Attempting roof repair during a whirlwind (or even a tornado) or severe storm is not a good idea. It’s not safe, and there is a higher chance that the surrounding area will be impacted.
Examine your roof for apparent damage, such as missing shingles. Look for dripping water, water stains or soft spots in the ceiling. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.
Over time, shingles or tiles may become damaged due to weather events or just normal wear and tear. Damaged shingles can lead to leaks and other roofing problems, so it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. Replacing shingles can also improve the look of the roof and reduce future repair costs.
A common cause of shingle damage is hail, which can punch holes in the shingles. Heavy winds can also lift shingles, leaving them vulnerable to further damage. Inspect the shingles after significant weather events to see if any need to be replaced.
Shingles are made from a composite asphalt that’s durable and attractive, but they can be vulnerable to wind and sun exposure. Over time, shingles can detach or crack, and moisture can seep under the shingles and into the roof sheathing. Replacing shingles is an inexpensive and easy way to update the look of the roof, and it will also help protect the rest of the roof from moisture.
Begin by removing any nails that are sticking out of the sheathing underneath the damaged shingle. Then, slide a flat pry bar underneath the shingle to break the seal with the shingle above it without tearing up any undamaged shingles. Lift the tabs of the shingle to expose the nails, and then remove them with a hammer claw or utility knife. After removing the nails, pull off the damaged shingle and install a replacement 3-tab shingle in its place. Nail the new shingle down with four roofing nails, making sure to nail into the nail strip.
Use a ladder to get on the roof and inspect it for damaged or missing shingles. If you notice any shingles that are curled, cracked, or lifting up, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. These exposed areas don’t offer any protection from rain and other elements, so they’re a serious threat to the integrity of the roof. In addition, the moisture that gets into the underlayment of the roof can cause rot and other costly problems. If the shingles are missing chunks completely, they should be replaced as well, since these naked spots don’t provide any barrier against the elements.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a time-tested and highly effective system that can provide a long life for commercial buildings. However, like all roofs, BUR systems aren’t immune to issues that may require repair.
While BUR systems can be more expensive than some other roofing options, they also have a number of positive benefits. For example, their durability means that they can withstand much more damage than other roofing materials, which reduces maintenance costs over the years. Plus, the multiple layers of protection on a BUR system make it more resistant to weather, heat and fire, helping to protect building interiors.
Another advantage of BUR is its energy efficiency. Modern BUR roofs can integrate a layer of rigid insulation, which can help to cut energy costs by keeping the building warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Additionally, the use of white-coated cap sheets can reflect the sun’s rays, further reducing the amount of heat that is transferred into the building.
When repairing a BUR roof, it’s important to understand how the system is constructed. One of the most common surfacing options is called a flood coat and gravel, which involves pouring a hot adhesive that’s then topped with a layer of gravel to help it adhere. This type of surfacing can be more difficult to find leaks in than other options, and it’s not uncommon for water to seep under the gravel, rather than through the underlying roof membrane.
To repair a BUR roof, it’s necessary to remove any contaminated or loose material from the surface of the existing roof. Then, a patch can be installed to ensure the membrane is watertight. For best results, the patch should extend a minimum of 450 mm (18 in) beyond the defect to ensure proper adhesion.
While BUR is a durable system that can last for decades, it’s still important to perform regular inspections and make repairs as needed. This can help to avoid costly leaks and extend the lifespan of the roof even further.
Flashing
The flashing on your roof is designed to keep water from seeping into walls, pipes, chimneys, windows and doors. It also encourages rain to drain off the roof faster. However, if your flashing is damaged, it can cause major issues like leaks and mold. Flashing is made of a thin sheet of impervious metal that is installed at joints or other points where two materials meet. It can be made of copper, galvanized steel, lead or aluminum.
If you’re looking to repair your flashing, it’s best to hire a qualified roofing contractor. Attempting to repair it yourself can cause more damage and pose health and safety risks. A professional will be able to identify and repair any issues with your flashing quickly and efficiently.
Flashing is used around objects on your roof such as vents, skylights and chimneys, as well as at the eaves and rakes to help direct water into gutters. It can be either exposed or embedded. Exposed flashing is usually made of a metal like copper or aluminum, while embedded flashing is often made of masonry such as mortar or concrete.
While flashing is designed to withstand the elements, it can become damaged over time due to wear and tear or even corrosion. In these cases, a professional roofer will need to remove the affected area of your roof and replace it with a new piece of flashing.
When replacing flashing, it’s important that you use the same material as the original so that the replacement will be durable and look good. You should also use a liberal coating of roof cement to ensure that the flashing is completely sealed and secure.
In addition to being a health and safety risk, damaged roof flashing can lead to serious structural damage to your home. If left unrepaired, water can seep into your ceilings and walls causing rot and mold. To prevent this, it’s important to check your flashing regularly and have it repaired as soon as you notice any signs of damage. This will help to protect your home from expensive water damage and expensive repairs.
Gutters
Gutters are essential for catching rain runoff and channeling it away from the foundation of your home. Clogged or damaged gutters allow water to spill over the sides and pool around the foundation, creating hydrostatic pressure that can cause damage. It’s important to inspect and maintain your gutter system on a regular basis to keep it functioning properly.
Sagging gutters are often caused by the accumulation of debris or loose hardware. The weight of standing water also tends to pull down on gutter spikes or nails that hold the gutters. If you can still see the original holes for nails or screws holding the gutter, it’s usually possible to reattach them. But it’s always a good idea to remove the gutter and clean it while you’re at it, so that you can check for any damage or potential problems that may need to be addressed.
The best way to repair leaking gutters is to cover them with roof and gutter repair tape (available at most home centers and hardware stores). If your gutters are rusty or heavily coated in caulk or tar, scrape the area thoroughly before applying the tape. You may also want to wire-brush the metal surface to get rid of any remaining rust spots or open caulk and paint.
Once the gutter is clean and dry, apply the tape to both the inside and outside of the gutter joint and along any seams. Work the tape firmly into curves and corners. Overlap long seams by at least 1 in. and end seams by 4 in. Leaks can also be repaired by sealing the joints with roofing silicone.
If you have a gutter with a single downspout, you’ll need to install a downspout extension that connects the gutter to the house. This will prevent water from flowing over the top of the gutter and causing damage to your fascia board or crawl space.
Keeping your gutters in good working order will protect your home from structural damage and costly repairs. Regular inspections and maintenance are all it takes to extend their life and ensure that your gutters do the job they’re designed to do: catch rain runoff, drain it away from the foundation of your home and protect the landscaping.