A roof repair project can cost less than re-roofing, especially for surface repairs. These include repairing small cracks, replacing a shingle or patching up a hole, as long as it’s caught early.
Regular inspections are key. Left unattended, the deterioration of your roof can become a self-feeding cycle. Moisture leads to decay in shingles and protective granules, which in turn can lead to leaks. For professional help, contact Evansville Roofing.
Your roof protects the rest of your home, and maintaining it properly requires periodic shingle repair. It’s also an important part of preventing costly water leaks that could damage the wood sheathing underneath. Even if you only have a few damaged shingles, addressing them quickly can keep moisture from seeping through and damaging the roof structure and interior.
The elements take a toll on shingles throughout the year, and severe storms can cause them to degrade faster. Wind, rain, hail, snow and sun exposure all impact shingles by wearing away at the protective layer on top. Other causes of shingle damage include poor ventilation, improper installation and underlying moisture issues.
Before you begin repairing the damaged shingles, make sure to follow all proper safety precautions when working on your roof. If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder to get on your roof, it’s best to have a professional handle the job.
Once you’re safely on your roof, start by removing the shingles adjacent to the area of damage. This prevents damage to the shingles beneath and helps ensure the new shingle will be properly installed. To do this, use a pry bar to gently lift the shingles and pull them up. The nails that hold the shingles in place will usually be exposed, so be sure to remove all of them before continuing with the shingle repair process.
When you’re ready to replace the damaged shingle, be sure to use a shingle that matches closely with your existing shingles. A slight color difference is okay, but the shingle should be in good condition and not curl up or peel. If you’re having trouble finding a shingle that matches, try using a bit of roofing cement to help it blend in.
After replacing the shingle, it’s important to seal any exposed nail holes with roof cement. You can find this at most hardware stores and is available in a caulking gun form. Make sure you thoroughly seal any joints between shingles and flashing, as well as any places where metal meets the roof such as chimneys or vent pipes.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin, impermeable material (often made of metal) used to seal joints and seams around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof protrusions. Roof flashing helps prevent water infiltration that can lead to roof rot, mold and structural damage, and costly repairs.
Your roofing professional will use a flashing that’s molded to the specific shape of your home’s roof. This ensures that the flashing will fit securely and not leak, even with a tight seal. Flashing can be made from a wide variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, galvanized steel, and lead. The most durable and longest-lasting flashing is made from nonferrous metal, such as zinc or copper.
When you’re inspecting your roof, look for signs that the flashing has been damaged. These include gaps, cracked or corroded areas, lifted shingles, and rusty flashing. These are all indications that it’s time for a repair.
Leaks caused by flashing problems are common, especially around the chimney, dormers, and other roof protrusions. These leaks can cause significant water damage and mold, and may even leak into your home’s attic.
The way roof flashing is installed is crucial to its effectiveness. Roofing professionals typically use two-part flashing whenever the roof plane meets a vertical surface, such as a chimney or dormer. The first piece of flashing is called the base flashing or apron flashing, and it sits underneath siding and shingles. The second piece of flashing is called counter flashing and is placed either above or below the base flashing. This two-part system allows the flashing to move with the roof and the vertical surface, minimizing leaks.
Other types of flashing include corner flashing, which covers the corners where the roof meets a wall; sill flashing, which is concealed under window or door thresholds to help prevent water infiltration; and channel flashing, which covers the area between tiles. The flashing is generally secured with a waterproof silicone sealant. Stabilit America offers high-quality metal flashing for residential roofing and other construction projects, including chimneys and skylights. To learn more about the benefits of using metal flashing, contact us today.
Gutters
Gutters preserve the health of your roof by efficiently channeling rainwater away from the roof’s surface. This prevents water buildup that can lead to serious structural problems in your basement or crawl space, as well as protects your siding and foundation from rot and mold growth. Regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance are key to keeping your gutters functioning properly.
Clogged, sagging and leaking gutters all inhibit your roof’s ability to safeguard your house. Gutter issues can cause major damage to the roof, walls and foundation of your home over time.
Without gutters, water would overflow from your roof when it rains and flow down the sides of your house. This can cause damage that may require thousand-dollar repairs. With gutters, your water flows down the gutter system and out downspouts, which are placed on or near the eave of each side of your home. The downspouts then drain the water away from your house. Gutters also help to preserve your siding and paint by preventing water from being constantly exposed to your home’s exterior.
Clean the gutters regularly, preferably before winter and in spring. You can do this on your own or hire a professional to safely climb the ladder and clean your gutters. For safety, make sure to use a ladder that’s secure and stable, and wear a pair of work gloves and protective eyewear. If you decide to clean the gutters yourself, start by removing any large debris. Then, use a garden scoop or plastic sandbox shovel to scoop out the smaller clumps of gunk. Hose off the gutters with a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris. If you notice any holes or leaks in your gutters, repair them as soon as possible.
Leaking gutters are typically caused by rust or corrosion in the seams and joints, which can open up over time. You can usually fix these by covering the damaged area with gutter-and-gutter tape. To prepare the gutter for repair, scrape off any rust and old caulk or tar that’s sticking to the metal. Then, brush and wire-brush the area to remove any dirt or debris that can’t be removed with a scraper.
Soffit
Soffits are located along the underside of your roof overhang and can be vented to aid air flow or closed to help protect your home’s interior. They’re usually made of a variety of materials like vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Aluminum soffits are the most common choice because they’re durable and come in different colors to match your home’s trim. However, the downside of using this material is that it can be susceptible to cracking and rotting over time. Vinyl soffits are a better option because they’re low-cost, resistant to moisture and rotting, and easy to clean.
A properly installed soffit can help increase your roof ventilation, prevent moisture damage to the roof and eavestrough system, and reduce energy costs. It can also be used to add some architectural character to your roof. However, improper installation or improper maintenance can lead to a number of problems that need repair, including water leaks and pest infestations.
Often, the first sign that soffits need repair is peeling paint and separation between the materials. Other common issues include moisture accumulation, pest infestations, and dry rot. To avoid these problems, it’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your soffits and to install them correctly.
Fascia boards are the vertical finishing edges of your roof and sit just above the soffit board. They’re typically made of wood, but other materials like aluminum and composite are becoming more popular. They’re often used to support and carry your eavestrough and gutter systems. Fascia boards can also be used to help protect your roof from weather damage and insects.
Like soffits, fascia boards can be either vented or non-vented to allow air flow. Vented fascia boards are good for areas with narrow eaves because they’ll allow the most amount of ventilation. Non-vented fascia boards are better if you have a wider eave because they’ll only allow a limited amount of attic space to ventilate.
If you have any problems with your soffits or fascia, it’s best to hire a professional roofer to repair them. These professionals can provide you with a complete inspection and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. They can also help you choose the right materials for your project and help ensure that it’s done properly to ensure that your roof lasts a long time.