Roof Repair Basics

Roof repair isn’t easy — especially when it involves a ladder and a steep slope. And it is definitely not something to undertake during gale-force winds, torrential rains or a blizzard.

Begin with a visual examination of your roof. Examine shingles, gutters and roof edges for signs of damage. Look also at the flashing around chimneys and dormers. Visit Website to learn more.

The first step to repairing a leak in your roof is to identify the problem area. The water stains that appear on your ceiling are an obvious indicator, but other signs of a leak include a musty smell and early mold development.

In addition to looking for a water stain on the ceiling, you should also do a walkaround of your house and check areas where rain could enter. Common points of leakage include the apex of your roof, any roof valleys and the roofing sections near gutters or dormer windows. It is also important to check the flashing around these areas.

If you see a leak, the first step is to place a large bucket or container under the drip. This will catch any excess moisture and prevent the water from continuing to damage your home. Once the water has stopped dripping, you should clean the affected area with a non-toxic household cleaner and then dry it thoroughly. If the area is still damp, you should open windows and keep a dehumidifier in the room to speed up the drying process.

Once you’ve cleaned the affected area, it’s time to do a proper repair. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may involve replacing shingles or other roof materials. It may also be as simple as applying a roof cement to the affected area. If the leak is in a difficult-to-reach part of your roof, a professional may be required.

Using a ladder, you should be able to locate the source of the leak. The area around the leak will be wet and there may be rotted framing or sheathing, as well as dark spots on your insulation. In most cases, the cause of the leak is a deteriorated flashing, so you’ll need to remove a section of the wall and the surrounding shingles, then install new flashing and shingle.

For metal roofing, you’ll need to use a special flashing called a “coil-lock flashing.” This is designed to channel water away from the joint and help seal it. In addition, you’ll need to use a stainless steel screw that has rubber washers to protect against corrosion.

Shingle Replacement

Shingles are one of the most commonly used roofing materials, largely due to their affordability and durability. When properly installed and maintained, shingles can withstand high winds, snow and ice, and water infiltration. They are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles to add curb appeal to your home.

The most important factor when it comes to shingle roof repair is to stay ahead of leaks. Even a minor leak can cause extensive damage to the structure and interior of your home if left unattended. A professional roofer will identify and address sources of leaks, such as damaged flashing or deteriorated sealant, to prevent water from seeping into your home.

Leaks from shingle roofs can occur due to various issues, including age and wear and tear, poor ventilation, blocked gutters, or other causes. Taking steps to prevent leaks, such as installing gutter guards and maintaining proper ventilation, will reduce the risk of shingle damage. Regular inspections can also help catch problems early and prevent them from becoming larger issues.

In addition to preventing leaks, shingle roof repairs include repairing or replacing damaged or missing shingles. A roofer will replace damaged shingles with similar-looking shingles of the same size and shape to ensure that your roof looks its best. They will also inspect the roof deck underlay for any rot or other issues. A new roof deck underlay can also reduce the likelihood of shingle blow-off and keep your home’s interior protected from moisture infiltration.

Another common roofing issue is granule loss, which can result in bare spots on the roof surface. The granules protect the asphalt layer from UV rays and provide fire resistance. If they begin to disappear, this is a sign that it’s time for a roof replacement.

Unlike other roofing materials, shingles are easy to repair and replace. It is important to regularly inspect your shingles for damage, especially after a storm. Replacing a single shingle is much more affordable than replacing an entire roof section or roof system, and it can prevent the formation of costly leaks.

Flashing Repair

Flashing might not be the most glamorous part of roof maintenance, but it plays an extremely important role in preserving and extending the life of a home’s roofing system. This critical component seals off the most vulnerable sections of a roof and protects against water infiltration that can cause expensive interior damage. As a result, routine flashing inspections and timely repairs are vital for safeguarding a home against costly damage and premature roof replacement.

In many cases, leaks in a roof are caused by damage to or wear and tear on flashing. This is particularly true for flashing located at the joints and penetrations of a roof. These include the valleys between sloped areas of a roof, dormers, and chimneys. The deterioration of these components can allow moisture to penetrate the interior of a home, creating mold and mildew and potentially causing structural damage to walls and ceilings.

The most common signs of flashing deterioration are the appearance of water stains on ceilings or walls, as well as visible rust spots and cracks in the flashing material itself. The emergence of these blemishes signals a need to inspect and repair the flashing, which will halt further moisture intrusion into the home and help preserve the roof’s protective integrity for years to come.

If the flashing is only lightly corroded or has small holes, they can usually be repaired using roofing cement or caulk. After thoroughly cleaning the affected area, simply apply a liberal coating of the chosen roofing sealant over the hole or corroded area to create a waterproof barrier. A piece of flashing that’s a few inches larger than the hole can then be placed over it and secured in place using roofing nails, with additional roofing cement applied around the edges to ensure a watertight seal.

For more extensive damage to the flashing, it may be necessary to replace it. Carefully remove the old flashing without damaging surrounding roofing materials, and install new flashing of the same type and material. After the installation is complete, the replacement flashing should be thoroughly inspected for cracks and gaps, and further caulking can be applied to any exposed surfaces to reinforce the protection against water infiltration.

Gutters

Gutters are designed to guide water from the roof to downspouts and safely away from the house. Without functioning gutters, the water can puddle around the foundation, or back up under the shingles and into the interior of the house. Water infiltration may also lead to mold and mildew growth in soffit, fascia, siding and masonry. Gutters that have holes, sagging sections or loose fasteners must be fixed to prevent water damage.

Gutter sections can become damaged due to old age or repeated exposure to moisture. Inspect them regularly for rust or leaks and patch them as needed. For small holes, use a putty knife to spread sealant or roofing cement over the area until it’s well covered and dry. For larger holes, cut a piece of rolled flashing to match the hole in the gutter and tuck it in place. Home centers sell rolls of aluminum rolled flashing, but if your gutters are steel, use stainless steel instead because it resists corrosion better than aluminum.

The most common problem with gutters is that they become clogged. This occurs when leaves, twigs and other debris fall into the gutters and block the flow of water. Cleaning the gutters on a regular basis keeps them from becoming clogged and may help prolong the life of your roof.

If the gutters are in good condition but sagging, you can usually solve this problem by installing a downspout extension and re-hanging the section. This might also involve installing a downspout diverter to control the flow of water from the gutters.

If you find that a gutter is completely rusted through, remove the old downspout and replace it with a new one. If you have a gutter that is only partly rusted through, you can often repair it by covering the damaged area with metal gutter patch tape. Before applying the tape, scrape off any old tar or caulk from the damaged surface and wire-brush it thoroughly to clean off rust and give the patch tape a good bond. Once the tape is in place, spread a thin layer of roof cement over it.