Roofing repair is the best way to keep small problems from escalating into costly roof replacement projects. It’s also a great way to avoid interior water damage.
Identifying the source of a leak is often the hardest part. It may require accessing the attic, a flashlight and some simple tools.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a thin material that protects vulnerable spots of your roof from water intrusion, such as chimneys, valleys, dormers and plumbing boots. If you find your flashing has holes or is missing, it’s time to call a professional.
Some of the most common signs of damaged flashing are lifting shingles around the flashing, and rust, corrosion or cracking on the flashing itself. The best way to spot these problems is to inspect your roof regularly.
Roofing professionals use different types of flashing to fit the different areas of your roof, but most flashing is made from two pieces of metal that can move over each other as your roof expands and contracts. A skilled roofer will install this in a way that prevents leaks and other damage.
When repairing flashing, your roofer will first remove any shingles near the damaged area. Then, he will remove the old piece of flashing and replace it with a new one. He will use a galvanized nail to secure the bottom plate of the flashing, and he will seal it with caulk to ensure a watertight seal.
Some homeowners attempt to repair their own flashing, but this is not a job for amateurs. This type of work requires experience with prying up shingles, cutting and removing flashing, and then installing new flashing in the proper place.
Leaking Shingles
The shingles of your roof help to keep water out of your home. But if they get damaged in any way, it can lead to leaks. Missing shingles or tabs, as well as deteriorated shingles, can let in water and debris. It is important to inspect your shingles for damage regularly and to replace them as soon as you notice any problems.
A common source of leaks is a roof’s valleys, the points where two low areas meet on your roof. This area is especially vulnerable to leaks because it concentrates the flow of rainwater and can cause ice dams in cold climates. Leaky valleys can also be caused by improper flashing or a break in the seam between shingles.
Another common source of leaks is holes in your roof. Holes can be created by weather conditions or by objects that have been nailed to your roof, such as solar panels, security cameras and Christmas decorations. Holes can also be created by the removal of an old antenna or satellite dish, and it is crucial to have these repaired as soon as possible to prevent leaks.
When repairing a hole in your roof, you should always use roofing cement rather than tar or caulk. The cement will ensure that the repair is strong and long-lasting. To repair the hole, first locate it by examining your ceiling for water stains and then using a pry bar to lift up the affected shingle. After removing the shingle, slide a new one in place, aligning it with the ones above it. Nail the new shingle with four nails and apply roofing cement to the underside of the shingle before replacing it.
Damaged Vent Boots
Typically made from rubber or plastic, roof vent pipe boots help to keep moisture out of your attic and prevent damage to the shingles and underlayment. It’s a roofing repair necessity to inspect and replace them when they show signs of damage or deterioration. If left unattended, this can lead to costly water damage to your home interior and exterior.
The rubber boots that cover plumbing vent pipes can deteriorate over time due to the sun and high temperatures on your roof. When this happens the boot will not create a proper seal, causing water to enter your roof.
In turn, this can lead to damage to the surrounding shingles and attic area of your home. It can also cause mold and mildew as well as higher energy bills.
The best way to prevent this from happening is by conducting regular inspections of your attic with a flashlight and a set of shingles-repair tools (like a knife, nails and hammer). The process of replacing your roof vent boot is not difficult or expensive.
You can even take a DIY approach to this roofing repair, but only if you’re comfortable climbing onto your roof and using basic shingle-repair tools. For the best results, we recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor to assess and replace your damaged roof vent boot. They’ll use a pre-formed vent pipe flashing system, like Perma-Boot, that will fit snugly around your old pipe and prevent leaks.
Damaged Shingles
Even high-quality shingles take a beating during turbulent storms. Heavy winds, hail and snow, sun exposure, and old age all play a role in shingle damage. Inspecting your roof regularly and rescuing loose or weathered shingles will help extend the life of your roofing materials.
When a shingle is damaged, you can repair it by purchasing a bundle of new three-tab shingles that are as close to a pattern match as possible. Use a hammer to remove the course of shingles over the damaged area, and then use a pry bar to lift what is left of the damaged shingle to break up the seal and access the nails that hold it in place. Remove the nails and then pull out the shingle to discard it.
The next time you get up on your roof, carefully pry up the shingle that is directly above the damaged one and then slide the replacement shingle in its place. Use the tinsnips to cut the new shingle to the precise length needed. Then, re-secure it to the roof using roofing tar and nails (if you can). Make sure all the new shingles on your roof are fastened properly; otherwise, the wind may blow them loose. Apply a coat of waterproof caulking to the exposed nail heads to prevent water from getting into the house.