Your roof is a vital component of your home or business. Neglecting it can lead to leaks and structural damage that affect the rest of your building.
Roof Repair Erie PA is an important decision that takes many factors into account. Read on to learn the best way to proceed based on your roof’s condition, age, and your long-term goals:
Damaged shingles are an obvious sign that it’s time to have your roof inspected and repaired. A shingle with a crack or small hole should be replaced rather than patched up with caulk or roofing cement because these repairs only offer temporary relief and can worsen the situation in the future.
Shingles are designed to provide protection against sun, rain, and other weather conditions, but over time, aging and general wear and tear can cause them to deteriorate. This deterioration includes cracked, broken, and missing shingles that leave your home vulnerable to water intrusion.
You can often spot shingle damage by examining your gutters after a storm. If you find a large number of granules (tiny stones that look like coarse sand) washed from your roof, this is a sign of shingle damage. This is especially common in shingle areas that experience frequent exposure to wind, such as the peaks and ridge lines.
Another way to identify shingle damage is by looking for vertical creasing in the shingles. These creases appear as darker lines that run the length of the shingle, like a fold mark, and occur when higher wind forces apply pressure to the shingles, causing them to bend up. These creases can lead to more severe shingle damage, such as tearing and warping.
Lastly, if you notice that your electric bills have been rising, this could be a sign that your roof is becoming less effective at trapping cool air or heat inside your home. This is because damaged shingles will allow air to leak through and create cold spots in your home, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures.
A professional consultation is the best way to assess and repair shingle damage. However, if you’re in need of a repair right away, consider asking your bank for a personal loan or home equity line of credit to cover the costs. You can also check out government programs such as the Home Improvement Grant to help you afford roof repair and maintenance.
Leaks
If your roof is leaking, you may find yourself dashing around with pots and pans to catch the water dripping from the ceiling. While this scenario sounds like a movie script, leaks are typically less dramatic and happen slowly. If left unaddressed, they can damage your home and increase utility bills. Luckily, there are ways to identify and repair most leaks before they cause significant damage.
Common causes of roof leaks include poor installation, clogged gutters, and weather-related damage. To prevent leaks, make sure your gutters are free of debris and that your roof is adequately ventilated. Also, schedule routine inspections by a professional to identify and address problems before they lead to leaks.
Inspect the Interior
First, you’ll need to inspect your attic and interior ceiling to locate leaks. Look for damp spots or water stains to pinpoint the source of the leak. Once you’ve found the leak, clean and prepare the area for a quick repair. Start by removing any loose or damaged shingles and cleaning the surrounding area. Once the area is ready, use a caulk or roof sealant to fill the nail hole and create a waterproof seal. Be sure to apply a generous amount and smooth it using a putty knife. Allow the caulk or roof sealant to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For larger holes and tears, a patch with a waterproof membrane is often the best solution. Start by measuring the damaged area and cutting a piece of waterproof membrane slightly larger than the leak. Next, apply roofing adhesive or caulk to the area, then press the patch firmly over the leak and along the edges of the hole. Apply additional adhesive if needed, then let the patch and roof surface fully dry before exposing them to moisture.
Leaks around roof vents are sometimes caused by faulty venting, which can result in the metal being exposed to the elements and corroding. Inspect the condition of your vents on a regular basis and replace them as necessary to prevent leaks.
Many homeowners assume that they can repair a roof leak themselves, but this isn’t always the case. In addition to putting yourself at risk for injury, working on a roof requires specific tools and knowledge to ensure that the repairs are durable and long-lasting. For the best results, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional to handle roof repair jobs.
Sagging
A poorly-installed drainage system and sun damage are common causes of sagging roofs. If left unaddressed, sagging may lead to structural damage.
To prevent sagging, homeowners should keep their gutters clean and free of debris, and make sure the soil beneath their roof is properly maintained to ensure adequate drainage. In addition, a regular inspection of the roof and prompt repairs is key to preventing leaks and other problems.
If you suspect a sagging roof, you should have a contractor assess the problem and provide a scope of work for the repair. This will help you understand the full extent of the work and allow you to compare contractors’ prices, reputations, experience, and proposed repair methodologies.
If the roofing substrate is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. To do so, start by removing any screws or washers that secure the substrate to the structure beneath it. Using the section you removed as a template, cut a new piece of high-density fiberboard. Set the patch over the mend and drive roofing nails around its perimeter to secure it. Alternatively, you can use a caulking gun to apply a bead of roof sealant to the crack and press it firmly into place.
Debris
Whether caused by natural growths like moss or discarded debris from the wind, a layer of accumulated leaves and twigs on your roof can cause more serious damage than you might think. It conceals areas of the structure that might need repair, causes clogging and moisture buildup, and exposes your home to potential mold and water damage.
Debris can be organic, such as leaves and pine needles that can pile up on the roof, or inorganic, such as garbage. Either way, it’s a common problem for homeowners who neglect regular roof cleaning and maintenance.
Aside from the obvious danger of falling branches and tree limbs, other debris can include bird droppings, nesting materials, and food hordes tucked away by squirrels. These types of materials can eat away at shingles and cause corrosion on metal roof coatings, while clogging gutters and blocking proper drainage.
If your house is surrounded by trees, it’s not uncommon for the leaves and twigs to pile up on the roof. Then there are the animal droppings, nesting materials, and tucked-away food hordes that can clog vents, trap moisture, or lead to a mold infestation on your roof’s substructure.
The best way to avoid costly repairs is to keep up with your routine roof cleanings. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to storms and high winds. This will help prevent shingle damage and prevent the need for roof replacements.
Keeping up with regular roof cleanings can also identify small issues before they become major problems. During the cleanup process, you should be sure to have a ladder that’s safe and stable, as well as a pair of safety goggles. It’s also important to have proper ventilation, as working on a roof can emit harmful fumes.
If you’re not confident in your abilities to perform a thorough roof inspection and cleanup, call a professional for a safer, more effective repair. The experts at a roofing company will know what to look for, such as damaged or missing shingles, deteriorating flashing around chimneys and vents, and a buildup of debris that could be causing leaks or mold.