Your roof is a critical component of your home. Damage to your roof, such as water stains or leaks, can lead to serious problems that compromise the safety and integrity of your home.
Roof Repair can be a great solution for homeowners with isolated damage, such as missing shingles. It’s also a cost-effective choice when compared to a full replacement. Visit http://www.fivestarroofingandcontracting.com/ to learn more.
Whether from high winds or hail, the number one roof repair that homeowners face is broken shingles and tiles. Though highly durable, it’s normal for shingle and tile damage to occur over time, and it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent water intrusion. Water intrusion can lead to secondary problems such as mold spores or wood rot. If left untreated, it can also leak into the attic and cause water damage to electrical systems, furniture, flooring and other items within the home.
Fortunately, damaged shingles and tiles are relatively easy to repair, especially for those with asphalt roofing. To fix these, it’s best to work on a warm, dry afternoon when the shingles are more flexible and less likely to crack or break. Additionally, be sure to have all of the necessary tools and materials before beginning any work on your roof. This includes a ladder, a flat pry bar, a hammer and a utility knife. Finally, be sure to pick up any nails or shingle pieces that have fallen around the repair site and dispose of them properly.
Start by identifying the problem areas of your roof. Look for cracked, blistering, curled or missing shingles. You may even notice shingle granules in your rain gutters, which indicates that the shingles have lost their seal and are exposed to moisture.
Once you’ve identified the problem areas, make sure to protect them with a tarp until permanent repairs can be made. If the area is exposed to rainfall, a tarp can help ensure that your house stays dry and that any water seepage does not reach any internal structures.
To replace a broken shingle, slide your pry bar beneath the shingles directly above the damaged section and gently lift to break the sealer strip connection and expose the first row of nails underneath. Next, slide the new shingle into place and nail it securely to the roof. It’s important to use the correct nails to avoid further damaging your roof and ensuring that it will be secure in the future. After you’ve nailed in the new shingle, apply some roofing cement to the edges to provide a more secure fit and to prevent water from seeping into the space.
Leaks
Leaks can be caused by many things, but most often they happen around roof penetrations such as vents and chimneys. They can also occur where the flashing that seals the joints between the roof and roof appendages has deteriorated.
Water leaks are one of the most serious issues with a roof and can lead to major interior damage including mold, mildew, rot, and sagging walls and ceilings. Left unattended, these leaks can cause widespread structural damage that will result in a costly roof replacement.
It’s important to catch and repair leaks as soon as possible because they will only get worse over time. The first sign of a leak is usually water stains on the ceiling or walls. Leaks can be spotted by carefully inspecting the area of your roof where these stains are occurring. If you can’t safely access the roof, a good way to check is by using binoculars to see the problem areas without risking your safety.
If you do notice a leak, it’s important to cover the damaged area with a tarp until a professional can come out and address the issue. Some homeowners try to fix leaks themselves, but this can be dangerous. The best solution is to contact a local roofing company that provides emergency restoration services. These professionals offer swift action and expert solutions, minimizing the impact on your home or business while they repair the damage and dry and dehumidify the affected areas.
If you have a metal roof, regular maintenance can prevent leaks from occurring. This includes keeping gutters clean and repairing any that are clogged or have broken. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect and replace the caulking around skylights, vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations. In addition, regular cleaning and treatment for moss and algae will help to keep the roof membrane free from damage and leaks.
Sagging
A sagging roofline can indicate structural damage, possibly from water infiltration or weakened support beams. Loose or missing shingles can also contribute to sagging, as well as the loss of granules—the pebbly bits that protect your home from UV rays. In addition, excessive moss or mold growth may signal underlying moisture problems that need to be addressed.
Structural repairs can include reinforcing framing, replacing or repairing damaged roofing materials, and addressing underlying issues like poor ventilation or insulation that can cause moisture buildup, ice dams, and energy inefficiency. A professional will perform a full inspection of the interior and exterior of your home to identify the cause of the issue, and then make the necessary repairs.
While you can repair some minor problems, including a leaky shingle or discolored roof, it is best to leave the more extensive work to professionals. This will ensure that your home is safe and secure, and that any problems are taken care of before they become more serious.
Before starting any repairs, your roofer will clear the area of debris and take any safety precautions as needed. This is important, especially if your roof is high or steep. It’s also a good idea to pick a clear, calm time of day to inspect your roof—wearing rubber sole shoes, having a friend hold the ladder, and not carrying anything up with you are all great ideas! Also, be sure to stay away from electrical wires or other sensitive equipment. If you work from home, find a temporary workspace to avoid disrupting your daily routine.
Mold
Mold can cause serious damage to a roof, especially if it isn’t treated promptly. Left unchecked, mold can spread throughout a home’s structure, causing significant damage to ceiling drywall. This can lead to leaks and other problems. Mold also releases spores into the air that can trigger respiratory issues and allergies.
Mold growth can be caused by many factors, including a roof leak or clogged gutters. It can also occur when water penetrates into a home’s structure and causes wood rot or other problems. If you suspect mold growth, it’s important to contact a professional for an inspection.
If the mold is caused by a roof leak, it’s important to get that issue resolved before attempting to clean or treat the mold. Leaking roofs allow water to seep into ductwork, which can then travel through the ceiling and reach bedrooms and other areas of the home. It’s also possible for large holes in the roof to allow water to pour through, leading to serious structural problems and expensive repairs.
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is the most common type of mold found on a roof. However, other types of mold may also be present, such as moss and mildew. Molds can grow on a variety of materials, and they tend to prefer warm and humid conditions. They can be recognized by their musty odor and appear as fuzzy or stain-like growths.
Molds are a member of the Kingdom Fungi, and they multiply asexually by producing spores, which are similar to plant seeds. The spores can be carried by the wind and can settle on damp surfaces where nutrients and moisture are available.
Once spores land on a surface, they begin growing hyphae (fungal roots) to anchor them and absorb nutrients from the surrounding material. As the hyphae mature, they produce more spores and the process continues indefinitely. Wiping down a moldy surface doesn’t disrupt the hyphae and merely removes the surface mold.
The best way to clean mold from a roof is to use a cleaning solution that kills the fungus and breaks the mold life cycle. It is important to take safety precautions when applying the solution, including wearing a respirator, goggles, and gloves. It is also important not to use a power washer, as the high pressure can damage shingles.