The 4 Worst Roofing Problems and How to Fix Them
Is your roof in need of some repairs? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! We’ve rounded up the four worst roofing problems and how to fix them so that you can get your roof back into shape. Read on to learn more!
1.Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles are one of the most common roofing problems to occur. Severe weather, old age, and improper installation can all lead to damaged shingles. Curling and cracking are two of the most common signs of damage.
Curling is when the edges of the shingle curl up, while cracking is when the shingle has cracks throughout its surface. These damages can lead to leaks in your roof, and must be fixed as soon as possible.
How to repair damaged shingles
Before starting to repair damaged shingles, it is important to check the weather report to ensure that the weather will be favorable for the repair. If the weather is unfavorable, it is best to delay the repair.
To begin, pry gently to break the seal on the damaged shingle. Generally, there are four nails holding this shingle and the one above it penetrating the shingle below it. Remove these nails temporarily. Then, break the adjacent seals and remove the damaged shingle.
Next, apply a bead of sealant to the underside of the crack on the shingle. Then, apply a thick bead of roofing sealant under the shingle and secure it in place with roofing nails. If a single piece of a 3-tab shingle is damaged, you can cut a single tab from a section of new shingle and install it. Finally, press down firmly on the shingle to ensure that it is properly secured.
2. Damaged Flashing
Damage flashing is another common roofing problem that can lead to major damage if not taken care of properly. Flashing is a thin metal material that is used to waterproof the area where the roof and other surfaces meet, like chimneys and walls.
It is essential in preventing water from entering the home, but when flashing becomes damaged or worn out, it can cause costly leaks and water damage. The good news is, repairing damaged flashing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Repairing Damaged Flashing
If the flashing on your roof has become damaged, it is important to get it repaired right away to prevent further damage and costly repairs. A qualified roofing contractor can easily repair corrosion and small holes in your flashing by plugging them with roofing cement. Here’s how you can repair it
Step 1: Carefully pull the lip of the cap flashing out of the mortar joint, only as far as it comes easily. Do not yank out the entire flashing or pull it away from the chimney.
Step 2: If the damage is caught early enough, the repair is often minimal and inexpensive. Plug any small holes with roofing cement and patch any holes up to 3/4 of an inch in size.
Step 3: Replace any cracked, rotted or missing siding, making sure the new piece overlaps the step flashing by at least two inches.
Step 4: After finishing the repair, inspect the area to make sure there are no additional damages.
3.Leaky Skylights
Leaky skylights can cause serious damage to your roof if left unchecked. If the glass of the skylight is not completely opaque, it can cause condensation build-up and water to seep in through the cracks. To fix a leaky skylight, you will need to repair the flashing around the skylight, as well as seal any cracks around it.
You should also check the gutters to make sure they are not ready to give out and replace any shingles that have been damaged or missing. These repairs should help solve the problem and keep your roof safe from further damage.
How to Fix a Leaky Skylight
The first step is to check the opaqueness of the glass. If it is cracked or damaged, it should be replaced immediately. After this, you will need to check and make sure the surrounding frame is clean and sealed properly. If not, it should be resealed with a quality sealant to help prevent further water damage. If all else fails and the leak persists, you may need to replace the entire skylight.
4. Gutters Ready to Give Out
Gutters are designed to help divert free-flowing water away from the roof and into a downspout.
Unfortunately, if gutters become clogged with debris or are forced to bear more weight than they can handle, they can give out and cause serious issues.
These problems include roof leaks, storm damage, poor ventilation, flashing failures, and shoddy repairs. To prevent this from happening, it is important to regularly inspect and clean your gutters and ensure they are in good working condition.
If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it is best to repair or replace the gutters as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your roof.
How to Fix Gutters Ready to Give Out
To fix Gutters it is important to take all the necessary safety precautions. Wear safety glasses, gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from potential injury or irritation from sharp edges or chemicals.
Make sure all tools are in working order and that the ladder you use is secure and stable. Once you’re ready to begin, measure from the peak to the downspout and snap a chalk line between the two.
Find spots where the gutter is out of alignment and use tin snips to cut out a patch from flashing material. Cement the patch into place using roofing cement, then seal with a waterproof product such as GE Clear Gutter Caulk. Finally, clean out any debris in the gutter and your repair job should be done!
Need help with your roof problems?
If you’re not comfortable tackling the job yourself, it’s time to call in a professional roofer. A qualified roofer can identify and repair any roofing issue you may have, from loose shingles to leaking gutters.
They will also be able to inspect your roof for any other potential problems and provide solutions to prevent future damage.
A professional roofer at John Peters Roofing is trained to ensure that your roof is properly repaired and that the job is done right the first time. Don’t take chances with your roof—contact us at (317) 786-3315 today!