A structural problem, if left unchecked, can spread to other parts of the house, so a thorough roof inspection should be a homeowner’s first step in determining whether repair is enough or whether a replacement is needed. Check for stains and dark marks in the ceiling; these are signs of leaking or water damage. If you need some professional assistance, you can contact Roof Repair Columbus GA.
Shingles are the outermost layer of your roof. They protect your home from the elements and keep rainwater and snow from damaging your rafters and other structural components of your roof. It is important to inspect shingles on a regular basis and repair them when needed. This will prevent leaks, rotting, and mold from growing on your roof and in your home.
Replacing a shingle is relatively easy. First, obtain a bundle of replacement 3-tab shingles that closely match the pattern and color of your existing shingles. Next, gather your tools: a hammer, a flat pry bar, a utility knife, and 1-1/4-inch roofing nails. Slide the pry bar beneath the course of shingles directly above the damaged area. Lift slightly to break the sealer strip connection and expose the second row of nails. Remove the nails from the damaged shingle.
Once the nail is removed, carefully scrape away any shingle granules that are left. This will reveal the underside of the shingle, where the glue is located. Apply a thin coat of roof cement under the shingle and press down firmly. Then, spread some shingle granules over the wet sealant to camouflage it.
You should also replace any shingles that have been ripped or torn by wind or hail. Also, inspect the flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, dormers, and roof valleys to ensure that it is securely sealed to the shingle.
A common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It causes severe pain in the areas where you had the shingles rash. PHN can last for many years and interfere with your daily activities. It may cause vision problems, numbness or tingling in your limbs, or pain in your chest and face. It is more likely to occur in people over 50, especially those with a weakened immune system from a disease or medications.
If you suspect you have shingles, see your doctor right away. They will check your health history and perform a physical exam. You will probably need to get a blood test to measure your antibodies. If you have a positive result, they will give you an antiviral medication like acyclovir or famciclovir.
Flashing
A residential roof’s flashing is a key component of its ability to keep water out of the home. It is usually installed around penetrations like chimneys, plumbing vents, and skylights, as well as roof edges and areas where slope changes. Without flashing, moisture can seep through these areas and cause leaks that can rot the roof structure or lead to mold in the home’s interior.
The flashing itself is made from a durable metal that’s resistant to corrosion and the elements. The most common type is copper, but it can also be made from zinc, aluminum, or galvanized steel. It’s typically rolled out onto the roof surface and secured in place. Flashing isn’t always shingled over, and it may be left exposed to the elements. However, a good roofing contractor will take steps to protect the flashing from the weather while it’s being installed. For example, tarps will be placed over shrubs and foundation plantings, and the roofer will nail the flashing to the underlayment but not directly to the shingles.
Roof flashing is often installed in two pieces to ensure that the roof materials don’t shift and cause a leak. The top piece is called base flashing or apron flashing, while the bottom piece is called counter-flashing. They are connected by a caulk that provides a waterproof seal. A good roofing contractor will inspect the flashing for damage and reseal the caulk in cases where it’s cracked or damaged.
Signs that the flashing needs repair include dents and holes. These are a result of the material’s constant exposure to weather extremes, which causes it to expand and contract. Over time, this can make it wrinkle and develop dents and holes. In addition to dents and holes, the flashing can also start to show signs of corrosion or rust.
A good roofing contractor will replace the flashing during a roof replacement to ensure that it lasts as long as the new roof. This will help the customer avoid costly repairs and maintenance in the future. Depending on the quality of the flashing, it may be possible to reuse it if it’s in good condition and doesn’t have any dents or holes.
Vents
Vents allow hot, stale attic air to escape. If there are not enough or they become blocked, the attic will heat up and make the rest of the home uncomfortable. Attic ventilation also prevents ice dams.
The main types of roof vents are plumbing vents and ridge vents. The former are pipes that run from a fixture up through the roof to the outside. The latter is a hole in the roof’s shingle ridge, often covered by a shingle that matches the rest of the roof. A newer style of ridge vent is made out of a single piece of aluminum or vinyl and rolled out over the ridge hole. It is then nailed down.
Roof vents are exposed to the elements, and they can wear out quickly in climates that experience frequent temperature changes. Checking them regularly can help you avoid costly repairs. Look for cracked housings on plastic vents and broken seams on metal ones. Also, examine the boots that cover them. If they are missing or pulled free, replace them with rubber-washered screws that you can find at any hardware store. A bead of caulk under the shingles on both sides of the vent can also add a water barrier and hold the boot in place.
Gutters
Gutters are essentially the freeway system for your roof, allowing rain to make its way quickly from where it falls (on the roof) to where it needs to go—away from the house. This keeps moisture from collecting in the eaves, which can damage and rot wood trim and fascia boards. It also prevents water from splashing over the sides of the house, which can stain and erode the exterior walls and foundation.
The gutter system is typically a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof to collect surface runoff and direct it down and away from the structure. It’s important that gutters be kept clean of debris to avoid clogging, which can cause the water to overflow and flood the interior of your home or the surrounding area. The gutters are often paired with downspouts, which are vertical pipes that carry the water to a drain or away from the foundation of the home.
Leaky gutters can usually be repaired fairly easily. A leaking gutter is likely caused by a hole or leak in the seams, so begin by inspecting and cleaning the gutter thoroughly. If you can get to the damaged area of the gutter, cut a piece of wire screening that’s 1/2 to 1 inch bigger all around than the damaged spot in the gutter. Spread a thin layer of roof cement over the screening and press it down into the gutter, then spread a final, thinner layer of roof cement over the patch.
If you cannot reach the damaged area of the gutter to renail it or you notice that your gutters are sagging even when all of their hangers are secure, add additional supports. A good rule of thumb is that there should be a support every 2 1/2 feet along the gutter.
Gutters that are clogged can overflow and create big puddles in the yard, which can lead to erosion and flooding in the basement or crawl spaces. In addition, the obstructed flow of rainwater can allow moisture to seep into the wood components of your house, leading to mold and rot.
