If you’re a homeowner in need of roof repair, then the time to do it is now. The longer you put it off, the worse the problem will get.
Start by going up in the attic or crawlspace to examine the roof. Take lots of pictures and look for damp stains and beams that are rotting.
Shingles play a crucial role on your roof, providing a barrier that keeps water and debris from penetrating the sheathing underneath. They are designed to last for 20-30 years, but due to the weather and general wear and tear, your shingles may eventually become damaged. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to repair these damages and prevent more serious problems down the road.
First, see if you have any shingles leftover from when the roof was previously repaired (with any luck, the builder or roofer left some behind). If not, grab a bundle from your local hardware store. To replace a shingle, begin by slipping a pry bar under the shingle above the one that’s damaged or missing. Then gently lift up the shingle and expose the row of nails beneath it. If the shingle is still nailed down, pull up the nails with a claw nailer and then remove it.
Next, slide a new 3-tab shingle into place and secure it with four roofing nails. Then use the shingle sealant to coat the exposed edges and top of the shingle. Finally, add a few drops of water to the shingle sealant and rub it in with a soft brush. The water helps the shingle bond with the sealant, and the brush helps dislodge any loose granules.
Cracked or broken shingles are a common sign of roofing problems. The shingles lose their protective granules and can allow water to seep under them, causing sheathing damage and leaks.
Cupped shingles are another common problem, usually caused by aging or poor ventilation in your attic. The shingles develop concave centers, which can cause rain, snow, and ice to build up on your roof instead of sliding off it, which can lead to costly repairs.
A roof can also suffer from shingle blisters, which appear like bruises on your roof’s surface and can cause the sheathing to be exposed. These can be caused by hail, high winds, or exposure to UV rays from sunlight. To repair this, apply a roof sealant to the affected area. Then, sprinkle colored granules on the sealant to camouflage your repair job.
Damaged Tiles
The good news is that cracked and chipped tile can be repaired, and sometimes even replaced. Tile can break due to wear and tear, as well as damage from storms or from pests. Regular inspections will help to spot any issues early and take steps to repair them quickly before they get worse.
If you notice a chipped or damaged tile, it’s important to act quickly. If left unattended, the damaged tile could cause other tiles to crack and fall down, leaving holes that may allow moisture into your home. This damage is not only unsightly, but can also be a safety hazard for anyone entering your home, especially children and pets. It can also lead to costly repairs if guests are injured.
Generally, small chips and cracks in your tile can be repaired by using clear epoxy or cement-based fillers. These fillers will help to fill in the chipped or cracked area and restore the appearance of your tile, though it may not be exactly identical. If you have extra tiles saved from the original installation or if you move into a new home that has the same type of tile, these can be used to replace the damaged ones.
You will need to clean the area and remove any existing grout around the damaged tile. Using a grout scraper, carefully remove all of the existing grout until you can see the substrate beneath. Once the damaged tile has been removed, use a sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining grout residue.
For larger cracks, a professional should be called in to replace the tile. Replacing a single tile is not a job that can be completed by the average homeowner, as it requires clearing the area, cutting and installing the new tile, cleaning the old adhesive, applying new adhesive to the surface, adding the tile, letting it dry, and then adding the grout.
To avoid this messy, time-consuming project, you should call a professional for your tile replacement and repair needs. They can do the work in a timely and efficient manner, saving you the stress of doing it yourself.
Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common roof problems. If not taken care of quickly, they can lead to mold and mildew in your home. They can also cause water damage to wall and floor coverings, wood framing and ceiling tiles. In addition, a leaking roof can create a fire hazard and affect the air quality of your home. If the water leaks through the attic, it can ruin insulation and damage electrical wiring.
Finding the source of a leak can be tricky. The spot where the water stains appear in your home may be several feet away from where the actual leak is located. A good way to check for a leak is to go into your attic and look for water stains on the underside of the sheathing or the rafters. You should also listen for dripping sounds in the house. If you hear a drip, the water is probably close by.
Another way to check for a leak is to use the water spray test. Enlist a helper to go into the attic with a garden hose and start soaking the roof. Start low, soaking each section for several minutes, and have your helper look at the area where they heard a drip and watch for water stains or rotted wood. Move the hose up a section at a time, checking each one for a leak.
If you do locate the leak, you may have to remove some shingles in that area to find its source. Leaks often form around projections or penetrations like chimneys, vents, dormers and attic fans. Check for damaged flashing, deteriorated or missing shingle strips and corroded metal vent pipes.
Once you have found the source of the leak, you can make a temporary patch with roofing tar and plywood or shingles. This will keep the water, moisture and other debris out until you can get estimates and a review from a roofing company for long-term repairs.
Depending on the severity of the leak and the extent of the damage, you might need to replace part or all of your roof. If the leak is severe, it is important to contact a roofing professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potential safety issues.
Water Damage
Leaking roofs damage ceilings, walls and other parts of your home. They also promote mold growth, a major health concern and decrease your home’s value. Mold and mildew are destructive to fabrics, wood framing, drywall and ceiling tiles.
Even the smallest leak can cause significant water damage in just a few short months, so it is important to inspect your roof regularly, especially after storms and as seasons change. The first signs of a problem are usually subtle, such as a musty smell or water stains on your ceiling. If you notice these problems, call a roof repair professional right away to prevent further damage.
Look for leaks and other damage to your roof by searching inside and outside of your home. If you don’t want to go onto the roof yourself, check easy-to-access points like your attic or crawl spaces. Examine the area with a bright flashlight and seek out puddles, soft protrusions or any other signs of water intrusion.
If you find a leaking spot, first try to minimize the water damage by using a tarp or sheet. You can also make a simple funnel out of a plastic sheet and two-by-four boards. Sandwich each end of the board with one side of the sheet, then nail the other side to the board. The wide end of the funnel will be where the water flows into your house. The narrow end should be positioned over the leaky spot on your roof.
Finally, use a bucket or a tarp to contain the leaking water. Water can destroy furniture, carpeting and other valuables. It can also create a terrible mildew smell. It’s best to limit the damage by moving what you can and covering things like couches, chairs and beds with a tarp or blanket.
It’s also a good idea to inspect your gutter system on a regular basis, and clean out any clogs or damage as needed. Also, consider adding ice dam protection along your gutter edges to stop melting snow and ice from seeping under the shingles and into your attic or upper level of your home.