If your roof is compromised in any way, every day you wait to repair it means more moisture and more problems for the rest of your home. So put that dumpster out there and start gathering up tarps, magnetic tools, and roofing supplies.
To locate a leak, you’ll want to check out the flashing (thin sheet metal that seals areas of the roof like pipes) and any vents. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.
The most visible sign of roof damage is missing shingles. However, it is important to take notice of any other signs as well: shingle cracking, curling or fading; granule loss (these are the tiny round things that fall off your roof and make their way into your gutter system); leaks and water damage in your ceiling and walls; moss and algae growth which retain moisture, causing shingles to deteriorate faster; and shingle flashing not sealing properly around vents or chimneys.
Whether you have one or several missing shingles, it is important to repair them as soon as possible. Left unattended, this problem can snowball into a much larger issue. It is also important to know that the damage can often be repaired without having to replace your entire roof.
To get started, you will need a few tools: a hammer, flat pry bar, utility knife and replacement shingles. A tool belt is a great idea to keep your small tools within easy reach and prevent them from falling down the roof as you work. To begin, locate the area of missing shingles by following water stains or other signs. Once you have found the area, remove any shingles above and below the damaged shingle to expose the first row of nails. Slide the pry bar under the shingle directly above the damaged section and lift slowly to break the sealer strip connection. Once the shingle is loose, wiggle it upward and pull it off. Repeat the process with the shingle above and below until all the nails are removed from the shingle course above the damaged one.
Once all the shingle nails are removed, you can then replace the damaged shingle. If you are having difficulty finding a replacement that matches the existing shingles, you can use roofing cement and apply it to the new shingle to help conceal it.
Damaged Flashing
Located around roof features such as chimneys, skylights and roof vents, flashing is the material that seals against the elements. Without it, water can seep into the home causing mold growth, rotting sheathing and ceilings and destroyed insulation. Regular inspections of the flashing can help homeowners identify potential problems and take corrective action before they turn into costly water damage.
If you suspect your roof flashing is in need of repair, get up on the ladder and inspect it carefully. Look for signs of rust or corrosion, gaps, cracks and missing sections. Also, check the flashing near roof edges, eaves and valleys to make sure there are no open areas that could allow water to seep into these areas of your house.
Visible rust or corrosion on metal flashing is a sign that it is deteriorating and may need replacement. Cracks and holes in the flashing can also lead to leaks, particularly if the surrounding caulking is damaged or missing. Missing pieces of flashing can be caused by physical damage or by the effects of weather conditions, such as hail and strong winds.
If your roof flashing is leaking, it is important to address the problem immediately to minimize the damage and reduce your risk of future leaks. Water infiltration can cause rot and mildew in walls, ceilings and attics and compromise the structure of your home, leading to costly repairs. It can also lead to health hazards and a decline in property value.
To repair your roof flashing, it is a good idea to use roofing cement or caulking to fill any gaps, cracks or holes and create a watertight seal. You can also purchase flashing material to replace any damaged sections, and then secure it in place with roofing nails or screws. If you are unsure how to repair your roof flashing, you can contact a professional roofing contractor for assistance. It is best to hire a roofer with the right safety equipment and knowledge to ensure your safety while working on your home’s roof. In addition, a professional can spot any issues that you may not have noticed during your inspection and provide a comprehensive plan for repair.
Damaged Siding
When your siding is damaged, it can let water in, which can lead to rot, mold, and a host of other problems. This is why it’s important to have your siding assessed after a storm, as well as promptly repair any damage that you find.
Small dents, divots, and holes in vinyl siding can be repaired relatively quickly by applying a vinyl patch kit to the spot in need of repair. This is a fairly simple DIY-friendly process, and even beginner DIYers should be able to tackle it with ease.
If your siding is severely damaged, you may be able to file an insurance claim. A quality roofing contractor will be able to help you navigate the claims process so that you can get the compensation you need to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your siding.
For a quick, DIY-friendly solution to your siding damage, try using a vinyl patch kit from a home improvement store. This type of product is typically a bit thicker than paint, which gives it the ability to fill in larger holes and cracks in your siding. It is also available in a range of colors, so it will be easy to find a matching shade for your existing siding.
To use a vinyl patch kit, first prepare the area by cleaning the broken section of siding with warm soapy water and a clean cloth. This will remove any dirt or debris, and it will help the caulk adhere better to the surface of the siding. Next, thoroughly degloss the area by wiping it down with a deglossing agent like TSP or a similar chemical.
Once the prep work is done, apply a small amount of the patch kit to the area in need of repair. This will help fill in the hole or divot, and it should dry in about two to four hours. When the patch is dry, lightly sand the area with 100-grit sandpaper and then 220-grit sandpaper to smooth it down.
Be sure to take detailed notes and photos of any areas in need of repair, as this will help you when it comes time to file an insurance claim. The contractors at Glick’s Exteriors can also provide a comprehensive roof and siding inspection, so you know exactly what needs to be done to protect your home against future damage.
Leaks
The main reason you should get roof leaks repaired is because water can cause serious damage to walls, ceilings and other parts of the house. Moisture can ruin wall and floor coverings, wood framing, and cause mold and mildew problems. It can also lead to electrical problems because it can short circuit wires and increase energy bills because the insulation is ruined. If you don’t take action, you can find yourself dealing with a major problem that could decrease the value and marketability of your home.
If you think you have a leak, the first thing to do is check your attic or crawl space for signs of water damage such as stains, black marks and rot. Then, if possible, go up on the roof to examine the area and see where it is leaking. This may involve going up a ladder, and you should use caution when doing so, especially if it’s raining or there is a lot of debris on the roof.
Look for gaps where shingles meet, around roof features such as skylights and valleys and near chimneys and vents. These can be hard to spot, but are a common source of leaks. Also, be sure to check the underside of rafters for moisture and mold.
Once you have a general idea of where the leak is coming from, mark that location on the inside of your home with a pencil. This will help you locate the area when a professional comes to fix the problem.
Before a repairman arrives, you can try to limit the amount of water that gets into your home by creating a barrier in the attic or crawl space. The easiest way to do this is with a tarp or sheet of plastic and two-by-four boards. Sandwich the tarp between the boards on both sides and nail it in place.
If you have a difficult leak to pinpoint, you can use a garden hose to soak areas of the roof where you suspect the leak is coming from. Start low, and then work your way up the roof, soaking areas as you go. This can help isolate areas and make it easier for you and your repairman to find the leak.