Author: Duncan Carney

A roof inspection is an excellent opportunity to spot storm damage. Look for dents in metal roofs (that’ll tell you if it’s hail or not) and damp spots on ceilings and walls.

Checking vents is also important. Often, leaks are caused by damaged flashing. Caulking can fix some problems, but it’s better to replace a vent that’s old or cracked. For professional help, contact Montana Roofing Solutions.

Shingles, which are typically rectangular in shape, cover the roof surface and keep rain and snow from seeping through. They also provide a protective barrier against sunlight that could cause the roof to fade or degrade over time. In general, shingles don’t require much maintenance beyond the occasional cleaning and inspection for damaged or missing shingles. However, if the shingles become cracked or torn, it’s important to repair them to prevent water leaks and further damage to the underlying roofing structure.

Replacing a single shingle is fairly simple. Begin by obtaining a bundle of three-tab shingles that are as close to a match as possible to the original shingles. Then, use a ladder to climb up to the site of the shingle you need to replace. Remove the nails that hold the shingle in place, and then pull off enough of the surrounding shingles to expose the nail heads beneath.

Slide a flat pry bar under the edge of the target shingle and begin to separate it from the adhesive or sealant that holds it in place. Do this slowly and carefully so you don’t tear the adjacent shingles. This process may take a while. In warm weather, the glue and sealant will be more easily sheared by a pry bar than in cooler weather.

Once the damaged shingle is loose, use the flat pry bar to lift it up and out of place. Remove the nail from the exposed shingle’s base, and then slide a new shingle into place. Be sure to line up the pattern of the new shingle with the existing shingles on the roof.

After lining up the pattern, carefully press the new shingle into place. Then, run a bead of roof sealant (about $10 to $20 per 10-oz tube at home improvement stores) along the strip of glue at the base of the shingle and firmly press it onto the shingle below it. Be sure to put a bead of sealant over any cracks or tears in the existing shingles as well, so that the next wind storm doesn’t tear off your handiwork.

Flashing

Flashing is a sheet of thin, impervious material used to prevent water intrusion in places where the roof meets other structures or projections like chimneys, dormers, vent pipes, skylights and more. It is a vital part of any roof because rainwater and other elements can easily penetrate areas that aren’t sealed, causing damage to roof decking, walls, shingles, insulation and more. Without proper flashing, the moisture could even seep into the home’s structure, causing mold, wood rot and more serious problems.

Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, including lead, copper, aluminum and galvanized steel roofing. It is rolled out into place and secured to the roof with nails or sealant to create an airtight, waterproof barrier against moisture. When properly installed and maintained, flashing can last for years before it needs to be replaced.

Regular inspections of the flashing are important to ensure that it is in good condition. Look for rust or cracks in the flashing, as well as dirt buildup that may block water flow. If any issues are found, they should be repaired promptly to prevent water infiltration and other problems.

When repairing flashing, the first step is to remove any damaged pieces and clean the area around them. Then, measure and cut a new piece of flashing to size using a utility knife or tin snips. Next, dry fit the flashing to ensure it fits correctly and is secure before nailing or sealing it. If you’re not sure how to do this, or aren’t comfortable with the task, contact a professional roofing expert, like the team at Cloud Roofing.

When it comes to flashing, you’ll want to be careful not to re-use the same type of metal that was used previously because this can cause a chemical reaction known as galvanic corrosion. Instead, use a material that is compatible with the cladding on your house’s walls and roof. Also, avoid nails where possible and use a strong roof cement to encase the flashing instead. This will provide a stronger, more durable solution than the standard sealant used on roofs.

Gutters

Gutters are a vital part of your home’s roof, allowing rainwater to flow easily from where it falls (on the roof) to where it needs to go – away from your foundation. Without gutters, rainwater would just pour off the roof edges and cause soil erosion, which can weaken the foundation of your home over time. Gutters also protect fascia, siding and exterior doors from water damage.

If the gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs and dirt, or even just standing water, it can create a breeding ground for mildew and mold that can affect your indoor air quality. In addition, it can rot the wood fascia surrounding your roof and lead to other structural problems. Standing water can also seep into your walls, leading to rotting and a host of interior issues.

