Roof repair services at Colorado Springs Roofing can save homeowners from larger disasters down the road by remedying everyday wear and tear. These repair services can include anything from repairing a leaky roof to removing rust spots and debris from your rooftop.
A damaged roof can lead to serious issues that should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. Here are some common issues to watch out for:
Normally made of galvanized metal, flashings help carry water away from the roofing materials, mainly around penetrations like chimneys, skylights, plumbing vent pipes, and roof edges. Over time, they can become damaged and cause leaks in your roof.
Signs of deteriorating flashing are small holes and corroded spots in the roof surface or a gap between the shingles and flashing. When left unattended, these cracks can worsen and cause water to seep through the roof, causing extensive damage to the interior of the house.
The simplest way to repair cracked flashing is by using a patch kit, which is easily available at most hardware stores. This includes a roll of flashing material, a caulking gun with a nozzle, and roofing cement. Simply remove the affected area of shingle and flashing, then clean up the sharp edges with a brush and apply the patch. Then, secure it with the roofing cement to create a water-tight barrier.
Another way to repair cracked flashing is to use a flash band, which is a metal strip that can be bent and welded to the roof surface. The strip is a little more expensive than the patch kit, but it does the job well. It can be cut to size with a cutting snip or set of shears. The key is to bend it so it fits the corner of the roof.
Another common cause of a leaking roof is damage caused by powerful hailstorms. Hail can punch through weak shingles, destroy tile, and damage skylights and gutters. It can also clog and overburden weak gutter systems. A roofer can install heating strips along the roofline to prevent ice dams and protect flashing and gutters from damage.
Corrosion
Corrosion is the deterioration of metals as a result of chemical reactions with the environment. The type of metal used in a structure and the environmental conditions affect its rate of corrosion. For example, pure iron corrodes very rapidly, while stainless steel corrodes more slowly. Corrosion occurs on metals when they react with oxygen and water. This oxidation changes the metal’s surface, usually leaving it with a red, flaky appearance. The corroded surface is called an “oxide.” The oxide protects the internal metal layers from air and water, allowing them to last longer.
Corrosion can be very destructive to structures, including roofs. It can also be a sign of problems that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, some types of corrosion can be hidden behind a green patina. For example, the copper skin of the Statue of Liberty protected its iron frame for a century before the statue deteriorated. Other forms of corrosion, such as sacrificial corrosion (zinc coating) and stress corrosion cracking, can be visible through cracked or peeling paint.
Many of the problems associated with corrosion are caused by human activities and can be prevented. Metals are often exposed to corrosive chemicals, such as chlorine and sulfur dioxide, in industrial processes or in the vicinity of power plants. In addition, the corrosion of some metals can be accelerated by dissimilar metals or high temperatures.
Most of us have heard of “rust,” which is the common term for iron corrosion. But there are other types of corrosion that can damage your metal roof. Pitting corrosion, for example, can occur when an anodic area of metal corrodes more quickly than the surrounding area and eats through the protective oxide layer. Other forms of corrosion include crevice corrosion, hole corrosion, intergranular corrosion, and galvanic corrosion.
Broken Tiles
Many homeowners who have tile roofs will experience the need to repair or replace tiles from time to time. Damage can be caused by severe weather, debris, pests, and age. Tiles can also break from being walked on or falling off the roof in the event of an accident. Broken tiles can be a serious problem because they can allow water into the home.
Cracked and broken tiles can be repaired using plastic roofing cement. However, this is only a temporary solution, and the cracked or broken tiles should be replaced as soon as possible. This will ensure the integrity of the roof and help prevent water leaks.
If you’re planning to attempt a roof repair yourself, you will need access to a ladder that can reach the damaged area of the roof. If you’re not used to working at heights, you should consider hiring a professional roofer who can carry out the repairs safely. They will be able to spot any other problems with your roof while they’re up there and make recommendations accordingly.
Ideally, the cracked or broken tile should be replaced on a like-for-like basis to maintain the weatherproofing of the roof and its appearance. If you don’t have a spare tile in the same size, color, and style, you can try to repair the cracked or broken tiles with caulking or silicone.
To do this, use a flat pry bar to lift the faulty tile. Then, put a piece of wood underneath it to protect the tile beneath it. You can then use a hammer or flat bar to carefully break it into pieces and remove the nails holding it in place. You can then fill the hole with a small amount of roofing cement.
Ridge Caps
The ridge cap is the top shingle on your roof, which covers the point where your roof’s two sides meet at the peak. It protects the area from rain, snow, and debris and prevents leaks from sneaking in through this gap. Because of this, it’s one of the most important parts of your roof. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the first areas to wear down and need repair. It’s a good idea to have ridge capping repairs performed regularly to ensure your home is protected from water damage.
If you’re going to attempt ridge cap replacement yourself, choose a day that is dry and warm. You’ll be working on the peak of your roof, and shingles become more flexible in warmer temperatures. Also, be sure to use the proper safety gear, like a harness, hard hat, work gloves, and safety glasses.
Start by putting down a strip of sealant tape on both sides of the ridge. Then, place the ridge cap on the roof peak, making sure to center it and cover the entire ridge end. After securing it with roofing cement, nail it into place using a recommended roofing hammer.
Repeat the process for the other ridge caps on your roof. Once you’re done, it should be a tight fit with no gaps or cracks. If you have any problems, contact a professional roof maintenance company for assistance.
A properly functioning ridge cap helps your roof remain weatherproof and watertight, preventing leaks in the attic or other areas of the house. It also adds a nice aesthetic to your roof and can increase your home’s value. For this reason, it’s crucial to have your ridge cap repaired when necessary and to have it inspected on a regular basis.
