Roofing repair is one of the most important steps homeowners can take to ensure their home’s structural integrity. When done right, it can prevent the need for reroofing down the road.
Visible roof damage is the most obvious sign that a homeowner needs to consider repairs. However, there are many less obvious signs that a roof is in trouble.
Damaged Shingles
Shingles are your roof’s defense against weather damage, and it’s no surprise that they can get damaged over time. From sudden, severe storms to prolonged cool weather and aging, the elements can have an impact on individual shingles and your entire roof.
Damaged shingles can leave your home exposed to water intrusion, which can lead to ceiling leaks and costly repairs down the road. Keeping an eye out for loose or damaged shingles and making regular touch-ups will help extend their life.
If you notice any water stains or see that your energy bills are increasing, chances are there’s a problem with your roof. You’ll need to climb onto the roof and inspect it for shingle damage and other issues.
Tie a length of climbing rope to a sturdy object on the side of your house opposite the one you’ll be working on (trees or vehicles work well). Put on a safety harness and climb onto the roof using the rope and ladder.
Once you’re up there, begin your inspection by locating the damaged shingle. Position a flat pry bar under the shingle directly above it and gently lift it up to break the glue seal. Loose shingles often reveal the nails underneath, so be prepared to loosen a few more and secure them as you go along.
Leaking Gutters
Gutters play a critical role in your roof system. They help to collect and disperse rainwater to prevent water damage to your home’s siding, foundation, windows, and more. However, gutters can easily sustain damage or become clogged by debris and become leaky. Leaking gutters can cause serious water damage to your home if left untreated.
Common signs that your gutters are leaking include water dripping from the sides of your home, puddles around the house, and musty smells in the attic. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get the gutters checked and repaired.
Gutter leaks are often the result of rusty or loose gutter fasteners or from holes and cracks caused by storm damage, age, or normal wear and tear. Fortunately, these are easy to fix by simply applying waterproof gutter caulking or sealant to any leaky sections of the gutter.
Another common cause of gutter leaks is improper slope of the gutters. The slope of your gutters should be pitched toward the downspouts to allow water to flow freely. If your gutters are not properly sloped, they may become clogged with debris and overflow or dump water next to your foundation. To check the slope of your gutters, use a bubble level and place it along the bottom edge of the gutter section.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles may seem insignificant from the ground, but a roof with gaps in its protective layer exposes the interior of your home to water damage. This can start with stains on ceilings and walls but eventually leads to rotted insulation and floorboards.
If you have a good streak of DIY in you and the right materials, replacing missing shingles is a fairly straightforward project. Begin by visualizing where the gaps are in your shingle pattern and determining how many replacements you will need. If possible, you can use leftover shingles from the last time your roof was worked on (with any luck, your roofer left some behind). If not, you can purchase a bundle at a home center or lumberyard for less than $20 per square foot.
Before you start removing your old shingles, be sure to wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any shingle granules that may get dislodged during the process. It’s also recommended that you check your gutters to see if there is a large accumulation of granules. This could indicate that a section of your roof is losing its protection and needs to be replaced.
Once you find a damaged shingle, you will need to loosen the nails holding it in place using a pry bar. After removing the nail, you can remove the shingle and replace it with a new one, making sure to line it up with the ones that surround it.
Damaged Flashing
Often the most difficult area of the roof to access and inspect is the flashing, especially around chimneys, vents, skylights and other roof penetrations. The purpose of flashing is to prevent water from entering these areas, and if it’s damaged it could cause major issues for your home.
Flashing is typically made from metal and may rust or lose its protective coating. In addition, it is vulnerable to damage caused by inclement weather conditions such as hail, heavy wind, acid rain and intense heat. Additionally, it can be subjected to corrosion from salt if you live in a coastal neighborhood.
Small holes in the flashing are a concern as they can let in moisture that is then likely to seep under roof shingles and into the attic or other areas of the home. Internal leaks are also an issue, especially when they occur near fireplaces or skylights and can lead to serious damage over time.
If you suspect that your flashing has been damaged, you should have a professional roofer conduct a thorough inspection. Depending on the extent of the damage, the professional may recommend a full roof replacement or repairs to the flashing. Regular inspections can help to avoid costly and extensive damage, so consider scheduling an annual roofing inspection with a professional roofer to keep your home safe and secure.