Small issues like leaking roof holes or broken shingles can quickly escalate into larger problems if left untreated. A leaking roof can lead to costly water damage, mold growth, and even structural deterioration.
A visual inspection of your home’s ceiling and walls can help spot potential damage to your roof. Look for water stains, mold, or peeling paint. Contact Cedar Park Roof Repair for professional help.
When shingles are damaged or missing, it’s important to take action right away. Not only are these sections of the roof open to the elements, but they can also lead to water damage in your home. Water can soak into the roof and leak down to your rooms, damaging drywall, floors, carpets, and more. Missing shingles are also a sign of structural problems that can be very expensive to repair.
Generally, shingle damage is the result of severe weather or lack of maintenance. Severe hail can ding, bruise, or tear asphalt shingles, and heavy winds may lift or rip shingles from the roof. The sun’s UV rays can cause shingles to become brittle and crack, leading to further problems. In addition, a lack of routine roof maintenance can leave shingles susceptible to fungus and other deterioration factors.
A professional roofing contractor can inspect your shingle roof and make recommendations for repairs, including repairing or replacing damaged shingles. If you decide to perform a DIY inspection, remember to use the proper safety precautions before climbing onto your roof. This includes wearing a harness and gloves, ensuring that the ladder is in a stable location, and having someone hold the ladder while you climb.
In addition to shingles, you should also look for signs of damage to the flashing and roof sheathing. Flashing is designed to work with the shingles as part of a system, and when it’s damaged, it can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage. It’s also important to keep an eye out for rot and fungus, which can be caused by improper ventilation and other issues.
A professional roofing contractor can also inspect your shingle roof for any other issues that require attention, such as leaks and other damage. A thorough inspection will allow a professional to identify the source of a problem and recommend the best solution. Often, serious roof problems begin as tiny issues that go unnoticed or ignored, so performing regular inspections and working with a professional can help prevent unforeseen damage and costly repairs down the road.
Leaking Flashing
Flashing is a crucial roof component designed to direct water away from protrusions on the roof, such as chimneys and skylights. But if flashing isn’t properly installed or becomes damaged, it can lead to leaks that seep into the home and cause severe damage. Often, a roofing contractor is the best bet for identifying and repairing roof flashing leaks.
Leaking flashing can result from a number of issues, including corrosion from the weather and aging, incorrect installation, or powerful storm damage. A common problem is improper caulking and sealing around the edges of the flashing. This allows moisture to seep into the flashing, which then corrodes from the elements and creates a gap that can leak water into the house.
Other signs of flashing leaks include mold, mildew, or discoloration on ceilings and walls near chimneys, roof valleys, skylights, or other roof openings. A good way to identify a flashing leak is to use the garden hose test. Send someone up into the attic, turn on a hose, and gently run it over suspected areas where roof flashing meets – like chimneys, vents, and skylights. If the area is wet, it’s time for more comprehensive repairs.
Flashing is also vulnerable to leaks if the rubber or metal caps on the ends of flashing are damaged, eroding, or missing. This is particularly true of metal flashing that covers a penetration such as a vent or pipe. It’s important to replace these deteriorated roofing boots with new ones.
If you’re looking for a quick fix, flashing tape can be used to cover small cracks and gaps in the flashing. Be sure to thoroughly clean the area before applying the tape, and press it firmly to ensure a tight seal. This is a temporary repair that can prevent leaks until more extensive repairs can be made.
Having professional roofers inspect and repair your roof’s flashing can ensure it stays safe and dry throughout the year. Contact us to set up your next roof maintenance appointment! We offer a wide variety of roof services and can help you protect your home from leaks, rot, mold growth, and other costly damages.
Damaged Underlayment
While hidden from view, your roof’s underlayment is essential to the integrity of your entire roofing system. When this critical component deteriorates, it opens the door to leaks and structural damage. It’s important for Pittsburgh homeowners to understand how underlayment deterioration occurs so that they can identify the signs of damage and have it promptly repaired by qualified roofing professionals.
The first sign of deteriorating underlayment is usually visible through changes in your roof’s shingles. If you notice that your shingles are buckling, curling at the edges, or shedding granules prematurely, it’s likely that moisture is getting trapped under them, causing underlayment to break down and leading to water intrusion into your home.
When the underlayment breaks down, it leaves the joists and rafters vulnerable to expansion and contraction. Over time, this can lead to sagging and even structural failure. This timeline is accelerated by the freeze-thaw cycles characteristic of our climate, making regular inspections of your roof a must.
Another clear indication of underlayment deterioration is the presence of mold and mildew in your home. These microorganisms thrive in damp environments, and they release spores that can cause respiratory problems for you and your family members. If you’re noticing musty odors or unexplained health issues, schedule a professional inspection by an experienced Pittsburgh roofing contractor.
Damaged underlayment also creates entry points for pests. Rodents, insects, and birds will often exploit these weak spots to gain access to your home. Fortunately, these creatures can be easily deterred by the installation of properly installed metal barriers on your roof.
Your roof’s flashing is a crucial part of your home’s waterproof barrier, and it’s especially important around vents, chimneys, and skylights. Damaged flashing can lead to water intrusion, so you should regularly check these areas of your roof to ensure that they’re intact and that there are no gaps or cracks in the flashing.
As with shingle damage, it’s best to leave the inspection of your flashing to a professional Pittsburgh roofing contractor. In addition to inspecting the visible signs of damage, a professional will also examine your roof’s interior for any indications of underlying problems.
Damaged Boards
Damaged boards that are not repaired quickly create tripping hazards that can lead to severe injuries. They also allow moisture to seep into the wood, accelerating rot and decay. Over time, this can weaken the joists and other structural components of your roof, leading to more extensive (and expensive) repairs down the line.
The first step in repairing a damaged board is to examine the area and determine what type of repair it requires. Superficial scratches might be corrected with a light sanding, while cracks and warping may necessitate replacing the board entirely. In addition, it is important to ensure that the damaged area is not affecting any of the surrounding or lapped boards.
If the damaged section of siding is attached using a click system, removing it will be more straightforward than if it were nailed in place. Use a circular saw to carefully cut along the seams that hold the damaged piece, taking care not to cut into adjacent or opposite pieces. Once the nails are removed, the board can be slid out and replaced.
Similarly, tongue-and-grooved boards can be easily repaired by applying construction adhesive to the underside of the new board where it will make contact with the installed adjacent boards. Allow to dry and sand the repaired area, then apply a surface finish such as Junckers’ ultra matt lacquer or nature-inspired oil to help blend the repair into your existing floor.