Facilities professionals can face challenges when they need to repair or replace roofs. This can include aesthetics versus structural damage, location and weather conditions, materials and costs, and whether the job is best done by a pro or an amateur.
Start by doing a visual inspection of the attic or crawl space, examining shingles, gutters and flashing around chimneys and dormers. Look for damp spots and peeling paint. Contact Roofing Kalispell for professional help.
Fortunately, most roof damage can be repaired without replacing the whole shingle. If your roof shingles are buckling up, it’s important to understand why so you can prevent it from happening again and stop water damage in its tracks. This may require further inspection by a professional roofer to determine the underlying cause, which could be inadequate ventilation, excessive heat, improper installation or moisture-related issues.
Shingles are vulnerable to many things, including the sun’s heat, which can melt them and weaken their adhesive bond; moisture, which causes the glue to deteriorate and swell up, causing shingle tabs to curl up; and critters that scurry across the roof, tearing the shingles. The first signs of shingle damage can usually be seen from the ground. However, a closer look by climbing onto the roof (using proper safety equipment and never working alone) may reveal cracked, torn, or missing shingles.
Generally, a single damaged shingle can be easily replaced with one that matches in style and color for a cohesive appearance. This is also the preferred repair method for shingles that aren’t torn entirely.
The most obvious clue that you need to replace a shingle is a noticeable loss of granules in the gutter or down the sides of your house. You may also notice a dark stain on the ceiling or walls where the shingle was exposed to water for a long time.
Begin by tying a length of climbing rope to a sturdy object on the side of your house opposite where you’re going to be working; then route the other end of the rope around a tree or your car, and climb up using the ladder. If you’re not comfortable climbing, contact a professional roofer to handle the job.
After loosening the shingles above the row of damaged shingles, use a pry bar to lift up the tabs and remove them. Immediately pull out the nails that penetrated the undamaged shingles when you lifted them, as these will need to be removed as well.
Apply a bead of roof sealant to the exposed edges of the replacement shingle, and firmly press it into place on top of the shingle below. If you’re worried about the repair being readily visible, check in the gutter for an accumulation of colored granules that can be spread over the sealant to camouflage it.
Repairing Damaged Flashing
The flashing that runs along roof edges, around chimneys, and at corners is one of the most important parts of your home’s roofing system. Without it, moisture can leak underneath the shingles and damage the wood roof deck. It can also cause a buckling roof and cost you more money in repairs.
It’s normal for flashing to become damaged or corroded over time, and it’s vital that you repair any such damage quickly. Water leaks can damage the interior of your house and cause other problems, such as mold and mildew growth.
If the flashing has been damaged, the first thing you need to do is clean the area thoroughly. Then, if the damage is minor, you can use caulking or roofing cement to seal cracks or gaps. Be sure to apply the sealant carefully and use a putty knife to smooth it for a good, waterproof finish. For more extensive flashing repair, you may need to replace the flashing. If this is the case, remove the existing piece, cut a new piece to fit, and secure it in place with roofing nails or screws. Be sure that the new flashing overlaps the old flashing to create a watertight seal.
A professional roofer is the best option for any flashing repair work. Not only do they have the necessary tools and skills for this type of job, but they can also assess the entire roof and identify any other issues that require attention. This can save you time and money in the long run.
In addition to replacing damaged flashing, you can also use a sealant to prevent further water infiltration. This product comes in liquid and foam forms, and it’s easy to apply with a brush or caulking gun. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Another common flashing problem occurs when the flange around vent pipes becomes loose or detached from the roof. You can usually fix this by removing the shingles, removing the nails that hold the flashing in place, and pulling or cutting off the damaged flange. Once the flange is free, screw down a new flashing strip over it, and then nail the shingles back in place.
Repairing Damaged Siding
If your siding has small holes, dents or cracks, you can typically fix them with filler and exterior paint. Ideally, you should use a color-matched exterior paint to help the patch blend in seamlessly with the rest of the siding. It is important to sand the area before applying the filler so it is more workable.
Larger areas of damage may require more extensive repair. This type of damage can be caused by storms, twigs and branches, or even by pests or animals. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire section of siding. If this is the case, it’s best to call a professional to ensure the replacement is properly installed and that there are no other issues with the structure of your home.
In most cases, it will be possible to find a replacement piece of vinyl siding to fit the size of the damaged area. Many homeowners have had the foresight to save leftover pieces from the last time they sided their homes. These leftover pieces can often be found tucked away on a shelf or in the garage rafters. If you cannot find a piece that is a perfect match for your existing siding, it is a good idea to use the old damaged board as a template to create a new replacement.
Score around the edge of the damaged area with a utility knife to make sure you don’t cut into any underlying caulk or insulation. This will make it much easier to remove the damaged board without damaging the surrounding boards. You can then use a pry bar and wood shims to lift the board up enough to access the nails that are holding it in place.
Load a caulk gun with waterproof vinyl caulk and apply it to the back of the patch and around the edges of the damaged area. Allow the caulk to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before sanding it and painting it with a color-matched exterior paint. It’s also a good idea to add caulk to the top of the siding to prevent water from seeping into the structure of your home.
Repairing Damaged Gutters
Gutters are an essential part of any roof and help to prevent water damage to a home by diverting rainwater or melting snow away from the siding and foundation. However, they can become damaged by age and weathering. Gutter leaks and clogs can allow water to infiltrate behind the siding or down the walls, which can lead to wood rot and mold. It’s important to fix any gutter damage as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs and maintenance.
Typically made from aluminum, copper, zinc or steel, gutters are designed to channel rainwater or snow melt away from a house and down a downspout. Gutter repair is a common DIY roofing job that can be accomplished by repairing holes, replacing sections, reattaching or re-flashing gutters and installing downspout splash guards.
Over time, gutters can deteriorate due to normal wear and tear, and as they age they may crack, rust or pull away from the fascia boards of the roof. Gutters can also clog or leak, resulting in water infiltration through the roof and into the walls and foundation of the house. Gutter leaks are usually the result of disconnected or broken gutter sections and downspouts. These can be repaired with gutter sealant or flashing, depending on the size of the hole.
When it comes to repairing gutters, the most common problem is a clogged or overflowing gutter. This can be caused by leaves or other debris that collects and obstructs the flow of water or from improper slope or design of the gutter system.
If your gutters are clogged, you can clean them by removing the debris and spraying them down with a garden hose to rinse away the excess moisture. If your gutters are overflowing, you can either install a new downspout or re-install the existing one by extending it. You can also check the gutter slope and pitch to determine if there is a problem. A good slope for a gutter is about 1/4 inch of fall per 10 feet of gutter. If it is too low, you can reattach the fascia hanger brackets and reslope the gutters.