While roofs are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, they’re not infallible. High winds, hail and debris can damage or even loosen shingles and tiles. Flashing, which serves as a guard against water intrusion around valleys and joints, can also deteriorate.
Inspect your roof for stains, water leaking and other indicators of problem areas. Start with the obvious—check for missing or damaged shingles and gutters, as well as leaky chimney stacks and dormers. Visit https://redstickroofing.com/ to learn more.
Storms can do a number on your roof. High winds, heavy hail and snow, and sun exposure can impact shingles in unexpected ways that leave your roof vulnerable to leaks and other problems. The best way to spot shingle damage is to inspect your roof regularly and after any major weather events. Taking care of small shingle issues before they grow into larger ones is the best approach to protecting your home from costly and messy roofing damage.
The most obvious sign of shingle damage is visual clues like cracks and discoloration. Isolated cracked shingles can be repaired easily enough, but widespread cracking should signal a roof replacement project is imminent.
Shingles are layered to protect the roof from the elements, and each one is secured by a series of nails that run across its surface. A common shingle repair involves loosening the nail strip and pulling up the shingle to replace it with a new one. You may need to remove other shingles to get at the damaged one, so be sure to take safety precautions when working on your roof and have a partner to help you.
When shingles become damaged, the edges can lose their sharp edge and develop a curl or raised area. These contorted shingles don’t hold water as well as they should, allowing water to seep through and potentially cause mold or mildew inside your home.
Exposure to the sun’s heat can cause a shingle’s surface to blister. Blistering shingles look like bubbled areas that lack granules. Bruising can also compromise the shingle’s ability to resist the elements, so it’s important to replace them as soon as you notice any signs of damage.
It’s a good idea to test shingles with a ladder before using them on your roof, so you can determine whether they are the right color and thickness for your home. You may need to purchase a few shingles of a different color to match, especially if your roof is more visible.
Before climbing onto your roof to make a shingle repair, tie a length of climbing rope around the top of the ladder and secure it to something sturdy at the base of the roof. Climb to the affected shingle and use a flat pry bar to work under it, loosening the nails that hold it in place. Then, lift up the shingle and carefully pull it away, being careful not to tear any surrounding shingles.
Leaking Gutters
Gutter systems are designed to collect and carry rainwater away from homes. Over time, however, gutters can become clogged with debris and start to leak. When this occurs, water can seep into the attic or down into the house, causing damage and unhealthy mold growth.
To avoid this, it’s important to keep gutters clean. We recommend getting them cleaned at least twice a year- once in the spring and once in the fall. In addition to keeping them free of debris, gutters should be inspected regularly to make sure there are no cracks or holes. If you notice any of these problems, have them repaired immediately to prevent further damage to the roof and other areas of the home.
Leaking gutters can also cause serious damage to the foundation and basement of your home. They can erode the soil and create hydrostatic pressure, pushing against foundation walls and doors and windows. The best way to protect your home from these problems is to have a professional install the proper gutter system and clean them regularly.
Gutters can be easily damaged by falling or overflowing branches and leaves, or from rust and other environmental factors. The corners of the gutters can also pull away from the fascia board and create a gap. To prevent this, it is essential to use hangers and straps to secure the gutters in place. In some cases, replacing the gutter may be necessary.
The gutters are made up of many different pieces that work together to channel rainwater away from the home. The joints are typically sealed with caulking, but this can deteriorate over time due to expansion and contraction, vibration, and temperature changes. Leaks at the seams can usually be corrected by re-caulking these areas.
Downspouts are also particularly susceptible to leakage. They take a beating from falling branches, leaves and other debris, which can lead to internal pressure that causes cracking and leaks. Sealing downspout joints with silicone sealant can help prevent leaks and extend the life of the gutter system.
Leaking gutters can be difficult to spot, especially if you don’t live near your roof. Identifying the source of the leakage is key to fixing it. A leak from the fascia or soffit is likely caused by a gutter problem, while a leak in the ceiling is more likely to be an issue with the roof itself.
Damaged Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR stands for built-up roofing, a type of flat and low-slope roof system that is comprised of multiple layers of waterproof materials. This system is a great choice for commercial buildings that need to protect their structures from severe weather conditions and high foot traffic. Built-up roofs are also durable and can offer a lifetime of performance.
If you’ve ever seen a roofer spreading a gooey black substance with a mop or mechanical spreader, you were probably watching a build-up roof being installed. These roofs can be made of asphalt shingles, ply sheets, and tar paper, which work together to create a thick overlay that protects the building from rainwater and other natural elements. In addition, these roofs can also feature high-quality insulation and roof coating to further enhance their durability.
Because built-up roofs have many layers, they are less prone to leaks than other types of roofing membranes. However, they can be more prone to blistering, which is a condition where moisture is trapped between the various layers of material. This can lead to structural damage, and the problem will only get worse over time if it isn’t addressed.
A damaged built-up roof can be costly, as it requires a more complex repair job than other types of roofing systems. In addition, these systems are usually heavier than single-ply membranes, which can put additional stress on the structure of a building. This can result in increased material and labor costs as well as longer installation times than other roofing solutions.
Depending on the type of roof, a built-up system may be eligible for a guarantee or warranty, which can provide added peace of mind for owners. Additionally, these systems can be paired with reflective cap sheets to help reduce energy costs and improve comfort inside the building.
Built-up roofs are a great choice for commercial and industrial buildings that need to withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions. These roofs are also ideal for use on historic buildings, as they can replicate traditional roofing methods and blend in more seamlessly with the aesthetic of a historical building. Additionally, these systems are highly resilient and fire-resistant, making them a good option for facilities that require a fire safety protocol such as warehouses or industrial plants that store flammable substances.
Damaged Flashing
Located along the seams and edges of roofs and chimneys, flashing adds an additional layer of protection by redirecting moisture away from vulnerable areas. When this important roof component is damaged, it can lead to leaks.
Flashing is typically made of metal, and a variety of conditions can cause the material to degrade over time. This includes exposure to sunlight, which can lead to rust or corrosion on the surface of the flashing. In addition, weathering can weaken the flashing over time, leading to dents and cracks that allow water into the structure below.
In some cases, a roofing professional may be able to repair the damage to roof flashing. In other cases, the flashing may need to be completely replaced. If you notice any signs of flashing damage, contact a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible to avoid further issues and costly repairs down the road.
Signs of flashing damage include:
Water stains on ceilings or walls: a clear indication of moisture infiltration through compromised roof flashing.
Structural Damage: Moisture infiltration can rot wood and other materials in and around the building, including joists and rafters. In some cases, it can also lead to mold growth and weakened insulation, making the home less energy efficient.
When a roofer is repairing or replacing flashing, they should begin by removing any debris, dirt, or old caulking from the area. Then, the professional will clean the area and apply a roofing sealant or cement around the damaged flashing to ensure a secure and waterproof seal.