Your roof is one of the most important structural elements of your home, and it will naturally need occasional maintenance and repairs over the years. Modern residential roofs are complex systems, and the services you may need from a roofing contractor go far beyond patching leaks.
Understanding the major types of roof repair will help you identify problems with your own roof before they get too serious. Roofing contractors use a wide variety of skills to provide comprehensive service for your roof. Here is an introduction to four common roof repairs.
1. Shingle Repair
Roof shingles are your home's first line of defense against the elements. Shingles have three primary forces to contend with: precipitation, high winds, and UV radiation. These factors can cause shingles to crack, blister, curl, and dislodge from your roof. Repairing damaged shingles is essential to prevent leaks and protect the roof underlayment from moisture.
Shingles that are lost or missing pieces must be replaced, but some types of damage are more economical to repair. Roofing contractors can sometimes repair cracked shingles or reattach curling shingles by applying roofing sealant to the damaged area. Your contractors will determine the best method to repair damaged shingles upon inspecting your roof.
2. Moss and Algae Removal
If you've ever noticed unsightly black or green stains on your roof, you are likely dealing with an algae or mold problem. Wind and small animals can carry moss and algae spores onto your roof. These spores may flourish into colonies if your roof is shaded from the sun and there is sufficient moisture in the grooves between your shingles.
Uncontrolled moss and algae growth can create gaps between shingles and cause large-scale roof leaks. Many roofing contractors offer moss and algae removal services, during which contractors will spray your roof with a chlorine solution. You can also discourage moss and algae buildup by trimming back any tree limbs above your roof.
3. Roof Vent Repair
Most homes have one or more vent pipes emerging from the roof that are connected to exhaust vents in bathrooms and kitchens. Vent pipes are typically installed with a collar around the base that consists of metal flashing and a rubber boot. The collar is essential to prevent leaks around vent pipes, but it can deteriorate due to age and corrosion.
Roofing contractors can examine damaged vent pipes and repair the flashing, roof cement, and rubber collars around them. Roofers can also repair corrosion and leaks that occur in the elbows or joints of roof vent pipes. These services prevent nasty roof leaks and ensure that any water that enters your vent pipes is routed to your plumbing system as intended.
4. Gutter Services
If shingles are the frontlines of your roof, gutters can be considered the rear guard. Your gutters redirect water that drains off your roof away from your home to protect the roof underlayment as well as your siding and foundation. Gutters made of aluminum or galvanized steel have an expected lifespan of 20 years, after which time you may start to notice more frequent problems.
Replacing worn, rusted, and sagging gutters ensures that your home is protected from rainwater and eliminates the danger of injury from falling gutters. If your gutters are clogging or overflowing frequently, a roofing contractor can restore them to like-new condition without the safety risk of DIY repairs.
Roof repair is a broad field that requires the training and on-the-job experience of a trained professional for comprehensive service. If you have been dealing with roof leaks, stains, or poor gutter performance, contact a professional roofer so you can have peace of mind that your roof is protecting your home from the elements.
One day when we were all sitting in our living room, I thought I felt a drop of water fall onto my arm. At first, I figured it was my imagination, but when the second one fell, I knew we had an issue. Although it wasn't raining that day, it had rained the day before, so I started looking for the source of the problem. After looking in my attic, I could tell what the problem was, and I knew I had to fix it. I started looking for ways to stop the water immediately, but it just wasn't working for me. Fortunately, roofers came out, fixed the problem, and showed me what I needed to do to clean up the mess. Read more on this blog.