Maintaining a roof to keep it sound and functional is among the top concerns that many homeowners have. As the roof keeps you, your family, and belongings warm and dry, roof repair is a crucial project that no one should delay or ignore.

When you see any signs of wear, tear, and damage, it is a good idea to call for a roof inspection. This will help prevent moisture-related problems from becoming more serious due to water seeping under the shingles or leaking through holes and cracks in metal roof panels. Furthermore, a roof that is more than 20 years old can be expected to start showing different kinds of problems.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingle roofing systems are among the most popular options in the US due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, they are highly susceptible to damage -- they can be damaged if installed at below freezing temperatures and uplifted by wind, and even attic ventilation issues can also affect shingles. Once your shingle roof is damaged and you call a contractor to fix the problems, here are the things that you can expect for them to do when they arrive.

PART I: REPAIRING A SHINGLED ROOF

PINPOINTING THE DAMAGE OR LEAK SOURCE

Basically, the first step in repairing a shingle roof is inspecting and evaluating it to know which shingles need to be repaired or replaced and what other problems must be addressed. Depending on your contractor, they might follow different procedures in pinpointing leaks and damages. Generally, they will conduct a thorough search for signs of cracking, curling, bruising, and denting. Contractors will also check if there are granules collecting in the gutters and downspouts. Furthermore, they will also check for holes in the roof and for leaks in your ceiling, as well as dents in the vents, flashing, and rain gutter system.

FIXING CRACKED OR SPLIT SHINGLES

Not everyone knows this, but shingles that have minimal damage can still actually be fixed. A special adhesive can be used to repair cracked or split shingles. Your contractor can recommend whether or not a shingle can still be fixed. Shingles that are already brittle and curled are best replaced.

REMOVING SEVERELY DAMAGED SHINGLES

After assessing that the shingles must be replaced, the next step would be removing them. Take note that shingle removal is best done in cool weather. So don’t think badly of your contractor when they tell you that they cannot proceed with the removal of roof shingles because of the hot weather!

PART I: REPAIRING A SHINGLED ROOF

As a rule of thumb, at least five tabs in the second row above the damaged shingle must be removed to expose the nails that attach the damaged tab to the roof. So, don’t panic when you see your contractor removing shingles that you think are undamaged, because they need to do that to get access to the damaged ones. They will then loosen the exposed nails and adhesives until the damaged shingles can be removed.

REPLACING ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingles are fairly easy to install, so your contractor shouldn’t have much difficulty doing so. All you need is adequate replacement shingles, shingle cement or adhesive and roofing nails. Most replacement shingles already have pre-cut holes for nails, so there might no longer be a need for drilling equipment.

Once the damaged shingles have been replaced, you can ask your contractor to check for other loose shingles and secure them using the leftover adhesives and nails.

As a homeowner, you can help your shingles last longer by regularly checking them and doing simple touch-ups. When cleaning your roof, be careful not to let water get underneath the shingles to prevent premature rotting and moisture damage.

PART I: REPAIRING A SHINGLED ROOF

When properly installed, a metal roof system’s service life expectancy can be incomparable. This is mostly the reason why many homeowners choose them over other roofing materials. However, just like other roof systems, a metal roof also requires regular maintenance and at times, repairs.

Roofing repairs can be a puzzling process especially for homeowners who are new to it. However, even though you are hiring a contractor to check and repair your roof, you should also have an idea of how things are usually done. Let’s take a look at how metal roofs are repaired, and what you should expect when the contractors start working on your roof.

DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM

As with any repair job, the contractor will first check the roof thoroughly. Even if you have already briefed them about what you think is the problem, there may be other damage that you may have overlooked. Normally, they will look for loose nails and seals, holes, rust patches, and ultimately, leaks.

ADDRESSING COMPROMISED FASTENERS

After inspecting the roof nails or screws, problematic ones are typically pulled out to be replaced. Sometimes, a screw nail (a nail with a screw thread to increase its holding power) may be nailed next to an old rusted one. Urethane roof cement is also usually applied to the new fasteners.

