Your roof takes the brunt of Mother Nature’s fury; exposed to rain and snowfall, scorching sun rays, and unpredictable winds.
Over time, even the best-made roof will eventually begin to show signs of wear and tear so it’s important to keep the following information in mind.
Identifying the Problem
Your roof provides shelter to everyone in your home – your family, pets, possessions and food from rain, snow and flying insects. But if it is in poor condition, that protection may not last as long; so it’s crucial that you monitor it and take any necessary action immediately if problems arise; one way of doing this would be scheduling regular inspections with a professional roofer.
Leaks are often the first telltale signs of trouble for homeowners. Water dripping from your ceiling into your living area can leave staining in drywall and paint or lead to mold that requires complete ceiling replacement. While leaks might be obvious at first, other issues might take longer to reveal themselves such as cracked or blistered shingles.
Dark spots on your ceiling or walls may indicate leakage from moss or lichen growing on your roof and sucking moisture from it, creating damp patches on walls or ceilings. It is best to check for these issues during early fall or mid spring when temperatures are neither too hot nor cold – and when chemical solutions used by roofers to kill moss work more effectively.
While on your roof, be wary of signs of damage that need repair with roof repairs. Flashing, for instance, protects fixtures like sky lights, chimneys and venting pipes from water damage by sealing any creases with plastic or sheet metal flashing; regularly inspect this area to make sure it remains sealed and intact.
Once your flashing is inspected, move on to inspecting the rest of your roof. Begin by looking for any areas with missing or bare spots; these could indicate areas in need of repair that could save money in the long run. Inspect the chimneys and venting systems as well as checking any crack housings or broken seams which require repair.
Roofing Materials
Many different roofing materials are available and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so consulting an expert roofer are key for selecting one suitable to their regional climate.
Asphalt shingles, metal, wood, slate tile and tile roofs are the five most frequently used residential materials – their choice will have an immense effect on how long your roof lasts, so making an informed choice when choosing which material best meets your needs should not be taken lightly.
Shingle roofs are one of the most popular choices in the US, and provide an economical option that fits within most budgets and tastes. Installation can typically be accomplished quickly and it lasts 15-30 years before replacement is necessary.
If you want a modern aesthetic for your home, metal roofing could be the perfect solution. Available in an array of styles and colors, metal roofs reflect heat rather than absorb it for optimal energy efficiency in hot climates.
Membrane roofs are an increasingly popular choice for residential roofing applications. Made up of multiple layers of fabric reinforced by organic or glass fiber mats and covered with bitumen, these ply sheets for roofing repair can then be coated with asphalt, coal tar adhesive or cold-applied adhesive. This offers high durability that can withstand punctures, tears, chemical spills and standing water.
Finally, it is wise to have some extra shingles handy just in case any are damaged during the repair process. A hammer and nail gun are essential tools for this endeavor, while it would also be wise to bring along a ladder so that access can be achieved safely.
You may also like to read: Weather Protecting Roofing Materials
Inspecting the Flashing
Flashing, or narrow galvanized metal strips installed to direct water away from potential leakage areas on roofs like chimneys, vents, skylights and other features that intersect them, should always be in good condition and should be inspected at least twice annually by roofing professionals.
According to bobvilla.com – roofers also typically inspect shingles to look for cracked or missing pieces as well as excessive granule loss (granules are important in protecting shingles against sunlight and moisture, so when they disappear it could indicate wear out or the need for replacement).
One way homeowners can identify flashing leaks is to have someone climb into the attic with a hose, turning on and gently running it over parts of their roof that intersect, such as chimneys, vents or skylights. If the nozzle of the hose pulls away from flashing this indicates sealant separating and requires inspection and repair.
Discolored flashing indicates the need for maintenance; this happens when aluminum or other materials begin oxidizing and losing their shine, leading to discolored patches on ceilings and walls. A homeowner should also monitor eaves and make sure insulation or stored items haven’t blocked ventilation openings which could result in condensation resulting in wet rot or mold growth in their ceilings and walls.
You may also like to read: Is it better to repair or replace a roof?
Repairing a Leak
When it comes to rooftop leakage from your ceiling into your room, grab a bucket and put it under the drip. Next, switch off all sources of light (if possible) and use a flashlight to walk around the perimeter of your roof looking for moisture under sheathing or on rafters; dampness or discolorations indicate possible sources of a leak; it may not always be easy – particularly with pitched roofs – to pinpoint exactly where one originates, though sometimes this can be accomplished.
Alternatively, try conducting “running water tests” where someone inside sprays water onto different sections while looking out for flow stains on insulation in various locations while you scan or look out for leaks within rooms to identify possible sources.
Once you know what’s causing a leak, you can identify its source: missing shingles, defective flashing, rotten wood or other issues. Check for obstructions to your gutter system that might prevent water from moving freely through it.
Be on the lookout for any structures that project through your roof, such as plumbing vents, chimneys, dormers or skylights and inspect them closely for signs of damage or holes that could allow leaks into your home. Leaks tend to occur near these components but could occur anywhere on your roof.