Leaks in the gutters are common and can be costly if left untreated. The best way to prevent leaks is through regular cleaning and inspections. Leaks can occur in the corners of a gutter where the metal meets the fascia board, as well as at soffit areas where the flashing isn’t adequately secured to the soffit boards. Depending on the location of the leak, it may be necessary to replace the gutter and downspout system entirely.

Repairing a leaky gutter starts with scraping away as much old tar or caulk as possible, and then wire-brushing the gutter to remove any rust or corrosion. Applying roof-and-gutter repair tape to the affected area can often seal it and prevent further damage.

If you don’t want to worry about cleaning out your gutters regularly, you can always opt for a gutter guard system that will keep leaves and other debris out of the gutter. These are fairly expensive, but they can significantly reduce the frequency of your gutter cleanings and help prevent clogs.

Siding

The roof isn’t the only part of your home that needs protection from the elements. Your siding, or wall cladding, should also be protected from harsh weather and other wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional for regular inspection, maintenance and repairs on your siding.

Siding is often made from the same material as roofing components, but they perform different functions. A professional can help you determine which type of siding best suits your home, and how to maintain it for optimal performance.

When it comes to identifying a problem with your siding, you’ll need to look for cracks or warping. These issues can allow moisture to penetrate the siding, which can lead to more serious problems, like mold or rot.

It’s also a good idea to check for any missing panels. If a panel becomes loose, it can cause water to leak down and damage your foundation, or even your home’s structure. Loose panels are usually easy to spot, as homeowners will often notice that a large section of their home’s exterior is missing.

If you’re thinking about repairing or replacing your siding, it’s a good idea to get a professional to take a look at your roof at the same time. They may be able to identify issues that you weren’t aware of, and fix them before they worsen.

In addition to examining your roof and siding, a qualified professional can help you maintain your gutter system so that it can continue to direct water away from the house and prevent moisture infiltration. They can also ensure that your roof and foundation are properly sealed, which will further protect your home from moisture damage.

When it comes to cleaning your siding, a pressure washer is generally the safest and most effective method. However, it’s important to note that using too much pressure can damage the siding and cause it to deteriorate faster. Additionally, it’s important to cover any exterior electrical outlets and plants before you start washing your siding.

A roof is more than just a barrier that keeps rain out of the building. There are many different parts that make up a roof, and each one needs to be in good working order.

Repairing a roof is a dangerous job, and nobody wants to be up there during a storm or inclement weather. This is why it’s important to schedule repair services during the off season.

A roof’s primary function is to shield your home from the elements. Unfortunately, damage to shingles weakens this protective barrier, opening the door for moisture infiltration and dreaded ceiling leaks.

A quick inspection of your roof with a ladder can identify areas that require attention. Start by checking for shingle damage, such as cracks and missing granules. Cracked shingles can allow water to seep through the roof, causing significant structural damage and costly repairs. Also look for water stains on the ceiling and walls, as well as increased energy bills (a sign of heat loss from the roof).

Inspect the shingles to identify which ones need replacing. If you find a damaged shingle, test the surrounding shingles to see if they are loose. Then, use a flat pry bar to gently peel back the damaged shingle and separate it from the nail attached below. Using the pry bar, remove any nails that are holding the shingle in place and replace it with a new one. Before you do, apply a thin layer of roofing cement to the bottom of the shingle to help seal it.

Another common shingle problem is sun and heat exposure, which can cause the shingles to blister. These blisters are characterized by holes in the shingle surface that expose the underlying material to the sun’s harmful UV rays. You may also notice shingles that develop a concave center, known as cupping, which can be caused by age or poor ventilation.

Regardless of the cause, the damaged shingle should be replaced as soon as possible to protect your roof from further moisture intrusion and prevent future problems. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest roof repair tasks for homeowners to take on themselves. Just be sure to follow proper safety precautions when accessing your roof, including tying a length of climbing rope to a secure object on the side of your house opposite where you will climb. This should keep you from falling off the roof and will help you navigate the tricky task of replacing a shingle without damaging its neighboring shingles.

Leaks

Leaks are one of the most common roof problems and should be addressed immediately to avoid structural damage to your home. Leaking water makes brown stains on ceilings, messes up paint and causes plaster to bubble and expand. In addition, leaking water can saturate insulation, leading to mold and rot. If you suspect you have a leak, make sure to hire a professional to check the issue and repair it.

