Unlike giving your bedroom a fresh coat of paint or adding new cabinets to the kitchen, roof repair is an involved project that requires careful consideration. But it’s worth it – a sturdy, protective roof helps insulate your home and prevent moisture from pushing in.
Start by inspecting the shingles for damage. Then look for damaged flashing, which is often interleaved with the shingles and fixed by nails or sealant.
Damaged Shingles
Between sudden, severe storms and constant exposure to UV rays, roof shingles can take quite a beating throughout the year. Fortunately, replacing damaged shingles is a relatively simple project that can be undertaken by most homeowners with a little patience and some roof safety precautions.
To start, climb up on your roof and assess the extent of the damage. Look for cracking or warping shingle corners, which indicate that the shingles are losing granules and absorbing heat; creased or folded shingle tabs, often from wind pressures; or shingles that appear to be lifting up at one corner, possibly due to incorrect installation or a build-up of debris on the roof surface.
To remove a damaged shingle, first locate the nails holding it in place and remove them by sliding a flat pry bar carefully under the target shingle’s edge. You may have to loosen the shingle directly above it as well. This method of breaking sealant bonds between shingles works best when done in cool weather, as the hot sun can melt the glue under the shingle tabs.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing protects the roof from leaks by adding an extra layer of material that redirects water away from the penetrations of your home such as chimneys, skylights, roof vents and dormers. It’s not uncommon for flashing to get damaged over time. This can be caused by natural wear and tear, UV rays or even damage from a storm.
Small cracks and holes in roof flashing can be repaired temporarily with roofing cement or caulking. It’s important that you call an experienced roofing contractor to conduct roof repairs if you suspect the flashing is leaking or is in need of replacement. Because flashing protrudes beneath the shingles, roofing contractors will need to remove some of the shingles to expose and replace the damaged flashing.
Corroded spots and small holes in your roof flashing are usually easy to repair with roofing cement and a patch cut from the same aluminum that the flashing is made of. However, if left untreated these small holes will lead to moisture entering the shingle and roof deck and can result in wood rot.
Damaged Gutters
Gutters are essential to the functioning of your roof and home. They help direct water runoff from your roof to avoid leaks and other problems. However, gutters can be damaged by storms and other factors, resulting in damage that needs to be repaired.
The most common problem with gutters is clogs. This is caused by leaves, twigs, and other debris that builds up over time, leading to blockages that prevent water from flowing freely through your gutters. Clogged gutters can also lead to the overflow of water, which can cause further problems such as foundational damage.
Another problem with gutters is cracking and leaking. These issues can be fixed with powerful sealants. If you choose to repair the cracks yourself, be sure to use a ladder that is stable and that you have someone at the bottom of the ladder to hold it. Also, it is recommended that you wear safety equipment such as a hard hat and protective eyewear when working on your roof or climbing a ladder. Otherwise, it’s best to leave the repairs to professionals.
Damaged Deck
There are few things that feel more satisfying than enjoying backyard meals with family and friends on your deck. But if your deck has become a playground for termites, carpenter ants and woodpeckers or is suffering from significant rot or a spongy feeling underfoot, it’s not a matter of if but when your deck will need to be replaced.
Identify the problem by inspecting the ledger board (the long, pressure-treated piece that attaches to your house) for signs of rot or extensive damage. Look at the joist hangers, which connect structural joists to the deck boards, and determine if any are corroded.
Remove the damaged plank by removing nails and screws and prying up the board, then cut a new replacement board to size with a circular saw or jigsaw, being careful not to harm adjacent boards. Add cleats or sister joists made of pressure-treated lumber and treated with a waterproof sealer to support the replacement board and reinforcing the existing joist if necessary. Use framing nails or a drill driver to fasten the cleats/joists to the existing joist and to the new plank.
Damaged Underlayment
The roof underlayment is a vital component that protects the roof deck. However, like any other part of your roof, it can be damaged. To help you prevent underlayment failure, the professional roofing supplies company SYL Roofing Supply highlights 7 things that can damage your underlayment.
Wild animals- Underlayment can be damaged by wildlife such as squirrels and raccoons, so homeowners or contractors should keep trees trimmed to discourage them. Temperature- Underlayment can fold and degrade when exposed to harsh weather, especially cold temperatures. This can lead to a leak. It’s also important to choose a roofing contractor with experience working with your type of climate.