensuring they are free from obstruction. This will help ensure that the gutter repair process goes smoothly and will be cost-effective in the long run.
If the gutters are dented, try to straighten them out with a ladder and reposition any loose hangers. If the gutters are sagging, this is usually caused by a rotting fascia board behind them, which will need to be replaced.
For leaking gutters, find the source of the leak and repair it as necessary. Leaks at the gutter seams can often be patched with roofing cement. Just make sure the gutters are clean and dry before applying the caulking. For leaks at the ends of gutters, you can replace a section of gutter or add a “gutter apron,” which is L-shaped flashing that attaches to the roof and tucks under the drip edge to direct water into the gutter.
Another common gutter issue is the build-up of moss. If you notice that your gutters have a greenish hue, it’s time to remove the moss and re-caulk any areas of the gutter where the wood is deteriorating.
Finally, if the gutters are rusty, clean them thoroughly using a wire brush or a hose to get rid of any dirt or rust. If the rust is extensive, you might need to apply a coating of zinc primer to protect the metal from further corrosion. You can also patch rust holes with a piece of scrap wire screening, cut to about 1 inch bigger all around than the hole. Apply the screen patch with roof cement, again making sure to work on a warm day and using a putty knife to spread the cement generously.