A roof’s job is to protect everything inside from rain, snow, ice, harsh sunlight, and extreme temperatures. When it’s not in tip-top condition, problems ensue – including mold and mildew, higher heating and cooling bills, and an inability to sell the house.
Repairing or replacing a roof can seem like a daunting task. Is it a matter of just repairing a few leaks, or should the whole thing be replaced? Visit https://redstickroofing.com/baton-rouge to learn more.
The shingles on your roof are exposed to a lot of damage throughout the year, from sudden and severe storms to prolonged cool weather. This can cause shingles to become loose or even fall off. This is why it’s important to regularly inspect your roof and shingle condition. If you notice any damage, it’s a good idea to repair or replace your shingles promptly.
You can easily handle most shingle repairs yourself, but it’s important to know when you should call in a professional. If you aren’t confident that you can safely climb up on your roof to repair a damaged shingle, it’s best to contact a local roofing contractor for a quick and easy fix.
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools to complete the job. You’ll need a ladder that’s in good working condition, a caulking gun and roofing sealant. Also, you should always work on a warm afternoon. Shingles are more pliable in warmer weather and will be less likely to crack or break.
Start by locating the shingle that needs to be repaired. Once you’ve found it, slide your flat pry bar underneath the corner of the shingle and gently lift it. This will allow you to access the nail beneath it and remove it. Once the shingle is removed, be careful not to tear or puncture any of the surrounding shingles.
If the shingle is simply cracked or torn, you can usually repair it with roofing sealant instead of replacing it entirely. Use a caulking gun to apply a thick bead of roofing sealant under the cracked or torn section of the shingle. Then, place a weight, such as a brick, on top of the curled corner to hold it down while the sealant dries.
Once the roof sealant has dried, cut a new piece of shingle to the proper length with your tinsnips and slide it into place. Be sure to fasten it with roofing nails if you can. If you can’t, use a dab of tar to secure the shingle. If the new shingle doesn’t exactly match the color of your existing shingles, you can camouflage it with a little roofing cement.
Flashing
Many roof leaks are caused by flashing that is worn out, cracked, or corroded. It is important to inspect the flashing regularly and make repairs as needed. If you catch a leak early, it can be easily repaired. Leaving small flashing problems unrepaired can lead to expensive water damage and mold in your home.
Flashing is strips of impervious material installed around objects that penetrate the roof such as chimneys, vent pipes, dormers, skylights and windows and around intersections to help prevent water penetration and increase durability of walls. Flashing can be metal or non-metal, and is commonly made of copper, aluminum or galvanized steel.
If you do not have a professional roofer, it is a good idea to inspect the flashing regularly. It is best to do this when it is dry so you can see any areas of concern clearly.
You should use a ladder that is in good condition to get up on the roof and check for holes or gaps in the flashing. It is also a good idea to wear sturdy work boots and safety glasses when doing this.
The flashing is usually made of a type of metal that can expand and contract as the weather changes, so it must be properly sealed. If not, it can warp and cause leaks. It is not a good idea to install a new layer of flashing over an existing one. If you do this, water may get caught between the layers of flashing and lead to further damage.
Over time, the constant exposure to harsh weather elements can cause flashing to develop rust spots or corrosion. If left unrepaired, these rust spots can eventually turn into actual holes in the flashing. Flashing can also be damaged by a direct blow from a fallen tree branch or heavy wind.
A roofer can easily fix this problem by simply repairing the area of the damaged flashing. If the rust or corrosion is extensive, however, it may be necessary to replace the entire piece of flashing. This can be more expensive than a simple repair but it is well worth the investment to protect your home.
Gutters
Gutters prevent rainwater from splashing around your home, reducing the risk of damage to walls and landscaping. They also help reduce energy costs by preventing moisture and organic material buildup on the side of your house. If you have gutters, be sure to inspect them regularly for problems. Keeping your gutters in good condition will prevent clogs and allow you to enjoy the benefits of having them.
Gutter problems can be simple and inexpensive to fix. Start by removing any obstacles that might interfere with safely climbing the ladder to work on the gutters, such as overgrown tree branches or garden decorations. Then, clean the gutters thoroughly with water and a wire brush. You should also check the gutter downspout for rust, loose screws, or other signs of damage.
Leaky gutters can be a big problem, particularly in cold climates where snow and ice may cause the gutter to leak or collapse. Fortunately, there are simple fixes for most leaky gutters, including roof sealant and metal repair tape. Before applying the repair tape, spray a special adhesive primer (such as Protecto-Tek) on the damaged area and carefully remove any rust or paint. Once the surface is clean and dry, cut the repair tape to size and then apply it to the gutter, pressing firmly to ensure the tape adheres well to curves and corners. Be sure to overlap long seams by at least 1 inch and end seams by 4 inches.
Loose gutter straps can often be re-nailed, but if the strap is completely destroyed, it will need to be replaced. You can also improve the drainage of your gutter by adding a downspout extension or replacing a gutter apron. If you can’t get to a fascia bracket to renail it, add a support every 21/2 feet along the gutter, and cover the nail heads with roof cement.
One of the most important functions of your gutters is to drain standing water away from your foundation and basement. Without a gutter system, water can seep into basements and cause mold and mildew. In addition, a flooded basement can cause damage to appliances and other equipment in the area. Proper gutter drainage prevents these issues and keeps your basement warm and dry.
Soffit
The soffit is a small piece of wood that covers the underside of your roof overhang. It keeps water and pests out of your attic and allows for proper airflow into the space. Keeping the soffit clean and in good repair is important for protecting the rest of your roof and your home from moisture damage.
A soffit is often built from 1-inch boards of either wood or plywood. It may be ventilated or non-ventilated, although most homeowners prefer to have a mixture of both styles. Ventilated soffits are designed with holes to help keep your attic cool and prevent condensation build-up. Non-ventilated soffits are generally used in combination with vented soffit panels to strategically control the flow of air into your attic.
Most soffits are located on the underside of your roof overhang, just below the fascia. They are primarily made of wood, but can also be constructed from other materials such as aluminum or composites. You may find soffit boards that are damaged by moisture or that have mold and mildew spots on them. These can be cleaned by washing them with a solution of bleach and water or by spraying them down with a hose with a sprayer attachment.
Another sign that your soffit needs to be repaired is that it has started to rot or have holes in it. A rotting soffit can cause water to penetrate into the attic and can lead to damage of the sheathing and rafters underneath. The soffit and fascia also help to protect your roof from weather changes, as well as to keep out animals such as squirrels and birds.
If you notice soffit rot or any other signs of moisture or insect infestation, you should schedule an inspection with a trusted roofing company. These experts can repair the soffit and fascia and make sure your roof is protected from moisture damage and that insects are kept out of your attic. They can also provide advice about other preventative maintenance to keep your soffit and fascia in good condition. Keeping the soffit and fascia free of debris, such as twigs and branches, can also help keep them in good repair.