There are many causes of leaks, including aging roofs, broken or missing shingles and clogged gutters. The best way to spot a leak is by looking for water stains on your ceiling. If you do see a stain, clear the area of belongings that can be moved and place a bucket underneath to catch any water that falls. You should also check the attic and crawl space to see if any items are wet.

If you can’t find a visible source of the leak, it might be time to get on the roof and look for the problem. You can do this by using a hose to “make it rain.” It will help you see if there is any water leaking from the roof and where it is coming from. If you have a chimney or any pipes protruding through the roof, look for water stains in that area as well.

One of the most common places for a leak to occur is in the valley of the roof, which is any area where two separate slopes meet. This is because the seams in the valley are very wide and can be easily penetrated by water if it’s not properly sealed.

To prevent leaks in the valley, you should install step flashing, which is a strip of metal that’s placed along the most leak-prone areas of your roof, such as over chimneys and pipe boots. You can purchase this product at any roofing supply store and it’s fairly easy to install. It should be installed so that it overlaps another piece of flashing that’s already in place and extends up the soffit, covering the seams.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

BUR is a tried and true method for protecting commercial buildings with low-slope and flat roofs. Known for their redundancy, built-up roofing systems utilize multiple layers of bitumen and roofing felt to offer resistance against heavy-duty weather conditions like rain, snow, and UV radiation. The result is a durable and long-lasting waterproofing system that has proven itself over 100 years in the industry.

The multi-layered nature of a BUR roof makes it more resilient to damage, minimizing leaks. It can also support other roofing installations such as a green roof, solar panels, and mechanical equipment as it provides a strong platform for these elements.

Like any other roofing system, a BUR roof requires regular inspections to maintain its integrity. In addition to identifying potential damage, inspections allow for the timely repair of these issues before they worsen and become more costly. These inspections should include cleaning gutters and drains to ensure optimal water flow, ensuring no obstructions on the roof surface, examining areas of moisture, examining the condition of fastening elements, inspecting flashings, removing overhanging debris, and assessing overall roof condition.

In the event that a BUR roof does experience leaks, a qualified professional can provide both minor and significant repairs to restore its waterproofing capabilities. Minor repairs are a simple patch-up, while more significant repair jobs could involve replacing entire sections of the roof. The most common leaks are caused by open or split joints, and these can be repaired using a patch or replaced completely. These issues are generally caused by a lack of proper installation during initial installation or due to weather events.

Aside from the traditional water leaks, BUR roofs can also suffer from water ponding and other issues such as waving or undulations of the roofing surface. These can all be addressed by a qualified roofing contractor and are the result of not having a proper maintenance plan in place.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is a thin strip of metal that seals vulnerable areas of your roof such as the chimney, vent pipes, skylights, and valleys. If your flashing is damaged, moisture can enter these crevices and cause rot or mildew in your home. Moisture can also damage other parts of your roof such as the shingles and tiles. It is best to have your roof flashing inspected regularly and repaired promptly before water damage occurs.

One of the most common flashing problems is rust or corrosion. These problems are caused by constant exposure to the elements and can easily be fixed with roofing cement or caulk. Another problem is loose or missing flashing. This can be due to poor installation, high winds, or aging. Leaving these vulnerabilities exposed can lead to costly leaks and other roof issues.

In some cases, your roof may have more serious flashing problems such as a large hole or extensive corrosion that needs to be replaced. In these situations, it’s best to hire a professional roofer for the repair. A roofer will know how to remove the shingles, expose the flashing, and replace it correctly.

You can also identify a problem with your flashing by looking for evidence of leaks in your home. Look for water stains on the ceilings and walls as well as moist spots in your attic or the area around your fireplace.

Depending on the severity of the flashing damage, you may be able to repair it yourself. To repair cracked or leaking flashing, start by removing any dirt, debris, or old caulking from the damaged area. Then, apply roofing cement or caulk to the cracks and gaps to ensure a watertight seal. Make sure to smooth the sealant evenly with a putty knife.

A reputable roofing company can provide regular maintenance to keep your roof in good condition and spot any potential problems before they become major leaks or rot. These services are more affordable than major repairs and can help you avoid expensive damages in the future. If you have a problem with your roof, contact Findlay Roofing for a free inspection and estimate.