Whirlwinds, tornadoes and ice are just some of the things that can damage your roof. But with a little care and forethought, you can make repairs to minor leaks or missing shingles without calling in the pros.
As long as you’re not dealing with a metal roof, asphalt shingle repair is fairly straightforward for the handy homeowner to perform. It all starts with finding the problem.
Your roof shields everything inside your home from the elements – rain, snow, wind and even the sun. So, it’s no wonder that the weather plays a significant role in your roof’s wear and tear. If your roof is in disrepair, it can impact the integrity of your entire house.
Heavy rains, hail and snow can cause damage to your roof that’s difficult or impossible for you to see without a professional inspection. In addition, water infiltration through damaged areas of your roof can result in rot, mold growth and weakened foundations. Regular roof inspections can help you catch and address these problems before they become serious.
Many roofing materials are affected by the weather, including asphalt shingles and built-up roofing systems. Extreme temperatures can also impact the performance and adhesion of some roofing materials, making it important to consider seasonally appropriate roofing repair solutions. For example, humid conditions may interfere with the curing process of adhesives and can contribute to moisture-related issues. In these conditions, the use of waterproofing coatings is often necessary to ensure long-term durability.
Changing seasons can also add to the complexity of roof repair. For instance, rainy or snowy weather can add to the weight of snow-covered roofs, which can be a significant safety issue for roofing professionals. Additionally, moisture can impede the work of some roofing repair materials, such as caulking.
High winds can also pose challenges for roofing repair. They can knock down tree branches and debris that can puncture or dislodge roof materials. The resulting damage can be difficult and expensive to repair. In addition, wind can make it unsafe for workers to be on the roof, compromising the quality of the repairs. As a result, roof repair work should only be done under stable conditions.
Debris
Debris is a common issue homeowners face, whether it’s branches that fall during storms or patches of moss that can cause roof rot. Keeping debris clean is an important part of roofing services sonoma county that extends the life of your roof and prevents damage from occurring. However, this can be a difficult task to do on your own.
Debris includes everything from twigs, leaves, and bird droppings to the carcasses of dead trees, shed animals, and even wind-blown trash. It’s not just unsightly, but it can lead to structural problems and leaks in the house. It also increases the weight on your roof and may cause it to sag or collapse over time.
While most roofs are designed to withstand various weather elements, debris can easily puncture or tear them. The most common culprits are fallen branches or other heavy objects. Branches that fall from overhanging trees can puncture your roof and cause water leaks or structural damage to the home.
The presence of debris can also trap moisture and encourage the growth of mold, mildew, or algae. This can damage your roofing materials and deteriorate them prematurely, leading to roof leaks and other problems.
Debris can also interfere with your roof’s drainage system, which is one of the most critical functions. Ideally, the roof drains water into gutters and downspouts, diverting it away from the house. When debris accumulates, it can clog the gutters and overload them, which leads to flooding in the attic and rot of the roof’s structure.
It’s important to have the right tools and knowledge to safely remove debris from your roof. A ladder with a secure footing and non-slip shoes is essential, as is a good pair of gloves and eye protection. If you’re not comfortable using a ladder, it’s a good idea to call in a professional roofer to help you. They can use a variety of tools, from leaf blowers to hand-held scrapers, to ensure your roof is free of debris and safe to walk on. It’s best to work with a local company that specializes in residential roof repair.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing, often referred to as BUR, is a time-tested roof system that provides reliable waterproofing and insulation. It’s a popular choice for flat and low-sloped roofs in commercial, industrial, and high-traffic areas. BUR systems offer many layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics to prevent leaks and provide heavy-duty protection for your building.
The construction of a built-up roof starts with the roof base, which is then covered by a layer of insulating material. Next, a cover board is applied to the top of the insulating material for a smoother surface and to seal around fasteners. A series of asphalt and ply sheet layers are then applied, usually in alternating fashion. The last ply layer is typically covered with gravel or mineral granules to protect the underlying layers from sun damage.
When installing a built-up roof, the commercial roofing contractor must ensure the ply sheets are not adhered directly to the structural decking of the roof. The decking may need to be reinforced to prevent a ponding effect. Then the ply sheets are covered with multiple applications of bitumen, or tar, to create a strong and durable waterproof membrane. Depending on the roofer, the bitumen can be hot or cold applied.
Once the bitumen is in place, a flood coat of water-resistant asphalt or a mineral-coated cap sheet is added to provide a protective layer against the elements. The cap sheet also helps to reinforce the ply sheets and prevent leaks. A final layer of surfacing is added, which may be gravel, slag, a reflective roof coating, or an asphalt-coated, stone-granule surface.
While built-up roofs are known for their durability and weather resistance, they are susceptible to leaks when not installed or maintained correctly. Leaks are more likely to occur at the seams of a built-up roof, so proper installation and routine inspections are crucial.
Another problem with built-up roofs is that it can be difficult to diagnose where a leak is coming from because there are so many layers. Leaks can travel between the different layers, and sometimes get trapped in between them. This makes it important to have a service crew that is familiar with built-up roofs and knows how to find the source of the leak.
Shingles
As the home’s first line of defense against the elements, shingles are critical. That’s why shingle repair and scheduling regular roof inspections should be high on any homeowner’s priority list. A well-maintained shingle roof can keep water from penetrating your house, while a damaged one leaves your home at risk of costly damage and leaks.
A reputable roofing company can help you determine whether to repair or replace your roof based on the type and extent of damage, as well as the age of your shingles. They can also guide you in determining the best roofing materials and techniques for the job at hand, so you can enjoy the benefits of a strong and durable roof for years to come.
Missing shingles are a clear indication that your roof needs attention. Even a single missing shingle can expose your home to progressive damage from weather and rain, and it will leave the remaining shingles vulnerable. Considering that your shingles may only last for 20 years, this is definitely something you want to address ASAP to prevent additional leaks and damage.
Other signs of shingle damage include curling and blisters. Curling is when the edges of your shingles turn upward, while blisters are when the middle of your shingle starts to lift up. Both of these are a sign that your shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan or that you have a poorly ventilated attic.
Replacing a single shingle is a relatively easy fix that requires a little DIY know-how and the right tools. Start by loosening the shingles above your damaged shingle with a pry bar and hammer to reveal the nails. Remove the old shingle and place your new one in its place, lining it up with the shingles that surround it. Next, use a hammer and nail gun to nail your new shingle into place through the nail strip. When you’re done, make sure all the nails are secure and that the shingle is properly overlapped and nailed. Finally, camouflage your repairs by sprinkling granules from your gutters onto the surface of the shingle.