A roof is a shield that protects everything inside a home from rain, snow, and sun. But, like any shield, it is vulnerable and needs maintenance to stay in good shape.
A few common signs of roof problems include leaking spots, visible humps and dips, and dark spots where water has collected. Other signs are shingles that are peeling or missing. For professional help, contact Port Charlotte Roofers.
If you’re planning to have roof repair work done, it’s important that you choose the right contractor for the job. This means a professional who understands your needs and will take the time to evaluate the situation before making any recommendations. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. In most areas, a building permit is required for reroofing or structural repairs and you should verify that your roofer has this in place before hiring them. Additionally, be sure that your roofer has general liability insurance (you should confirm this as well). This will protect you in case anything goes wrong on the job.
Preparing for the Work
The key to reducing roof repair costs is preventive maintenance. Perform ground-level inspections regularly – especially before and after extreme weather events – to catch problems early. Look for cracks, holes, blistering and fungus, as well as clogged drains, water spots, leaking gutters or downspouts, and damaged flashing around features like chimneys and skylights. Also check the condition of HVAC units, vents and exhaust fans that are located on the roof. Make sure they are securely fastened and that the roof deck is properly sealed to avoid leaks.
It’s also important to double-check that previous repairs are in good working order. It’s a real pain to take off shingles only to find that they are not fixed correctly, or that they have blown off again in the meantime. That’s why it’s essential to take a close look at your roof in late spring, summer and autumn when the weather is mild and dry.
Other items that should appear on your roof maintenance checklist include stairways, crossovers, platforms and railings. These need to be structurally sound and free from deteriorating surface materials. They should also be safe and easy to use by roofing maintenance professionals. Stairways and crossovers should be checked for sagging pipes, cracked bases and deflected hangers, which are alarming signs that the supports are about to fail.
You should also inspect the insulation in your attic, which is crucial for keeping the roof cool in the summer and warm in winter. Poor insulation can lead to Ice Dams, so it’s important that it’s in good condition.
Finally, check that all drains are clear and not obstructed by dirt, debris or overhanging tree branches. Slow-draining drains will allow water to pool on the roof, which accelerates damage and leads to rot. Also make sure that all attic ventilation is properly functioning, and that solar panels or satellite dishes are firmly secured. Finally, check that all electrical and hazardous equipment are properly anchored and insulated. This will help to keep the roof safe and prevent injuries or fires during a job. These should all be clearly marked with appropriate warnings and instructions.
Getting Started
A home’s roof is more than just a structure; it protects the house and its inhabitants from harsh weather conditions, falling debris, natural wear and tear and other environmental factors. While even the sturdiest of homes are susceptible to damage, prompt and thorough roof repair can help prolong the life and enhance the beauty of a dwelling.
The first step in any roof repair job is to locate and understand the nature of the damage. A seasoned roofing contractor like Nova Home Improvements can provide an accurate assessment of the problem and recommend the best approach.
This is an essential step regardless of whether you intend to do the work yourself or hire a professional. If you’re handling the repair, get all your gear together – tarps to cover the ground below, a dumpster for discarded materials and magnetic tools to collect any nails that might fly off during removal of existing shingles or a damaged shingle sheet. A pro crew will also have a set of specialized tools for getting up in the attic, and they’ll use tarps to protect foundation plantings and shrubbery as they remove and replace damaged shingles.
If you’re hiring a pro, ask about the extent of their warranty on both materials and workmanship. A robust warranty should offer assurance that your investment in the roof will pay off well into the future.
If you’re doing the work yourself, a good way to find a leak is to start with an inspection inside the house. Examine the ceilings and walls for moisture stains, mold, rot or discoloration. Then, if possible, go up into the attic and inspect the underside of the roof. Look for any areas that appear saggy, worn or loose – they could be leaking. Check that the gutters aren’t clogged or damaged; if they’re filling with water and not siphoning it away, it can cause a lot of damage over time. Also check the flashing around chimneys, roof windows and other areas where leaks are most likely to occur. Make a note of any problems you find.
Getting the Work Done
Roof repairs can be very time consuming and labor intensive. If you are doing the work yourself, it makes sense to start with surface repairs and move to more substantial issues if necessary. The most common surface repair involves replacing shingles that have been damaged by storms or by other factors such as sun exposure or pests. It is also easy to replace flashing, the thin metal pieces that line roof valleys and prevent leaks around features such as chimneys or skylights. Finally, cracks and small holes can usually be patched without disturbing the roof deck if they are caught early.
Unless you are an expert at roofing, it is generally best to hire a professional to perform the major work on your roof. The reason is that a good roofer will make sure the job is done right and in accordance with local building codes. Also, a good roofer will ensure that the work is completed in a way that will reduce the chances of future problems.
In addition, a roofer will take the opportunity to inspect and repair other areas of the roof such as the gutters, soffit, and fascia. These are all vital components of a healthy roof and should not be neglected.
A well-maintained and properly repaired roof can dramatically increase the value of your home. Potential buyers and appraisers will pay close attention to these details when assessing the condition of your property.
Lastly, a well-maintained roof will lower your energy bills by keeping conditioned air inside and outside air out, where it belongs. By contrast, a leaky roof will allow conditioned air to escape and outside air to infiltrate, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder to keep your house comfortable.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to your roof is that any problem with it will only get worse if left untreated. A leaky roof can cause water damage throughout the structure of your home and even affect the integrity of other parts of your home’s foundation, so it is always a good idea to have it repaired as soon as you notice a problem.
