As a homeowner, taking care of your roof is one of the most important tasks you could ever do. It can be easy to let go and forget about roofing problems because they’re not always immediately apparent, and many homeowners think that they will be able to find a problem with their roof. Unfortunately, this just isn’t true. You need to have the right training, skills, and experience to find these issues because you need to know what to look for. It’s important to find them early if you want to keep its structural integrity intact.
Here are some of the most common roof repairs that you may need to have done in the future.
#1: FIXING ROOF LEAKS
Roof leaks are probably the most common roofing problems affecting homeowners, and they can be caused by many types of issues (including broken shingles). You will most likely find leaks near your chimney, around your gutters, at flashing points, and close to vents or pipes. The leak will usually be located several feet away from the penetration point, and the best way to find it is to check the attic. You can use a flashlight to check for water stains, mold, or black marks. If it’s a vaulted ceiling and you can’t access the attic, you can only find the problem by looking at the roof. Either way, the best solution to this problem is to have a professional roofer take care of it for you.
#2: REPAIRING DAMAGED FLASHING
Flashing is a piece of material made of plastic or sheet metal that’s used to protect creases around fixtures (such as skylights or chimneys). It can also be used to protect venting pipes that run under your roofing materials. If this piece of flashing material gets cracked or loosened, the fixtures will become vulnerable to water and moisture. Inspect every part of your roof with flashing and replace any pieces that have become cracked. You may also need to remove some of the surrounding materials for both the removal and installation process. If you’re not able to do this yourself, be sure to speak to a roofing contractor.
#3: FIXING BROKEN OR MISSING SHINGLES
If the sealant attaching your shingles to the roof deck starts to wear off, they will loosen, break, or come off completely. This can be caused by different “forces of nature,” rodents, or just normal “wear and tear.” Depending on your roof’s age, the shingles may start to tear off. This is something you should expect to see eventually, and it’s an easy problem to fix because all you have to do is replace the shingles. Some stores even sell single shingles if that’s all you need. You can also get a box and replace the ones that you believe are causing the problem. If you’re a handyman, you can replace the shingles yourself. But, if you need help, you can always hire a professional roofer.
#4: CLEARING OUT GRANULES CLOGGING DOWNSPOUTS
If your roof is fairly new, you may see some granules that might have fallen off during the installation process. If your roof is older and you see granules in your downspouts, it’s a sign that your shingles are getting weak and may need to be replaced. Granules are an important part of your roof, because they protect it from ultraviolet radiation. But, once they fall off, the shingles will start to crack. One of the first signs of falling granules is when your gutters are clogged. Unless there’s a lot of debris blocking your gutters, there’s a good chance they’re caused by these granules. If that’s the case, your shingles will have to be replaced.
#5: FIXING STAGNANT OR POOLING WATER
If your gutters are clogged and the debris on your roof starts to catch water, it will result in stagnant or pooling water that can damage your roof. Standing water will quickly turn into mold or mildew, which will eat away at your roofing materials and will eventually cause roofing problems. If you have a flat roof, stagnant water should be a major concern. A good way to fix it is to create tapered areas over the surface, which will allow the water to run off. If you have a professional check your roof on a regular basis, you can avoid any long-term problems.
#6: REPAIRING DAMAGE CAUSED BY FALLING TREES
One of the most common roof problems homeowners have to deal with is damage caused by falling trees. You may think that only large branches would affect your roof, but even smaller branches that brush up against your roof can cause the top layer to degrade. The easiest way to prevent this problem is to trim your tree branches once they get close to your roof.
#7: REPAIRING DAMAGED ROOFING MATERIALS
Nature is the major cause of a deteriorating roof, and anything from shingles and tiles to nails and sealants can get damaged. Holes can cause moisture to seep through the roof and can damage the roof deck. Shrinking roofing materials can crack and deteriorate over time. Even the flashing can get pulled apart. The best solution to these kinds of problems is regular maintenance, because it’s better to catch them before they get worse. Make sure to schedule a maintenance check with a roofing contractor, so they can find these issues before they become major problems.
If you need a roofer in Corpus Christi to help you with any kind of roof repair, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Roofing and Construction.
