Vital Elements of Roof Repair That You Need to Know

It is important to schedule your roof repair at the time you notice a roof leak. A little leak can prove to be detrimental to your house if left ignored. Fortunately, roof repairs are much more affordable than a complete roof replacement.

 

We discuss the best ways to spot roof problems so you can schedule a roof repair, how to find the right contractor, and what the roof repair process looks like.

 

 

Detect roof problems

 

The first thing to learn is how to spot roof problems. Many homeowners have an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality when it comes to their roofing system. This is a blunder because your roof is one of your home's most vital components.

 

Your roof is your home's main defense against the weather, and problems with the roof will lead to problems with the rest of the house. Paying close attention to the condition of your roof will help prevent water damage and save you a lot of money in the future.

 

This is because small repairs and preventative maintenance are much more affordable than extensive roof repairs. It is important to detect problems early. You can do this in two ways.

 

1. Schedule frequent roof inspections –

We understand how your roofing system works, so we know where to look and what to fix to prevent roof leaks from getting worse or even forming in the first place.

 

 Our professional inspections can improve the life, performance, and appearance of your roof, resolving minor problems before they become major problems.

 

2. Carry out simple visual inspection yourself-

 You can also check your own roof by performing simple visual examinations. We recommend that you grab a pair of binoculars and scan the roof for problems from the ground. You can also go into your attic and look for water stains, saturated insulation, and other signs of roof leaks. 

 

Common signs of roofing problems

 

If you know where to look with a decent pair of binoculars, you can spot these issues. If you spot any of them, call us right away so we can do a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs.

 

1. Broken or missing shingles —

From the ground, this issue should be obvious. If you see patches of different colors on your roof or shingles littering your yard, give us a call. Heavy rains and high winds could have damaged your shingles or blown them off.

 

2. Cracked Flashing –

 Flashings are thin pieces of metal that we install under shingles and in the joints and valleys of your roof to create a water-resistive barrier.

 

They protect the gaps in your roofing system and so if they are cracked, water can easily get through. Cracked flashing can be caused by weather damage or corrosion; either way, it needs immediate attention.

 

3. Cracked Vent Booting – 

Roof vents look like little tubes sticking out of the roof and work to expel excess moisture. The vent booting seals off the area where the pipes protrude from the roof. Unfortunately, this vent boot can deteriorate over time and lead to cracks.

 

4. Ice dams (during winter)-

If you live in a region with a cold climate, ice dams occur when the attic is too hot and it melts the snow, causing water to seep into the shingles.

 

This is often fixed by installing a proper vent or repairing the damaged vent boot. Flat roofs are also susceptible to ice dams. Therefore, if this design is the root cause of the problem, go with a sloped design.

 

 

Roof Repair Process:

 

1. Inspect the roof for damage and leaks

It's time to start the roof repair process once you've chosen a good firm to call. Your roofer will first perform an inspection to look for any problems with the roof. If there is a leak, they will identify the source, which could be on the completely opposite side of the house from where the water damage has manifested itself.

 

 Remember that water from a roof leak can move sideways and travel long distances. Your roofer will have to do a little detective work to follow the leak back to the source.

 

They will map the entire wet area using various methods, looking horizontally and up at the roof slope, and then inspecting the roof surface for any flaws or gaps that may serve as an entry point. They can also test for leaks by spraying the roof with water. Once the contractor has found the source of the leak, he can seal or repair suspected water entry or leak points. The contractor can also repair or replace water-damaged areas of your roof.

 

2. Deal with roofing problems

Depending on the roofing issue, the contractor will take a different strategy. For example, damaged flashings will be replaced with new ones, areas with worn sealant will be caulked or tarred, and damaged vent covers will be removed and replaced.

 

The contractor will make sure to seal the area around the boot to prevent leaks. Shingles that are missing or broken can be replaced with new ones. Please note that for best results, you should hire a contractor who has with him the same shingles as your current roof.

 

If there is a hole/puncture in the roof or if the roof deck has been damaged by water, then the process becomes considerably more complicated.

 

For holes/punctures, they may need to re-frame, and then install a new layer of sheathing, underlayment, and shingles, and make sure the new sheathing and underlayment have no gaps for water to enter.

 

Repairing a damaged roof deck is similar. The contractor will remove the underlayment and shingles, get rid of the rotten section, and then replace everything on top. 

 

Roof repair vs. replacement

 

In general, it is more cost-effective to replace your roof if it is more than 20 to 25 years old than to simply repair it. Keep in mind that older roofs are less energy efficient, which means that during the winter, warm air escapes from your home, forcing your furnace to run at full blast.

 

And in the summer, the cold air from your air conditioner is also blown out of the attic and roof, also causing your electricity cost to rise.

 

It is important that you only hire a licensed roofing contractor to ensure your roofing materials are not invalidated by their manufacturers.

 

We at Deangelo Roofing guarantee our workmanship. Contact us and get your roofing estimates from Deangelo Roofing today!