Your roof is the shield that keeps you safe from the elements. Without it, the interior of your home would be exposed to water damage, pest infestations, mold, higher energy bills, and potential resale problems.
Roofing repair involves fixing components in and around the roof, like gutters, vent boots, and more. Orlando Roofers include caulking, repairing or replacing shingles, and resealing the flashing areas.
Your roof is an integral part of your home, protecting you and your belongings from the elements. However, it can become worn and damaged over time, making it susceptible to moisture infiltration and those dreaded ceiling leaks. Taking a proactive approach to roofing repair can prevent small issues from snowballing into a costly replacement project. Here are six common signs that your shingles are damaged and need to be replaced.
Loose or missing shingles are the first indication that your roof is vulnerable to leaks. They weaken your roof’s defense and allow moisture to penetrate the structure of the house, causing damage to the interior and leading to a host of other problems.
Depending on the severity of the issue, it is best to address loose or missing shingles as soon as possible to avoid further roof leaks and structural damage. If you suspect your shingles are damaged, consult a professional roofer to ensure your home is properly repaired and protected from the weather.
Most contractors will carefully inspect your shingles, the first line of defense, looking for granule loss, dents and gaps or cracks that could be caused by the weather or other factors. They will also check for signs of moisture penetration, such as water stains on the ceiling or walls.
If your shingles are damaged, they will need to be replaced with new ones to maintain the integrity of your roof and protect your home’s interior. The process of replacing a shingle is relatively simple, but it is essential to follow the correct steps and take your safety into account. Always use a ladder that is stable and secure, and make sure you have a partner to help you in the event of an accident.
Before you begin, gather your supplies: a hammer, a flat pry bar and a utility knife and a handful of 1-1/4-in. roofing nails. Slide the pry bar under the shingle immediately above the damaged section and lift gently to break the sealant strip connection and expose the first row of nails beneath. Once you have a bare area, remove the nails and pull up the shingle to discard.
Flashing is a sheet of metal or rubber that prevents water from entering the interior of your home around chimneys, vents and skylights. Flashing is a common place for leaks to begin, and it’s one of the most important areas to inspect during roof maintenance. Often, flashing is damaged by corrosion or the natural wear and tear of weather. This can cause rust spots and small holes in the flashing, which is why it’s important to schedule routine roofing inspections with
Flashing can also be damaged by the freeze-thaw cycle your home experiences during winter. When cold temperatures cause water to freeze, the flashing will expand, and when it thaws, tiny gaps will form that can grow over time.
If left unattended, damage to flashing can lead to leaks and rot in the interior of your home. It’s important to have any flashing repair done as soon as you notice it, before the damage spreads.
You can fix most minor flashing problems by simply removing the affected section of flashing, then replacing it with a new piece. You’ll need to use a ladder that is in good condition and carefully inspect the area to make sure that no shingles are loose or damaged before proceeding. If you’re not comfortable working from a ladder, you can always have a professional roofing contractor take care of this repair for you.
Once the new flashing is in place, you can replace the shingles that were removed. Be sure to follow the proper installation procedure, including covering the nail holes with roofing sealant, and making sure that all of the shingle seams are properly aligned. You should also apply two more beads of roof cement to the top of the flashing, just as you did with the original repair.
Even if your flashing is in good shape, it’s a good idea to have a professional roofing company inspect it at least once per year. These roofing professionals can spot small issues and potential weak points before they become larger problems. This can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run!
One of the most common causes of roof damage is leaking. If water leaks onto the shingles or attic floor, it can rot wood and ruin insulation. Also, leaking water can stain the ceiling, smear paint and mess up plaster. In addition, it can also cause mold to grow. If you notice water stains on the ceiling, it is important to find the source of the leak as soon as possible so that you can repair it.
You can often spot a leaking roof by the presence of black marks, water stains or mold. However, if the leak is in a difficult to reach area of the roof or you have a vaulted ceiling, it can be more challenging to determine where the leak is coming from. In these cases, enlist the help of a friend who is willing to go up on the roof with you and hold a garden hose. Start low and soak the roof, moving the hose in various directions and yelling for your friend when you hear a drip. This process can take some time, but it is often successful in finding the source of the leak.
Leaks usually occur through damaged shingles or flashing, especially around chimneys, skylights and vents. However, they can also happen along the intersections of different planes and in areas where shingles are missing or loose. It is important to “think like a water” when searching for the source of a leak, since moisture will travel downhill and seep into areas where there are cracks or holes.
Once you have found the source of a leak, you can patch it using roofing cement or tar. If you use the tar option, make sure to cover it with a layer of roofing shingle over it to ensure that the leak is fully sealed. A caulk can be used instead, but it is not as durable and will eventually degrade over time. Once the patch has been applied, it is a good idea to do a general inspection of the roof to make sure there are no other areas that need repair.
If your roof is extensively damaged, repair or replacement might not be possible. Missing shingles, large holes, extensive water damage or extreme physical damage might be beyond the scope of what can be fixed by a roofing company. However, if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or has a limited number of problems, a repair may be all you need.
Repairs involve removing the damaged materials and replacing them with new ones. The most common type of repair involves patching an area with new shingles. This can be done for a small section of your roof or for the entire surface. Repairs can also replace damaged flashing, caulk or tar. This can fix leaks, prevent further water damage and make the area less visible.
Re-roofing is a more involved process that can be performed in sections or for the whole roof. Re-roofing can repair a leaky roof, but it won’t repair other types of damage to the underlying roof deck or the structural support members. To access the damaged areas, roofers will remove a row of shingles at least two rows up from the area to be worked on. They will then lay down a layer of asphalt roofing paper to create an inner barrier that can prevent water penetration. This is usually tacked or stapled in place, and it should overlap another strip of ice-and-water protection laid down below it.
To repair a roof vent, your roofer will use a pry bar to separate the top of the vent from the shingle. They will then cut away a portion of the shingle to reveal the drywall beneath and then use a utility knife to trim off any deteriorated sections of the drywall. A slit in the drywall can be stuffed with a piece of heavy-duty insulating foam or a rolled-up blanket. They will then apply a thick bead of roofing cement or exterior sealant to the drywall, and they will nail a new row of shingles over it.
Before a roofer starts work, you should clear out the attic and move objects that could fall during the re-roofing process. It’s also a good idea to prune any tree branches that are hanging over your roof and to move any ceramic landscaping features or outdoor furniture from the vicinity.