It’s a good idea to do roof repair as soon as you notice problems. This will prevent further damage and save you money in the long run.
Leaks, missing shingles and structural damage are reasons to call for a roof repair. It’s also a good idea to keep up with roof maintenance to avoid costly repairs in the future. Visit https://www.ellingsonroofing.com/roofing-helena-mt to learn more.
Roof flashing is a crucial part of your roofing system, protecting against water leaks at points where the roof meets other structures or features. Inadequate flashing allows water to seep into those joints, causing structural damage and mold growth. Effective flashing blocks cracks and crevices, preventing water penetration and helping to prolong the life of your roofing materials.
Often, flashing appears as pieces of metal trim (sealed with caulk or rubber) covering the seams surrounding roof penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, roof vents, dormers, walls, and more. It’s also found at the eaves and rake edges of the roof, bridging potential gaps that could allow water to access your home’s interior.
It isn’t uncommon for flashing to be damaged by weather, wind, and even sunlight. These elements can cause rust spots, corrosion, and deterioration. If left unchecked, these areas can develop actual holes in the flashing that lead to leaks. Flashing can also become weakened by improper installation or by sudden shifts in air pressure that can cause a “pumping” effect that sucks water into the area it covers.
A quality roofer will install flashing properly to prevent these issues. The best way to protect your flashing is with regular inspections and prompt repairs as needed.
There are many types of flashing:
Step flashing–Used where a roof meets a wall. Includes a piece of flashing that integrates with the shingles, and another that lays across the joint. Counter flashing–Used at the top of a chimney. May include a cricket or saddle, which diverts water around the chimney base. Valley flashing–Protects the middle section where two roof slopes meet, directing rainwater away from the roof. Roll-top ridge flashing–Covers the ridge of a roof. May be shaped like a “U” or a flat ridge. Barge capping flashing–A box-shaped type of flashing that covers the joint where a roof ends at a wall or other structure.
Generally, flashing is made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Copper is another popular material for flashing, but it is more expensive than aluminum. Flashing should always be installed by a professional roofer who is trained to recognize and repair leaks in this delicate component of your roof.
Shingles
The shingles on your roof are the visible outer covering of your house, and they’re prone to damage that can let water in. If you inspect your roof regularly, you’ll be able to detect problems before they become leaks. If you see any signs of shingle damage, be sure to follow up with a repair job that fixes it.
Asphalt shingles are the most common shingle type. They’re relatively inexpensive and durable, but they can be damaged by strong winds and sometimes come loose around chimneys, roof windows, vents and other features. When this happens, you can expect to have a leaking roof and potential structural damage to the roof itself.
Shingles need to be secured to the roof with roofing nails or roof cement. These fasteners also need to be sealed with caulk. The most common problem with shingle sealing is that the nails don’t reach all the way through to the underlying sheathing, but that’s usually easy to fix. When you’re repairing your roof, it’s important to always use aluminum or galvanized steel roofing nails that won’t easily rust. The nails should be nailed under the shingle they’re in, and if that can’t be done, then the nail heads need to be covered with caulk or roof sealant.
There are a few different types of shingle damages that need to be addressed, and each one requires a little bit of care. First of all, you’ll want to check the shingles for missing or curled corners and cracks. This can be caused by wind, rain or sun damage and may lead to water leaks in the future if left unrepaired.
Another sign of a problem with your shingles is bald spots where granules have been lost. This is because granules are what protects the shingles from sun damage, and without them they’ll break down over time. You can also spot granules in your gutters and downspouts.
If you’ve seen a lot of granule loss, then it’s time for some roof repairs. You should start with a visual inspection of the gutters and roof edges, flashing and any other features like chimneys or dormers. Once you’ve checked these areas, then move on to the shingles themselves.
Gutters
Gutters are the troughs attached along the eave edges of a building to catch rainwater and direct it away from the foundation. They prevent water damage to siding, landscaping, and other parts of the house and minimize the risk of basement and crawl space flooding. Gutters also help to reduce erosion in the soil around the foundation of a home and can keep the walls from cracking and shifting over time.
Gutter maintenance and cleaning is a must for anyone who wants to preserve the structural integrity of their home. Regular gutter cleaning can help to prevent clogs and maintain proper water flow throughout the structure.
If you have a large house with many gutters, hiring a professional to perform the job may be worthwhile. However, if you’re looking for a quick DIY solution to your gutter problems, there are some tips you can follow.
Before you start working on your gutters, be sure to get a tall ladder and a set of gloves. You’ll also want to have a bucket nearby to place your gunk in, and a pair of handheld tools to remove any plant life or other debris that gets caught inside the troughs. It’s a good idea to wear safety glasses and a face mask as well, and work carefully to avoid falling off the ladder.
Once you’ve removed any plant material, make sure to rinse out the gutters and downspouts with your hose. This will also flush out any muck that’s stuck inside, and it’ll prevent any re-accumulation in the future. You should also wipe down the soffits and fascia using a damp sponge.
If you have leaky gutters, be sure to check the flashing that connects them to your roof. For instance, you may need to add additional caulking where the flashing meets the gutter or where the edge of one roofline meets another. You can also try slipping a strip of adhesive ice-and-water barrier (available at most roofing repair products) under the soffit/main roof joint, or on top of a section of gutter that’s particularly leaky.
Skylights
Skylights and roof windows can be great additions to a home, providing natural light and fresh air. However, they need to be properly installed and maintained to avoid leaks and other problems.
The first step in repairing a leaky skylight is to find the source of the problem. Often, the leak is not directly under the skylight but somewhere above it — for example, from a chimney or other roof penetration. Once the source of the problem is found, it can be repaired by replacing the flashing or using caulking.
As a general rule, homeowners should have all skylights inspected by a roofing professional regularly. These professionals can make sure the seal is in good condition, which is critical to avoiding water leaks into the roof structure. If you notice condensation between the layers of glass, this is a sign that the seal has been compromised and needs to be fixed.
Another thing to keep in mind when installing skylights or roof windows is that they add to the overall weight of a roof. A good roofing contractor will ensure that the size of a skylight or roof window is appropriate for the structure, and they will carefully inspect it to ensure it does not interfere with structural integrity. Additionally, homeowners should choose energy-efficient skylights to help save money on utility bills and improve a home’s comfort.