Regular roof repair is an important part of home maintenance. It addresses issues before they become serious problems, saving homeowners time and money.
Check your gutters for shingle granules. If a large number of these are clogging your gutters, it’s a sign that your roof is reaching the end of its life.
A roof is one of the most important aspects of a home. It keeps the interior of the house warm and dry, protects valuable possessions, and maintains a property’s value. A roof that isn’t properly maintained can cause leaks and expensive damage. Regular maintenance of your roof is essential, and that includes repairing shingles as necessary. Leaving shingle damage unattended can lead to expensive water leaks and possibly even structural damage to your roof
If you notice any signs of shingle damage, such as granule piles on the ground or areas of the roof that are darkened or missing shingles, it’s important to have these issues repaired right away. Overlapping shingles or resealing shingles is not a long-term solution and can actually create additional damage to the roof over time.
When a shingle is damaged, it’s important to replace it immediately. This will prevent water from seeping underneath the shingles and damaging the wood sheathing beneath. In addition, replacing a damaged shingle will help to keep the overall appearance of the roof consistent.
The first step in shingle repair is to climb up onto the roof and assess the damage. After identifying the damage, you will need to gather the necessary materials for the repair. These include a replacement shingle, roofing cement, and nails. Before starting any work, make sure to take proper safety precautions by using a ladder that is secure and having someone at the base of the ladder to help in case of an emergency.
Once on the roof, use a flat pry bar to loosen the adhesive and nails holding the damaged shingle in place. Work around the edges of the shingle, loosening the nail and removing any granules that are attached to the bottom of the shingle. Then, carefully pull up the shingle and remove the nail. Be careful not to tear any surrounding shingles that are still intact.
To install a new shingle, slide it into place over the damaged shingle and secure it with roofing cement. It’s important to match the color of the new shingle to the existing shingles in order to maintain the appearance of the roof. If you don’t have any shingles left over from the last time your roof was worked on, or if the damage is widespread, it may be necessary to purchase a bundle of shingles at a home improvement store.
Built-up roofing (BUR)
BUR roofs are some of the most durable flat roofing systems available and can withstand many types of damage, as long as it is repaired promptly. Usually, the repair process involves patching small cracks or splits in the surface of the roof. If the problem is more serious, a professional may need to replace entire sections of the roof.
A built-up roof is made of multiple layers that are held together with bitumen or tar and coated with an asphalt membrane. These layers are typically reinforced with fabric, mats or netting. A BUR roof is also sometimes covered with a glass-fiber or mineral surfaced cap sheet that is topped with hot asphalt and gravel, or a white or elastomeric cool roof coating.
The multiple layers and redundancy of a BUR system make it extremely resistant to leaks. However, like all roofs, BUR roofs will need periodic maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly. Regular inspections, cleaning, and immediate repair of identified damages will all help to ensure your building’s most important asset remains resilient.
BUR systems are also known for their energy efficiency, as the multiple layers help to keep the interior of a building cooler. A cool roof coating can further help to reduce a building’s energy costs.
Because of its durability, a BUR roof will often have a much longer lifespan than single-ply systems, but it is important to remember that this added longevity comes at a cost – higher material and labor costs. Therefore, a BUR roof will be more expensive to maintain than other types of commercial roofing systems.
As a result, a building owner should budget accordingly for periodic maintenance, repair and replacement of a BUR roof. The use of a facility management software can also help to streamline preventive maintenance and improve overall roof performance. Q Ware offers cloud-based CMMS solutions that allow building owners to automate and schedule inspections, repair and replacement jobs. In addition, the software can provide insight into a roof’s condition and performance to inform data-driven decision making. Get a free demo of Q Ware today to see how it can help you optimize your commercial roofing investment.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin material, typically galvanized steel, that professional roofers use to direct water away from critical areas of a roof. They install it wherever the roof plane meets a vertical surface like a wall or dormer. Without flashing, water would run under shingles and seep into the crevice between the wall and the roof sheathing. But with flashing, water is directed away from the area and toward the gutters.
Roof flashing is often hidden by shingle tabs, and so it’s easy for homeowners to overlook its importance. However, if flashing isn’t in place or damaged, serious water damage can occur.
A roofing professional should always be the one to inspect and repair roof flashing. The reason is that a roofer has the tools and skills to remove shingles and expose the flashing. They can also identify any other damage to the roof deck and make the necessary repairs.
There are several ways to replace flashing, but they all start with removing the old pieces and applying a new sealant around the edges of the flashing. A roofing contractor can use silicone caulking or a roof-compatible caulking. They may also choose to use some sort of roof cement to encase the flashing. The goal is to create a water-tight seal that will keep the elements from damaging the roof or the interior of the home.
Another important aspect of flashing is that it prevents moisture from creeping under shingles and soaking into the wood roof deck. If this happens, the shingles will begin to degrade and buckle. This will not only affect the appearance of the roof, but it can cause structural damage to the house as well.
Flashing is also used to cover the seams around any vents, chimneys, or skylights that protrude from the roof. These are often nailed to the flashing, or they can be screwed into it. Roofers may use copper, stainless steel, or aluminum flashing, depending on the materials the house has.
The main reason to keep up with roof maintenance is to identify any signs of water damage as soon as possible. Leaking or damaged roof flashing can lead to water trickling into the attic, which can cause a wide variety of problems with the structure and contents of your home. It can also reduce your home’s energy efficiency by allowing conditioned air to escape and outside air to infiltrate.
Gutters
Gutters are a crucial part of your roof, and they need to be well-maintained to avoid water damage. They route rainwater from your roof through downspouts, away from the foundation of your home. Without working gutters, water would settle around the foundation of your house and cause leaky walls, mold growth and other issues. Gutters can also prevent erosion around your foundation, reduce moisture that stains paint and siding and prevent basement flooding.
Many people mistakenly use the terms eavestrough and gutter interchangeably, but they are different. An eavestrough is a trough for catching rainwater at the edge of your roof, while a gutter is a tube that carries water from the roof.
A damaged gutter can allow water to penetrate your roofing materials, causing rot and other problems. To repair a hole in a gutter, first wire brush the area to remove dirt and loosen any rust. Then, clean the area with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. If the metal isn’t rusted through, you can simply spread roof cement over the area. If the metal is rusted through, you’ll need to cut out the old piece of gutter and replace it with a new one.
Another common repair is fixing a fascia board. The fascia is a wood board that runs along the edge of your roof. This board connects the gutter to the roof truss, and it’s often covered with vinyl or aluminum to protect it from moisture. If the fascia board is stained, bowing or chipping, it should be replaced completely to ensure that your gutter system works properly.
When cleaning your gutters, make sure to use a tall, stabilized ladder and wear gloves. Start at the highest point and work your way down, cleaning the gunk out of each section. Be careful not to overstretch, as this could lead to a fall and injury. Afterward, use a hose to flush the muck from the gutters. Finally, install a cover to prevent muck from building up inside the gutters in the future. You should also get your gutters checked regularly to make sure they’re free of clogs and other problems.