A well-maintained roof adds to the overall value of a home. It insulates and prevents moisture from entering the house, while keeping it safe for occupants.
Roof repair is typically a minor fix that can prolong the life of your existing roof. However, you should still inspect your roof regularly and make any necessary repairs promptly. Contact Corpus Christi Roofing CO for professional help.
Shingles are your roof’s outer layer of protection from weather, rain and UV rays. If they start to wear down or are missing entirely, your roof is vulnerable to water damage that may not be evident immediately, but can lead to interior leaks and structural problems. A regular visual inspection is the best way to keep your eye on the condition of your shingles.
A typical asphalt shingle lasts from 20 to 30 years. If yours are close to the end of their lifespan or have already passed it, you’ll need to consider roof repairs or even a replacement.
If you spot bare spots on your roof, this means that some of the ceramic granules have worn away and are no longer providing your shingles with the protection they need to stay in good condition. These granules are not only essential for appearance, but also offer impact, fire resistance and UV protection. In some cases, you can restore a shingle by reattaching the lost granules, but in many situations a full replacement is necessary.
Another important symptom of shingle damage is visible water stains on your home’s ceilings or walls. Water stains are a clear sign that moisture is leaking through your roof. If left unchecked, this moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, rotting boards and other serious roof issues.
You should also look for signs of sagging in the roof. A sagging roof is not only unsightly, but can also lead to costly structural damage. Check for drooping areas of the roof that are trapped with moisture, as this could cause the entire roof to break apart and collapse.
Leaking roofs should always be addressed as soon as possible, as the water that seeps through a damaged or missing shingle can cause rot and other issues inside your home. A leaking roof can also lead to water damage in attics, crawl spaces and basements.
If you notice a shingle is missing, use a pry bar to lift the tabs above it and expose the nails. Then, remove the nail and replace the shingle. Be sure to match the color and texture of the adjacent shingles.
Flashing
Flashing is a crucial part of your roof and is installed at points prone to leaks like chimneys, dormers, vent pipes, skylights, or other projections from the roof. It’s a strip of impervious material, usually galvanized steel or aluminum, that prevents water penetration or seepage through the seams in the roof. It also directs moisture from these areas away from walls to protect them.
Leaks can cause structural damage and mold growth, so it’s important to have deteriorating or damaged roof flashing repaired. Signs of faulty flashing include rust, holes, cracks, and gaps.
There are many different kinds of flashing, depending on your needs and the areas where it’s used. Step flashing, for example, is a series of L-shaped metal pieces that’s installed in a “step” pattern along the crease where a wall meets the roof. Continuous flashing is another type of flashing that’s used in straight runs along roof edges and valleys for long-term protection against water infiltration.
These types of flashing can be made from various materials to fit specific cost considerations, design requirements, and weather conditions. Generally, they are made from durable, corrosion-resistant metals, but they can also be crafted from other composite materials and synthetic or plastic products.
Some types of flashing are designed to seal around protruding pipes or vents, such as a chimney pipe or a vent pipe from a wood-burning stove. These flashing pieces have a central opening (made of metal for a chimney pipe or rubber compression fitting for a PVC pipe) that slips over the pipe or vent to create a watertight seal.
Poor roof flashing repairs can lead to a variety of problems, including leaks and mold growth in the attic or basement. To avoid this, make sure you hire a roofing contractor who is knowledgeable about the proper installation of roof flashing. This includes ensuring that there are proper laps, that the flashing is adequately sealed with caulking and that the flashing is made from an appropriate material for your climate.
Gutters
Gutters seem like an afterthought, but they’re extremely important in helping to keep your roof healthy and protecting the structure of your home. They channel water away from the shingles and soffit, preventing it from seeping through or pushing under them and down into your attic. They also keep water from running down the side of your house and deteriorating the foundation. If your gutters are damaged or clogged, they’ll need to be replaced in order to work properly.
The simplest problem with your gutters is a build-up of debris. This can be caused by a variety of things, including the failure to clear leaves and twigs from your gutters regularly, overflowing gutters, and downspout blockages. If these problems are left unaddressed, they can cause rot and damage to the fascia boards, which can eventually compromise the integrity of your roof.
Another issue with clogged gutters is that they prevent water from draining off your roof. This can lead to the swell and deterioration of shingles, causing them to leak into your attic or ceiling. It can also encourage the growth of dangerous fungus and algae on your roof and throughout your home.
You can fix some of these issues by cleaning your gutters on a regular basis and installing gutter guards. However, in most cases, your gutters will need to be replaced altogether. When it’s time to replace them, consider getting seamless gutters that are durable and require less maintenance.
If you have a gutter system that’s old and damaged, it’s best to replace it at the same time as your roof. This will ensure that the two systems work together efficiently, keeping your roof and home safe from water damage. If you’re unsure about the condition of your gutters, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced roofing company for a thorough inspection. They’ll be able to determine whether or not they need to be repaired or replaced and help you choose the right option for your home. They can also help you understand the value of a well-functioning gutter system, common gutter problems, and the impact that these problems have on your roof health.
Skylights
Skylights bring beautiful natural light into a home and offer an enchanting view of the starry night sky. They are also a functional addition that can help reduce energy costs by bringing in sunlight and heat during the day, while allowing warm air to escape during the night. But like any other part of your roof, they eventually need to be repaired or replaced. If you have a leaky skylight, a qualified roofing company can repair it before the problem spreads to other parts of your home.
Skylight leaks can be tricky to fix because water may travel through many different paths before reaching your ceiling. For this reason, it’s important to inspect the entire area surrounding your skylight and address any areas of moisture or leaking. Inspecting and repairing the flashing is also important, as this is often where the leaks begin.
Leaking around a skylight is most commonly caused by deteriorated or damaged flashing, but it could also be a sign of a poorly installed skylight. Water can cause serious damage to your home’s interior, including mold growth and damp floorboards, so it is essential to attend to leaky skylights promptly.
Whether you have operable or non-operable skylights, it is important to keep them clean and in good working order to extend their lifespan. Cleaning them with household window cleaner or ammonia is not recommended, as it can damage the glass and frame. Instead, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job.
It’s better to replace your skylight during a roof replacement rather than doing it at a later date. Replacing your skylight separately can be expensive and time-consuming, as it requires extra work to avoid damaging the frame or glass. Additionally, if you replace your roof and decide to keep your existing skylight, the new shingles may not match well, creating an unappealing patchwork appearance.
A quality roofing contractor will know to replace your skylight at the same time as your roof, ensuring that all areas of your home are protected from the elements and looking their best. This also makes it easier for you to maintain your skylight and keep it in top condition.