League City Roof Repair is the best way to protect your home from the elements. But where to start? Start by identifying the source of your leak. Then, take action. The longer you wait, the more damage can occur.
When your car needs a tune-up, the check engine light illuminates. When your dishwasher leaks, it’s easy to know when you need to call a repair service. But roof repairs can be a little trickier to identify. If you’re not familiar with the warning signs, it could be a long time before you need to call for help.
The first sign is a loss of shingles. Often, this happens because the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. They may also have been weakened by storm damage, and this is why it’s important to get them replaced promptly.
Another common indicator is water stains on the ceilings or walls of your home. Water stains usually mean that the shingles and the roof sheathing are leaking. This can lead to mold and mildew, as well as structural damage.
If you see water stains, you should also check the gutters. Look for granules in the gutter, which are small bits of black sand. If you have a lot of them, this is a sign that the shingles are wearing out and that there is a problem with your roof.
Finally, you should also inspect the attic for signs of moisture. Moisture can cause damage to wood framing members, and it can also create a musty smell in the home. Moisture can also affect insulation, which is why it’s important to make sure it’s dry.
It’s also a good idea to get up in the attic or crawlspace on a regular basis to take a closer look. Look for any stains or discoloration that can indicate the need for repairs, and take pictures so that you have evidence of any damage if necessary to file an insurance claim. It’s also a good idea to check the gutters for clogs and rust. These can interfere with the flow of rainwater, causing further problems. This can also impact the drainage system and cause water to back up under the shingles. This can cause significant and expensive damage if not addressed quickly. Keeping up with regular inspections can help you to spot these issues early and avoid expensive repairs.
Repairing Shingles
Often the first sign of roof damage is missing shingles. If left unattended this can snowball into a bigger issue. Cracked shingles are also common and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent water leaks. Shrinkage is another factor that can lead to loose shingles, as a result of the expansion and contraction of asphalt shingle material. It is best to check for loose shingles at least twice each year, once in spring and again in fall. This is especially important for older shingles that can lose their granules and wear down more quickly.
The easiest and most cost effective way to repair a shingle is to replace it with one of the same type and color from the rest of the roof. Having extra shingles on hand is a good idea in case you find other damaged shingles during your inspection. If you aren’t confident you can make this repair on your own, it is a good idea to call in a roofing professional.
Start with a visual inspection of the roof using a ladder. Look for areas where shingles are missing or askew and take note of the color, texture, and style of the remaining shingles on the roof. Be sure to check the edges of the roof for moss or mold and inspect the flashing for rust or corrosion.
A simple crack or tear in a shingle is an easy repair and can be made by applying a thick bead of roof sealant to the area around the crack. Then press a new shingle into place and fasten with roofing nails.
If you have a more serious problem, such as a hole or torn shingle, begin by loosening the adhesive and nails from the shingle above it with a pry bar. This should remove the first row of shingles and expose the second row. With the claw side of your hammer, remove the nails. If you notice that the second row of shingles is worn or cracked, then you should consider replacing them as well.
After the damaged shingle is removed and the surrounding shingles are loosened, carefully lift a tab in the first row of shingles directly above the hole and pull it free to expose the nail head. If the nail is still intact, you can reuse it to secure the new shingle. Otherwise, use a utility knife to cut Vs into the exposed nail head and pull it out. Then slide a replacement 3-tab shingle into place and nail it down with four roofing nails.
Repairing Flashing
Flashing is the metal roof material that protects the edges of your roof, valleys and the junctions of your roof with obstructions like chimneys, dormers or vent pipes. It also protects the shingles from moisture. It’s common for leaks in these areas to be caused by flashing problems, and it is important to get them repaired as soon as possible.
You can repair some flashing damage with roofing cement and tar. This is a good choice for minor damage, a localized problem where water is seeping through in one place or as a temporary solution while you wait for a professional roofer to arrive. It’s important to clean the area thoroughly before applying a patch. This helps to remove dirt, debris and old sealant. You should also use a wire brush or scraper to eliminate any corrosion or rust from the flashing itself.
If your flashing is leaking around the edge of a window, you can install a “flashing boot” that will seal the gap between the window and the shingle. This will prevent rain from collecting in the gap and causing leaks. The same technique can be used for other leaky locations, such as the gap between a roof vent and the shingle or the flashing around a plumbing vent.
Most flashing is installed in two pieces, called base and counter flashing. This ensures that rain always meets a flashing surface that directs it downwards. It is especially important to ensure that flashing is correctly installed around chimneys, dormers and other obstacles because these features can be difficult to work with.
A small hole or corroded spot in flashing can usually be repaired by plugging it with roofing cement. You can also replace the flashing itself if it is badly deteriorated.
Generally, it is not a good idea to cover up damaged flashing with a new layer of flashing. This could cause water to collect in between the layers and lead to further damage. It is best to call a roofer for most flashing repairs, especially if you are unsure how to proceed or if the damage is extensive.
Getting Started
It’s probably no secret to anyone reading this that a roof is an important part of protecting a home from the elements. But if a roof is damaged, the consequences can be disastrous. Even a few unchecked leaks can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be necessary to replace whole sections of the roof. But before that can happen, the source of the problem must be tracked down.
The first thing a professional contractor will do is take a visual examination of the roof. They’ll look at shingles, flashing around chimneys and dormers, and the overall condition of the roof. They’ll also inspect the gutters and roof edges to ensure they are free from damage. And they’ll look at the interior of the roof as well, examining drywall, insulation and wood for signs of moisture damage.
If they see any of the aforementioned symptoms, they’ll get to work tracing down the source of the problem. Usually this means getting up into the attic, crawlspace or whatever space is closest to the roof. They’ll use a flashlight and a good set of eyes to find any areas that have been water damaged. They’ll also be looking for a lot of little things that can often be missed with the naked eye, such as peeling paint, damp stains and any other evidence that the roof is not doing its job.
Once the source of the leak is found, the contractor can start working on a specific area to repair it. They’ll tarp or caulk any areas of the roof that are wet and they’ll replace any shingle that has been damaged by the water. They’ll also take care of any problems with the vent boots.
A pro crew will use a lot of tools, from the traditional roofing hammer to shears and pliers. They’ll also bring tarps and magnetic gear to remove any nails or metal objects that are dropped during the process. And they’ll have a dumpster to get rid of the old shingles and other debris. Before the crew gets there, it’s a good idea to clear out any items in the yard that might be in the way of their work area.