Your roof protects everything you value inside your home. But the integrity of any roof is under constant assault from sun, wind, rain, ice, and other environmental factors.
If you discover water stains or other telltale signs, get into your attic and start looking around (be careful!). Take lots of high-res pictures and try to be systematic.
A damaged shingle can lead to leaks, which can result in untold damage to your ceiling and other parts of your home. Whether the damage was caused by a recent storm or by general wear and tear, repairing it is essential to protecting your roof and your home.
The first thing to do is assess the extent of the damage and determine whether it’s a job for you or a professional. If you decide to go it alone, make sure you have all the right gear, including a sturdy ladder, safety harness, gloves, protective eyewear, and non-slip footwear. Also, get a roofing spade and a utility knife for easily lifting and cutting shingles. Lastly, you’ll need a hammer with a claw and roofing nails. A caulking gun is useful for applying the necessary sealant to secure the shingles and prevent leaks.
If a single shingle is damaged, you might be able to replace it with a piece cut from a nearby shingle that’s the same size. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase a bundle of three-tab shingles at a home center or lumberyard and find a close match for the pattern on your roof.
Once you have the new shingles, start at the top of your roof and carefully pry up the course of shingles above the damaged one, loosening their nails and exposing the nails that hold it in place. Then, remove the nail from the shingle you wish to replace and pull it free. Next, remove the shingle above it and position the replacement shingle in its place. Use the shingle spade and utility knife to pry up the tabs of the shingle beneath it, then cut off any bits of the old shingle that stick up above it.
When you’ve finished replacing all the damaged shingles, apply roofing cement to the edges and any gaps in order to protect your roof from water leaks. Then, check your gutters for an accumulation of colored granules that can be used to camouflage the repair work.
If a large section of your roof’s shingles are missing, you’ll have to replace the entire row. This is a much more involved project, and you’ll probably want to call in a professional.
Flashing
A roofing system’s flashing is crucial to keeping water out of your home. It’s made from thin pieces of impervious material, usually galvanized steel or aluminum, and installed at any roof intersection or joint. Flashing protects the vulnerable areas of a roof from leaking water that could otherwise damage shingles, lead to structural problems or cause mold.
It’s also important to note that flashing can be either exposed or concealed. The most common type of flashing is metal sheeting used at roof intersections and projections, such as vent pipes, chimneys and skylights. This is typically found on shingle roofs, although other materials are also used, such as copper or lead. Concealed flashing is typically done by forming a metal gutter at the wall, or by cutting out part of the stucco or brick wall and laying down flashing.
When a roof’s flashing is damaged, it can allow water to penetrate the surface of the shingles and into the interior of a building. There are a variety of warning signs to look out for that may indicate it’s time to replace flashing, such as discoloration around the areas where the flashing is installed due to trapped moisture, or a noticeable increase in exterior noise due to cracks and gaps in the flashing.
During the hot, humid summer months in Massachusetts, flashing can be particularly susceptible to damage because of dramatic changes in temperature. These extreme temperatures cause the flashing to expand and contract, which can result in it becoming warped and causing leaks at the points where it’s attached to a wall or other structure.
A professional roofer will be able to identify and repair any flashing issues before they become a serious problem. They’ll inspect the flashing and determine if it’s damaged or needs to be replaced, as well as check for any missing sections. If there are any holes or gaps, a skilled roofer can install replacement flashing quickly and easily.
If you notice any of these issues with your roof’s flashing, schedule an inspection immediately with a local roofing company like Lyons Roofing. Regular roof maintenance is essential to preventing costly repairs in the future, so it’s worth investing in annual maintenance and inspections of all parts of your roofing system, including the flashing.
Sagging
Roof sagging is a common sign that the structure needs to be reinforced or replaced. Sagging can cause structural damage to the house and, in extreme cases, may even cause parts of the roof to cave in. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage and potential injury to the residents of the home.
Sagging can be caused by a variety of things, including excessive weight, which is often caused by heavy snow or multiple layers of shingles. It can also be caused by structural defects in the rafters or trusses, or by design flaws that leave the roof unable to support its own weight.
In some cases, sagging can be corrected by adding supports or braces to the structure. This can be done by a professional roofer, and will usually cost less than replacing the entire roof. However, if the sagging is due to damaged or rotting rafters or trusses, replacement may be the only option.
The first step in determining the cause of a sagging roof is to inspect the structure. Take a look at the roof from the street and, if possible, go inside your attic and walk around with a flashlight. This will give you a better idea of the condition of the rafters or trusses, and you can look for signs of damage like cracks, rot, or broken pieces.
If the sagging is caused by a large amount of weight, it may be necessary to install additional support columns. These can be added to the attic or crawl space, and can help distribute the weight evenly across the entire roof. In addition, the sagging can be prevented by regularly clearing the roof of heavy snowfall, and keeping the attic well-insulated to prevent moisture buildup.
There is no set standard for how much sagging is acceptable, and any major sagging should be addressed immediately. A professional roofer will be able to inspect the condition of the structure and recommend the best course of action for repair.
Leaks
Your roof shields your home from wind, rain, sleet, and snow for decades. But it will eventually degrade, often through no fault of its own. An old or damaged shingle, poor flashing, or the onset of a leak can all lead to water intrusion and structural damage. The best way to prevent these issues is to maintain your roof and repair it promptly when problems arise.
Leaks often begin as a single wet spot on the ceiling and spread quickly. It’s critical to contain the leaks to limit the extent of the water damage, and this can be done by placing a bucket or other container under the affected area. It’s also important to contact your roofing contractor as soon as possible. Letting the issue go unattended can void your roof warranty and may result in more expensive repairs than if the problem is addressed as soon as it occurs.
The most common cause of roof leaks is due to flashing problems. Flashing is a metal strip that protects the valleys of your roof and any areas where the roof meets vertical surfaces, such as walls or dormers. Leaks can occur in these areas if the flashing is not installed properly or the flashing has become dislodged or corroded. The rubber seals on pipe boots can also degrade, allowing water to seep through and causing damage.
Another common cause of roof leaks is from improper ventilation. When water vapor in the attic can’t escape, it will condensate and rot the wood trusses and roof deck. This can cause a wide range of issues, from mildew and mold to fire hazards if the water reaches electrical wiring.
A well-ventilated attic is also crucial to preventing leaks, and the good news is that it’s often an inexpensive fix. This can be accomplished by blocking air leaks in the attic, increasing insulation, or having a roofer install a self-adhesive membrane. Leaks can also be caused by so-called ice dams, which are the result of warm air escaping from the attic and hitting the cold roof surface. This causes a freeze-thaw cycle that leads to the formation of ice at the eaves, which then leaks into the house.
