While some homeowners may be tempted to tackle roof repair independently, it is generally best left to a professional. This is because a professional can spot other problems you might not know.
It’s also not worth the risk of falling through a weak roof or damaging wood structures like beams and trusses. If you notice some problems with your roof, contact 5R Roofing expert immediately.
A well-maintained roof protects everything inside a home. But a damaged roof allows rain or snow into the house, where it can damage walls, flooring, and furniture. This is one of the most common reasons homeowners seek roof repair services.
Water damage from the rain is usually covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. This is especially true if the homeowner notices mold growth on the ceilings or floors after a rainstorm. The insurance company typically pays for the repairs if the mold is caused by rain or floodwater entering the home.
Rain, hail, and even sleet can cause damage to a roof. However, it’s the weight of water from ice and snow that can be particularly damaging. Ice and snow can crack shingles, create holes in the roof, or cause tiles to fall off. This can lead to a roof collapse and allow rainwater to leak into the house.
Homeowners should regularly check their roofs to make sure they’re in good condition. If a homeowner spots any problems, they should contact a roofing contractor right away to get the problem fixed before it becomes worse.
In addition to checking the state of the roof, a professional should also check out the drainage system and the foundation of a house. Many older homes have a weeping tile system integrated into the foundation to help with groundwater drainage. If this system fails, it can lead to flooding in the basement. Foundation cracks can also allow water to seep into a home, damaging the structure and causing extensive damage.
Finally, a professional should make sure the septic tank and sewage lines are clear of blockages that can lead to sewage backups and flooding during heavy rains. They can also ensure the eavestroughs are clear of debris that could lead to rainwater flooding into a home’s basement.
Depending on the type of roof damage, there are a few different repair options available. A contractor can fix a leaky area by repairing the crack or caulking the area. They can also replace missing shingles with new ones, or they can simply seal the existing shingles. If a section of the roof is severely damaged, it may be best to re-roof the entire roof.
Mold Growth
Molds are microscopic fungi that reproduce by releasing spores into the air. When spores land on a moist surface, they grow. These spores can irritate the sinuses, eyes, and respiratory tract of those with allergies or respiratory diseases. The spores can also lead to a fungal infection. Molds are ubiquitous in the environment, but when they grow indoors, they usually indicate a moisture problem. Molds thrive in environments that are warm, humid, and full of nutrient-rich building materials. They can often be found in the interiors of buildings or homes where there has been water intrusion or flooding, and in areas that are not well-ventilated.
Leaking roofs, improper plumbing, and poor construction practices are common causes of mold growth. These issues can allow groundwater, surface, or vapor water to seep into buildings. The resulting moisture and humidity promote mold growth in walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Poorly sealed windows and doors can also allow moisture to enter the building.
Mold growth is often a result of a combination of factors that support spore germination and fungal growth. The two most important factors are water and nutrients. A mold risk-conscious design should aim to manage these conditions. The building design should be aimed at minimizing the conditions that promote moisture and nutrient accumulation, such as through the use of materials that are tolerant to moisture, the location of the wettest areas within the building, and proper ventilation.
Many times, a homeowner will notice that there is a musty smell before seeing any signs of mold. This is because mold spores often grow in areas where it is not easy to see, such as behind sheetrock walls and under carpeting. In these situations, it is a good idea to call a professional to inspect the area.
When a home has a significant amount of mold, it is important to take steps to remove the mold before proceeding with roof repair. A thorough mold remediation process will involve removing all of the existing shingles from the roof, cleaning and treating the wood sheathing underneath, and repairing any damage caused by the mold. It is also important to clean and dry the affected areas thoroughly after mold remediation.
Damaged Shingles
Rain or snow that damages shingles exposes your house to leaks and other damage. Luckily, a few simple repairs can save you a lot of heartache in the long run. Look for water spots, soft shingles, and rotting wood trim around the roof edges that indicate a leak or other problem. You should also keep an eye out for dents and dings that can result from high winds or fallen debris.
A good rule of thumb is to check the shingles on your neighbors’ homes after a big storm. If they seem to be replacing or repairing their roofs regularly, it’s a good idea to get yours checked out too.
Shingles are designed to stay put during most conditions, but extreme weather can weaken them and cause them to come loose. A few lost shingles are nothing to worry about, but if there are large areas that look darker, this may be a sign of deteriorating shingle materials or a lack of proper sizing.
Darker areas on your roof can also signal moss or algae growth, which can cause serious problems if left untreated. These organisms thrive in damp, shady environments and can quickly damage and stain shingles. Taking steps to remove the moss or algae and replace the damaged shingles is a great way to keep your home looking its best.
During storms, high winds can knock shingles off the roof or leave a noticeable gap. If a shingle has been creased, flipped, or torn off, this is an indication that the shingle is worn out and should be replaced immediately.
Replacing shingles is an easy enough job that many homeowners can do themselves. But if you’re not comfortable working on the top of your house, or you aren’t sure how to properly install a shingle, this is one repair that’s best left to the pros. To fix a damaged shingle, first, remove the existing one by separating it from the adhesive with a crowbar or claw. Once you’ve removed the old shingle, place your new one in its spot, and then nail it into place using roofing nails.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is strips of metal placed along the front edges, corners, and ridges of your roof as well as around chimneys to prevent leaks. Flashing is made of a variety of materials, including galvanized steel and copper. If your flashing is damaged, it can lead to water leaking into the walls or ceilings of your home.
Flashing should be replaced if it’s missing, damaged, or corroded. Damaged flashing can allow rain or snow to seep into your roof and cause water damage. This can lead to rot, mold growth, and other problems with your home. It’s best to replace damaged flashing instead of trying to repair it.
Leaks caused by damaged flashing are a major problem that can cost you a lot of money. Over time, these leaks can damage the framing and sheathing of your roof as well as destroy insulation. They can also cause wet spots on your ceilings, which are visually displeasing and may require drywall replacement or painting.
It’s important to inspect your roof for signs of flashing damage regularly, especially in areas with heavy rain or snow. If you notice water stains or other indications of a leaky roof, contact a roofing contractor immediately to schedule a roof repair service.
A professional roofer will use several tools and equipment to properly repair damaged roof components. They will set up tarps around any foundation plantings or shrubbery near the roof to protect them from falling debris during the repair process. They will also use magnetic tools to pick up any nails or other metal objects from the lawn below your roof.
Depending on the extent of the roof repairs, your roofing contractor will either remove or replace sections of the roof and seal leaky areas. They will caulk or taper the roof to prevent moisture from entering the interior of your home, and they will replace any shingles that are missing or damaged.
If you notice any signs of a leaky roof, call us today to schedule an inspection and free quote. Our experienced roofing contractors will identify any areas of damage and offer the most affordable solutions.