PART II: REPAIRING METAL ROOFING

BRIDGING GAPS BETWEEN ROOF PANEL EDGES

Even a gap as small as 1/8 inch can be a source of leak during hard rains. To address this, contractors must first remove debris and rust from the surface of the adjacent metal roof panels near the area of the gap. Next, a uniform layer of metal roofing base coat must be applied 6 inches away from the gap, at the overlap. Then, a piece of glass-membrane fabric must be used to cover the base coat. Finally, a topcoat of urethane cement should be applied over the membrane.

PATCHING HOLES

Holes due to rust or fallen debris such as tree branches are the most common issue for which a metal roof is known. When patching holes, you may notice that the contractor will first clean the repair area until all dirt, algae, or film is removed. The surface of the metal panel that will be repaired will also be scuffed by a wire brush to allow the sealant to attach effectively.

Next, sheet metal must be cut to size to match the area to be patched. The metal patch will then be installed by applying sealant to the surface of the metal panel being repaired. To secure the patch into place, metal screws will be driven into it. After this, the sealant must be retooled to ensure that it seals the leading edge of the patch to prevent moisture from penetrating through. Finally, the new patch will be painted to match the color of the existing metal roof.

PART II: REPAIRING METAL ROOFING

When a roof leaks, you need to have it fixed quickly as water leakage can cause severe damage, not only to the roof but also to the entire home and its contents. As more and more home and property owners realize the benefits of low slope or flat roofing, information on how it is repaired must also be given and shared. Below is a simple guide to how low slope roof repair is usually done.

FINDING THE LEAK SOURCE

While the first sign of flat roof problem is noticed in the room below it, the spot in the ceiling where the water is dripping may not actually be corresponding to the source of leak. The water might have already run between the layers before finding its way through the ceiling boarding. So the flat roof must be assessed from the top layer.

Basically, if a large area of the flat roof is torn, split, or already looks severely deteriorated, a replacement of the entire roof must be highly considered. Meanwhile, small, localized damage can be repaired.

REPAIRING BLISTERS IN THE FELT

Low slope roof systems are susceptible to blistering because of voids in between the layers of membranes. They can form due to improper adhesion, unfilled insulation joints, and moisture, among other causes.To repair blisters, the surface must be cleaned first. Next, using a sharp craft knife, a cross will be cut through the top layer. The four segments will be peeled back to allow drying of the area underneath. Afterward, a bitumen adhesive must be applied to the exposed surface and then the segments are carefully folded back. Typically, a piece of new felt will be used to patch over the repaired blister.

PART III: REPAIRING LOW SLOPE/FLAT ROOFING SYSTEMS

MENDING SPLITS AND TEARS

Changing weather can make the roof felt brittle in time, causing splits and tears. To mend them, the contractor will see if the split or tear can be lifted without causing further damage. If this is the case, they will carefully lift the felt and clean the space underneath as well as around it. Once again, bitumen adhesive is applied under the lifted split or tear, pressing down with just the right pressure. A patch of new felt will also be used to cover the split or tear.

FIXING LIFTING OVERLAPS

If your contractor finds an overlap lifting, they will carefully lift it, as usual, clean out any dirt or debris, and dry out water and moisture underneath it. The space under the overlap must be filled with bitumen adhesive, pressing down on it with regular pressure or using a weight until the adhesive dries.

Learning about the basic roof repair procedures can help homeowners such as you understand what your roofing contractor does and lets you get an idea on how to maintain the roof yourself. Furthermore, while some of the procedures seem easy enough, remember that it is always best to consult a professional.

PART III: REPAIRING LOW SLOPE/FLAT ROOFING SYSTEMS

CAMPOPIANO ROOFING

CASE PARKWAYNORTH TWINSBURG, OHIO 44087

(330) 425-1285 (330) 391-7799 2100

CAMPOROOF.COM