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.
