Common Roofing Problems and How to Handle Them
Common Roofing Problems and How to Handle Them
As a homeowner, there are common issues you experience around the house: a leaky faucet, weeds that just keep growing back in the yard and even resealing around the bathtub every couple years. Whatever it may be, there’s always going to be some issues that are commonplace in home ownership and your roof is no exception. There are problems that happen to a roof that aren’t just happening to you as many other home owners are going through the exact same issues. Here are three of the top roofing issues you may come across, and how you should handle them.
Punctures
This might be thought of as a common issue, but it does happen more than you think. Following a storm, sometimes large tree branches will fall on your roof and cause damage. Even if it looks like the branch didn’t break anything there could be small punctures through, or between, the shingles. To fix this, first you must locate the hole. You’ll need to put a tarp over the area of your roof where it’s leaking, and then put pieces of lumber around the tarp to hold it down flat against the roof. After you’re sure it’s even, you can secure it place with small penny nails. This will help protect the inside of your home from the elements until a roofer can come out. You’ll need to contact a roofer, and they may be able to seal it with some caulking. If the puncture is more complicated, a roofer may need to redo part of your roof so it’s properly sealed.
Missing, or damaged, Shingles
Over time shingles will deteriorate or potentially completely come off of your roof because they’re exposed to the elements. Once shingles are damaged, or missing altogether, your roof is vulnerable to leaks. If you are comfortable working on your roof yourself, you can easily purchase shingles to replace those that are affected. You can easily cut away the sections that are damaged and put the new ones on the roof. While you’re on your roof, removing any debris or branches from the roof can help prevent further damage to your roof.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a material that is installed in areas on a roof where there’s an opening in the roof where water could penetrate the lower layers of your roof. It is typically found around chimneys, skylights and venting stacks. If you are comfortable being on the roof yourself, then you can definitely fix this issue without calling a roofer. You’ll need to remove any debris or leaves that have gathered between the flashing that’s separated and the roof. Then scrape away the roofing cement previously used to keep it in place. You’ll then want to apply a very generous amount of new roofing cement behind the flashing, and use masonry nails to reattach the piece of flashing (or the new piece if it wasn’t salvageable). Finally cover any exposed nails with the roofing cement, and put it on the joint between the flashing and the roof to seal it. It’s important to make sure you do this when the weather is dry so that it gives the cement proper time to dry.
If you are not a DIY type of person you can always call a professional roofing contractor to come and take of the repairs for you.
Next up – Cost of repairing a roof