It’s probably no surprise that nobody wants to repair their roof in howling winds or torrential rains. And yet, that’s the exact kind of weather event that can wreak havoc on your home.
It can lead to damage that goes well beyond ripped shingles. Water and other elements can affect everything from insulation to wood framing. For professional assistance, contact Roofing Montana.
A cracked or broken shingle is one of the most common signs that it’s time for a roof repair. It’s especially important to replace shingles that are missing chunks of material, as these expose the roof to moisture and can lead to further damage.
Replacing a single shingle is fairly simple. First, you’ll need to climb onto the roof using a ladder or another method for safe access. Once on the roof, locate the damaged shingle and assess its condition. If the shingle is only cracked or has a small hole, you can seal the area with roofing cement. For holes and major breaks, however, you’ll need to replace the shingle entirely.
Start by removing the nail that holds the shingle in place, then sliding a pry bar underneath it to loosen the glue seal and pull it up from the roof. Next, remove the nails from the shingle above it and any that penetrate the shingle below it. Finally, you can slide the replacement shingle into place, making sure it is overlapping the existing shingles around it. You may need to remove a few of the existing nails temporarily to ensure that the new shingle is securely fastened.
While you’re on the roof, it’s also a good idea to inspect the surrounding areas for loose or missing shingles. If you spot any, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible so that the gaps don’t get larger over time.
In addition to shingles, asphalt shingle roofs are also coated with granules that protect the underlying material from moisture and UV radiation. When these granules become dislodged, they can make their way into gutters or downspouts and leave your home exposed to water damage. During your inspection, look for evidence of this in these fixtures and check for missing granules on the roof. If you notice any, it’s likely time to call a roofing contractor to come and perform a full roof inspection and repair. A good roof repair company can replace any deteriorated or missing shingles and tiles. They can also provide repairs to other aspects of the roof, such as the fascia and flashing.
Fascia Damage
The soffit and fascia are essential components of any sloped roof, ensuring gutters fit properly and protecting the interior roofing structure from moisture. Damage to these components can lead to moisture infiltration that can cause wood rot, mold and other issues. As such, it’s important to check both the soffit and fascia regularly and to repair them as soon as you notice problems.
Fascia damage can be hard to spot since it typically happens behind the gutters and isn’t readily visible unless you have a ladder. However, it’s important to examine your home’s roofline at least once every six months for signs of deterioration, including peeling paint, wet spots, moss and other indications of water intrusion. If you see any of these signs, have a professional inspect your fascia boards and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
A common cause of fascia damage is excessive weight, including from debris, falling tree branches and snow accumulation. This can crack or split the boards and leave them vulnerable to further damage. If the boards are severely damaged or rotting, they’ll need to be replaced.
Replacing a section of fascia isn’t complicated for homeowners with carpentry skills and the right tools. However, extensive or dangerous damage may require a professional. Safety concerns and inexperience with working at heights can make the job risky for many homeowners, so this type of repair is best left to professionals who have the right training and tools to safely perform it.
In some cases, your fascia may need to be replaced entirely. This can occur when the wood deteriorates or is infested with insects, like termites. A bowed or cracked fascia board is also an indicator of structural problems with your roof, and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Once the old fascia is removed, you can replace it with a new piece that’s the same length and material as the original board. Secure it to the rafter board with galvanized nails and use caulking to seal any gaps or joints. Be sure to use a wider shingle mold when installing the fascia, as this will provide a better surface for caulking and help to avoid future leaks.
Flashing Issues
Flashing is a thin sheet of metal that covers the seams between exterior surfaces like the roofline, chimney, gutters and window sills. Damaged flashing can lead to water infiltration and subsequent damage to the interior of your home. This is why it is so important to regularly inspect your roof for issues with the flashing.
Common flashing problems include rust spots, gaps, cracks or deterioration in the material. These issues can be caused by normal wear and tear from the elements, or they may result from improper installation or shoddy roofing work. Flashing is also at risk for damage from powerful storms that can bend or pry the metal strips away from the roof.
These issues are a serious problem for your roof and can lead to leaks throughout the house. If left untreated, water infiltration can rot wooden structures and cause mold growth, as well as destroy insulation and damage ceilings. A professional roofer can repair the problem and prevent future water damage.
If you suspect a flashing issue, call KY-KO Roofing and have one of our expert roofing technicians visit your home to perform an inspection. A thorough inspection can help determine the source of the problem and recommend the best solution. For minor flashing issues, flashing tape can be used as a temporary fix. This is available at most hardware stores and can be applied easily to a clean area of the flashing. This will provide a seal until a more permanent solution is found.
For more severe or extensive flashing problems, it may be necessary to replace the entire piece. This is a job best left to a professional roofer as it requires removing several rows of shingles, and you must be careful not to damage the underlying structure.
When replacing flashing, it is a good idea to use a caulking that can withstand the weather, such as silicone caulk. You should also ensure the caulking is properly sealed to the shingle and that there are no cracks or loose areas. When replacing flashing near a vent, be sure to add a drip edge to protect the shingle and keep moisture from seeping underneath the flashing.
Missing Shingles
When shingles fall off, it is critical to address the issue as quickly as possible. Missing shingles can lead to serious problems, including interior water damage and structural damage to your home or business. If you notice a missing shingle, it’s important to contact a roofing expert right away for a repair estimate.
A missing shingle will allow rainwater to enter the roof, potentially leading to serious leaks in your attic and ceiling. This can cause mold, mildew, and other moisture issues within your home or business. If a large enough area of the roof is compromised, it may be time to consider a complete roof replacement.
Missing shingles can also lead to rotten sheathing, which is not good for your building or your family. Water will seep through the exposed sheathing, causing mold and mildew. This can then spread to the rest of the roof, causing additional damage and possibly requiring a full roof replacement.
If the shingle was directly above a seam, it is likely that a leak will develop relatively soon. The sheathing underneath the shingle will repel some water, but it won’t be able to stop water entirely. If the shingle was over a valley, it is also likely that the area will become waterlogged and require immediate attention.
Climbing on a roof to replace missing shingles is not something that the average person should attempt, especially after a storm. A professional roofing expert can handle this job safely and efficiently. They can replace the missing shingle, as well as inspect the roof for other damage and issues.
If a shingle was missing because the seal strip broke down, it is likely that other shingles will eventually follow suit. This is because the seal strip is designed to wear down over time, and it can break down if it gets too hot or wet. This will cause the shingle to flap in the wind, which can cause it to get creased and eventually blow off.