When determining whether to repair or replace your roof, start with a visual examination of the entire structure. Check gutters and roof edges, as well as flashing around chimneys and dormers.
Look for damage from fallen limbs, hail, and water leaks that can cause mold and mildew in your home. Also look for standing water that suggests you may need better drainage.
Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against weather, sun and other forces that can damage the underlying structures of your home. They’re also a critical part of the structural integrity of your roof, which means that a single damaged shingle can lead to leaks and other problems. A professional roof repair contractor will check shingles to make sure that they are securely fastened and free from any signs of wear or damage, such as cracking, which could allow moisture to penetrate your home’s interior.
Replacing a damaged shingle is not difficult for homeowners who have the right tools and a little patience. Start by determining how many shingles need to be replaced so that you can purchase the correct number at a home improvement store. Ensure that you have the proper safety gear to work on your roof, including a ladder, safety harness and hard hat. It’s important to remember that working on a roof can be dangerous, especially if your home has a steep pitch or is two stories or more above ground.
Before starting, remove any shingles that are overlapping the damaged one to prevent damaging them when you pry up the surrounding ones. Use a flat pry bar to break the glue seal and loosen the nails on the shingle you wish to replace. Carefully lift the shingle to expose the nail and carefully remove it. Continue this process for all of the shingles above the row that contains the damaged shingle to expose and remove the nails.
When the repaired shingle is in place, apply a dab of roof cement to secure it to the roof surface. You can find roof cement at most hardware stores and it comes in a variety of colors to match your existing shingles. The sealant can help prevent water from getting into your home through any cracks in the shingle or other areas of your roof structure.
Leaks are a clear sign that your shingles need to be replaced, but it’s important to understand the reason for the leak before you decide whether a replacement is the best option. In some cases, leaking shingles can be the result of deliberate damage inflicted by an unscrupulous insurance adjuster or homeowner. Depending on the location of the shingle damage, other factors may be at play, such as improper ventilation or excessive heat, issues with your roofing materials or moisture-related problems.
Missing Shingles
Shingles are the primary weather shield for a roof and, when they go missing, it opens up your home to severe damage. Even just one missing shingle means that the rainwater will have an easy path into your attic or upper floor of the house. This will soak the drywall, insulation, paint, plywood, and other areas. Over time, the moisture will rot and weaken these important supports, leading to further problems including foundation cracking and roof caving.
Missing shingles are often caused by wind. If you live in a particularly windy area, your shingles are at high risk of losing their place on your roof. However, this is not the only cause of shingle loss. Age and workmanship are also factors that can lead to shingle loss. Overtime, shingles will lose their oils and become more brittle, which can make them more likely to dislodge in a strong storm.
If you have a shingle that goes missing, the first thing to do is to inspect it for damage. If there is no visible damage, the next step is to check the attic or upper floor for water leaks. If there is no immediate evidence of a leak, you will want to get a professional roofing contractor to do a thorough inspection to see if the missing shingle is a sign of a larger problem.
A missing shingle is a signal that your roof needs attention. This is especially true if the shingle was covering a seam, as the design of your roof is built so that the shingles above cover the seams of the ones below. This minimizes the chance of leaks in the future. Missing shingle tabs and exposed nails are also signs that you need to repair your roof.
It’s best to hire a roofing company for your inspection and repair, as the process can be complex and difficult for an amateur. The professional roofing crew will be able to spot all the problems, replace the damaged shingles, and ensure that your roof is in good working order. A roofing expert can also determine if you need to file a homeowner’s insurance claim if your shingles are lost due to storm damage.
Cracked or Missing Supporting Structure
If you notice any cracking within a structural element of your home or building, it’s vital to seek advice from an experienced Structural Engineer. This is to ensure that you can be confident in the ideal structural repair strategy to be undertaken.
Whether it’s a wall, floor, or ceiling, structural cracking can be incredibly worrying. It may not only indicate structural damage but also the potential for a more serious issue, such as water ingress, pest infestations or even a collapse of the structure.
It’s important to determine whether the crack in question is active or dormant before deciding on your next move. Active cracks are at risk of growing or spreading, so should be attended to immediately. However, dormant cracks are less of a concern but are still worth investigating to prevent them from getting worse over time.
The most common type of structural cracking is vertical cracks within walls. These could be a result of a movement in the ground supporting the wall or a shift in the load-bearing materials. This can be caused by heave, up-lift, soil erosion, tree root growth, salt attack, poor workmanship, and ageing of the material.
Horizontal cracking, which is commonly seen in brick and concrete buildings, can also be indicative of a structural problem. This can be due to the shrinkage and expansion of the brickwork, but it’s equally as likely that this cracking is a result of a deterioration in the steel reinforcement or concrete.
For more serious issues, the underlying material may be failing due to corrosion or damage. In this case, the best course of action is to carry out a structural repair by replacing the damaged or corroded elements with new materials that can withstand the stresses and strains of the building.
In some cases, the structural repairs required can involve upgrading existing building components to meet higher standards of fire safety, energy efficiency and accessibility. These are often complex projects that require specialist knowledge of the relevant building regulations and codes. At Perfect Remediation, our team of experienced engineers, estimators and contractors work together to deliver these large-scale structural repairs flawlessly.
Water Leaks
A roof leak is not only unpleasant, it can cause mold and mildew to grow and rot your home’s wood framing and sheathing. Detecting and repairing leaks quickly is essential to prevent further damage. Leaks occur when sealed joints, such as seams and flashing, shift, creating open gaps for water intrusion. Look for areas of discoloration on ceilings and walls, sagging or buckling areas, peeling paint, moisture stains or drips from ceilings that align with the flashing seams.
Identifying the source of a leak can take some sleuthing. It may help to shut off the water and use a damp sponge to check for moisture in the attic or walls. If you spot signs of mold, mildew or water stains, it’s important to have a professional inspect and evaluate the severity of the problem.
If your roof is over 20 years old, it’s a good idea to get an inspection and a quote for repair work. Even small leaks that go undetected for a while can lead to rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation and sagging or damaged ceilings.
Leaks are common, but it’s easy to stop them from damaging your home with simple repairs. Check your gutter systems to ensure they are free of clogs and directing water away from your home, then check the flashing around chimneys, skylights, roof vents and other entry points on your roof. If you’re comfortable on the roof, you can also walk around and visually inspect shingles and the decking.
If you find a crack or a gap, fill it with caulking suitable for exterior projects. Scrape out the old caulking, cut a tube of new caulking and apply a thick bead to the surface. It helps to have an assistant, especially if you’re working on a steeply pitched or tall roof. Be sure to use a caulking that’s made for outdoor use, such as butyl rubber. Be careful when climbing on your roof to avoid falling debris and make sure it’s safe to work there before you start a project. For a more extensive repair, hire a qualified roofer.