A house’s roof is one of its most important features. It protects the structure from water damage and boosts curb appeal.
When shingles begin to curl and buckle, you may need a replacement. Roof replaced involves the old shingles being torn off and replaced with new shingles. However, an overlay saves time since the roof doesn’t need to be stripped down to the plywood sheathing.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is an important part of your roof. It is installed in areas where there are seams or edges of the roof, and helps to funnel water into gutters rather than into your home’s walls. It is especially important around a chimney, dormer or skylight. Flashing is usually made from aluminum or stainless steel, although copper is sometimes used as a decorative element. This metal is durable, and resistant to many kinds of weather damage, including heavy winds. However, the weather can damage flashing, even if it is well-maintained.
One of the most common problems caused by flashing is the formation of leaks. It can be difficult to find the source of these leaks, as they may form far away from the point where the moisture entered your roof. However, a reputable roofing contractor will be able to spot the problem and get it fixed quickly.
Leaks in the attic are another telltale sign that you have a problem with your roof’s flashing. These can be caused by holes, corrosion, or other types of damage to the flashing. While you might be able to repair some of these issues with additional sealant, larger gaps will need to be replaced with new sections of flashing for the area to remain waterproof.
Bends or dents in the flashing are also serious. This type of damage can break the galvanized coating on steel flashing and weaken the structure. This can allow water to seep inside the roof seams, causing serious interior damage and mold growth. Similarly, high winds can lift or remove flashing from the roof, which will create a gap that allows rain to enter your home.
While some people attempt DIY roof repairs, it is usually best to call a professional roofing company. Flashing projects require a level of skill and knowledge that most homeowners or business owners don’t have, and a poor job can lead to further roof damage.
Moreover, roof flashing typically protrudes under the roof shingles, so it is impossible to simply install new flashing without removing and replacing the old layer of shingle as well. This can be time-consuming, and expensive if done incorrectly.
Sagging Roof
A sagging roof is not only unsightly, but it’s also dangerous. Roofs are designed to be straight, and a sagging one could eventually collapse, causing damage to the rest of your home. The good news is that a sagging roof can often be fixed. The first step is identifying the cause. To do this, you’ll need to head into your attic and take a look at the ceiling. You’ll need to be cautious when doing this, however, because attics are often dark and confined spaces.
The main reason for a sagging roof is that the supporting beams are not strong enough. Roofs are supported by rafters that run diagonally from the ridge to the edges of the roof. If these are not sturdy enough, or they have been built improperly from the start, a sagging roof can result.
Another possible cause for a sagging roof is that there is too much weight on it. While roofs are designed to withstand a lot of weight, this strength only lasts up until the point when it begins to weaken the support beams. The best way to prevent this is by having your roof regularly inspected and maintained.
Even if the materials used to build your roof were high quality and it was correctly constructed from the start, all roofs will wear down over time. This is because they are constantly exposed to the elements and changes in temperature. A well-built roof should last 15 to 70 years, but after this time it will likely need a replacement.
The most obvious sign of a roof that needs replacing is if it’s sagging. It’s important to have this problem addressed immediately because it can lead to further damage and collapse. The good news is that a reputable roofing company can repair or replace your roof as needed. They can use a variety of methods to fix your roof, including roof joist repairs and installing roof braces. Depending on the extent of the damage, roof replacement might be the best option. But if the problem is only mild, roof repairs may be more cost-efficient and just as effective in the long run.
Tiny Holes
The roof is a vital part of the house, protecting the interior from weather changes, animal invaders and other issues. But holes and gaps in the roof can let in water, cold air and critters. And, unfortunately, the damage is often difficult to notice until there are visible signs like dripping or a hole in the attic ceiling.
These small holes may be caused by falling tree limbs, wood that has rotted over time or the result of old roof penetrations such as chimneys, vents and satellite dishes. Even a small gap can cause problems, though, and it is important to have these holes repaired as soon as possible.
Humidity entering a home through a hole in the roof can cause mildew and mold, which are a health hazard for anyone with respiratory or immune system issues. They also can be dangerous to infants and elderly people, who have more severe reactions to these substances. And, wild animals that enter a home through a gap in the roof can carry diseases that can make people sick or even cause death.
To patch a small hole in the roof, homeowners will need to climb onto their rooftops. This is extremely dangerous, so they should use all the proper safety precautions when climbing to the top of the house. Once they have found the location of the hole, they will need to install a 2-by-4 plank underneath the hole; it should be at least three times the width of the opening. Next, they will need to cut a sheet of plywood that is the same size and shape as the hole in the attic and then nail it into place.
Old Flashing
The flashing on the roof is a protective layer that prevents water leakage at the seams of the roof. It also helps to strengthen and enhance the durability of the shingles. When old flashing becomes loose or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Homeowners should take caution and hire a professional building contractor for the repair work because they require special skills that home and business owners typically don’t have.
Often, the flashing is exposed when a section of the siding on a home or building is removed for renovations. If the flashing is not replaced when this occurs, it can allow rain to penetrate under the shingles and into the structure. This is usually a clear sign that the flashing is in need of replacing.
In some cases, the flashing on a roof can be repaired without needing to replace it entirely. For example, step flashing is used along walls that intersect the roof, and each short section of it channels water over the shingle downhill. If a piece of flashing rusts through or is broken off, it can cause the shingles to crack and loosen. This usually does not mean a full roof replacement, but it should be repaired right away.
The flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, and other rooftop structures is made of various types of metal to withstand different climates and temperatures. Homeowners can replace the flashing if they find it leaking or displaying other signs of damage, such as cracks or discoloration.
To install new flashing, homeowners should clean off the area and apply a waterproof layer of felt or tar to the roof’s underlayment. They should then rip up any nails or roofing screws holding the old flashing and pry it loose from the roof’s surface. When installing the new flashing, they should make sure it is a continuous piece and that it has built-in expansion joints. This will help the flashing flex with the home as it expands and contracts in different seasons.
When replacing the flashing around a vent pipe, homeowners should make sure that the collar is sized appropriately for the pipe’s size. Using a larger collar on a smaller pipe can result in fatigue failure in the collar and leaks into the home.