Your roof protects your home from water damage and extreme weather, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Damaged roofs can lead to pest infestations, mildew, higher heating and cooling bills and problems with resale.
The first step in deciding whether your roof needs repair is to perform a visual inspection. Look for shingle granules, structural damage and leaks. Visit https://www.ellingsonroofing.com/roofing-missoula-mt to learn more.
When shingles are damaged or missing, water can seep through the roof and damage other areas of the home. Replacing shingles that are damaged or missing quickly can prevent leaks and other problems. Replacing roof shingles also helps to keep the overall look of the roof consistent and adds value to the home.
The first step in repairing a damaged shingle is to remove the nail that holds it to the roof deck. This can be done with a flat pry bar and a hammer. Ideally, the repair is done when the weather is cool and dry. The sealant bond that holds the shingle to the roof is more easily sheared when it is cool and dry than when it is hot and gooey.
Once the shingle is removed, it should be replaced with a new shingle of the same type and color. The nails that hold the replacement shingle to the roof deck are similar to those of the original shingle, so it’s important to use the same type and number of nails for each row of shingles. This helps maintain a uniform look on the roof and ensures that the new shingles are properly secured to the underlying layer.
While some homeowners may be tempted to try and save money by simply overlaying the shingle or resealing it, this can lead to problems down the line, especially if the surrounding shingles are deteriorating as well. In addition, resealing or overlaying a damaged shingle can cause additional cracking and water penetration in other areas of the roof.
The most obvious clue that a shingle is in need of repair is visual damage. The most common signs of shingle damage include granule piles on the ground or in gutters, leaking or water stains on the ceiling and walls, or a curled-up appearance. Other symptoms of a damaged shingle are a blistered or brittle surface, the appearance of mold, or the presence of insect infestation.
If a shingle is simply cracked or torn, rather than needing replacement, it can be repaired with roof sealant. Using a caulking gun, apply a thick bead of sealant under the corner of the shingle and press it down. Spread a second bead of sealant over the area and cover it with a few shingle granules, which can help camouflage the repair.
Flashing
The flashing on a roof is one of its most important components. It prevents water from being forced beneath roofing materials and into a home, which can cause structural damage. It also helps to protect against rot and mold, which can result from leaking water. Flashing can be made of plastic or metal, and it is installed in places where the roof meets walls, chimneys, vents, skylights and other structures. Flashing may be buried within the roof, or it may be attached to the roof structure by nails. Flashing is usually hidden from view, and it can be difficult to spot problems.
Homeowners can check for flashing problems by looking for signs of rust or corrosion. They can also look for stains on ceilings or walls, dampness in the attic and recurrent leaks. If a flashing problem is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems with the roof and other parts of the home.
There are many types of flashing, and each type is used in different ways. For example, shingle flashing is typically installed over the joints between shingles. Chimney flashing, on the other hand, is a single piece of metal that covers the base of a chimney. This type of flashing is vulnerable to leaks because it can’t flex with changing weather conditions.
Other types of flashing include step flashing, which is installed where a dormer or other protrusion meets the roof. This flashing consists of rectangles of metal bent into an L-shape and nailed to the roof and the wall of the dormer. The corners of the L-shape are then overlapped with shingles to provide a waterproof seal. Another type of flashing is continuous flashing, which is a long strip of metal that runs the length of the joint. This type of flashing is difficult to flex, and it can cause leaks if it’s not properly installed.
There are also concealed flashings, such as sill flashing, which is placed under doors and windows to prevent water from entering walls. Through-wall flashing is another type of flashing that spans the thickness of a wall and directs water into weep holes at the bottom of the wall.
Built-up roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a multi-layered commercial roof system that’s commonly found on flat and low-slope structures. Known for its resilience and efficiency, BUR offers architects, contractors, and building owners a wide range of design options that can fit a multitude of climates, environments, and applications. Its layered construction also provides redundancy, allowing for the protection of the building from weather and foot traffic even when one layer is damaged or compromised.
In addition to the layers of reinforcing fabrics and bitumen that grant BUR its waterproofing capabilities, the system can include a base sheet and gravel granules to provide the building with a strong foundation. This granule layer is typically saturated with asphalt to further protect the roof and ensure that water will remain on the surface rather than seep into the interior.
The next layer in a BUR system is a tar-based coating that’s applied to the entire roof. The tar is then covered with a layer of gravel to help hold the tar in place and prevent water infiltration. If a building owner prefers the appearance of a smooth roof, they can opt for a reflective coating instead of gravel.
BUR roofs have a reputation for being durable and long-lasting, which is why they’re still used today in many commercial buildings and facilities. Oftentimes, they require little upkeep beyond annual inspections and minor repairs until a full re-roof is required decades later. This minimal upkeep helps to save time and money for building owners, while also extending the life of their roofing system.
However, like any roof, BUR can experience issues with water leaks and other problems that affect the integrity of the structure. These can be caused by a number of factors, including UV exposure, direct hits from hail or falling branches, poor installation, or rough weather and climate conditions. The best way to deal with these problems is through routine maintenance that includes inspections of clogged drains and gutters, immediate repair of identified damages, cleaning debris from the roof, pruning trees overhanging the roof, meticulous examination of flashings and joints, and other proactive measures that can extend the lifespan of the BUR roof.
Siding
Many people across the US choose vinyl siding for their home’s exterior cladding due to it’s highly durable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance properties. However, like any other exterior material, it can experience damage from harsh weather conditions or from normal wear and tear over time. If you notice any cracks or holes in your vinyl siding, it’s important to contact a professional for repair work as soon as possible to prevent further issues and protect your home from water damage.
During roof repair, contractors will inspect the siding and gutters to make sure they’re in good condition and to find any other areas that need to be addressed. This may include trimming bushes or trees, covering outdoor electrical outlets, and removing any objects from around the house that could get in the way of easy access to the walls.
Inspecting the area where the roof meets the siding will also be part of the inspection process. This includes checking for any water damage, mold or mildew, or structural sagging. In addition, the contractor will test for leaks by spraying water on the sheathing and looking for any damp spots inside the home’s walls.
If you have any green stains on your siding, these are typically caused by mold, mildew, or algae and can be quite unsightly. These can be removed using special chemicals that kill the organisms and leave the siding clean and fresh again.
A final step in the siding replacement and repair process is to seal any openings where pipes or wires enter into the house. This will ensure that no rain or moisture can get in and cause further damage. It’s also a good idea to seal any cracks in the foundation, basement or crawl space of the home.
Roofing and siding are vital components of every house that protect it from the elements, impact its energy efficiency, and add to the overall curb appeal. They can be damaged by storms, heavy winds, and other environmental factors, so it’s important to have them inspected regularly by a trusted contractor to make repairs as needed.
