A roof is your shield from the elements. If it’s not in tip-top shape, everything else inside is at risk.
Examine the roof visually, including shingles and flashing around chimneys and dormers. Look for significant loss of granules and areas where shingles are missing. Also check the condition of gutters, eaves and roof edges.
Typically, the first step in roof repair involves replacing shingles. A shingle is usually a single-colored piece of material that covers an area of the roof. It is held in place by a strip of asphalt sealant and nails. Shingles may be a little pricey, but they are a good investment because they protect the entire roof surface and prevent water leaks.
Shingles can be damaged by various weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold and severe storms. A roof’s shingles can also be damaged if the nails aren’t properly placed, or if the adhesive strips are not fully adhered to the underlying roofing material.
If you notice that shingles are missing, it’s important to have them replaced promptly to avoid further damage and leaks. Overlapping shingles or resealing them is not a long-term solution and could lead to further problems in the future.
The first step in replacing a shingle is removing the nail that’s holding it in place. It is important to use a hammer and a flat pry bar, instead of a claw hammer, because the claw hammer can cause damage to the granules in the shingle. This is particularly important because the granules give the shingle its color, and are very important for keeping moisture out of the house.
To remove the nail, start by sliding the flat pry bar underneath the shingle just above the damaged shingle. This will break the sealant bond and reveal the nails beneath it. After the sealant bond is broken, you can easily remove the shingle and the nails.
Each shingle on a roof is actually secured with four nails. This is because the nails of the shingles in the course above it pass through the upper edge of the shingle below it. This allows the shingles to resist wind uplift. If you’re trying to remove a 3-tab shingle, it is easiest to pry up a few of the tabs in the course above to reveal the nails and pull them up.
You can then install the new shingle and nail it into place with the nails you removed from the previous shingle. After that, you can re-nail the shingles in the courses above it to secure them as well. If you have any leftover shingle cement, it is a good idea to apply some of it around the edges of the new shingle to secure it and prevent moisture from seeping underneath it.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin strip of metal that professional roofers install at critical areas, wherever the wall of a house meets a roof plane or there are other protrusions like chimneys, vents and skylights. This prevents water from seeping through these areas and into the house. It’s a very important component of any roof, and when it fails, you’re likely to experience severe water damage over time.
If you notice rust, leaks or other signs that your flashing is failing, you’ll want to call in a roofer right away for an emergency repair. In fact, flashing failure is one of the leading causes of home leaks and other roofing issues.
There are several different types of flashing, and a roofer will choose the best type for each situation. For example, base flashing is a sheet of metal that sits at the corner where a wall meets the roof and extends up to the shingles to prevent moisture from seeping in between. It’s also used at other corners of the house and to waterproof areas around windows and doors.
Another type of flashing is step flashing, which sits at an angle between the shingle courses and a wall or dormer. These pieces of metal are arranged in a series that looks very much like steps and overlap each other to prevent moisture from leaking through the gaps between them. A roofer will often use this type of flashing for a chimney, and it’s also common where dormers meet walls.
The last type of flashing is counter flashing, which sits at the top of a wall where it meets the roof and prevents water from running down the wall. This is especially important when a dormer or other structure is built over a flat roof.
There are two common materials for flashing: galvanized steel and aluminum. Galvanized steel is a less expensive option but can discolor over the years, while aluminum is a bit more costly but performs better and looks more attractive. A roofer will decide which material is best based on the budget and long-term performance they’re expecting from the flashing.
Gutters
Gutters are a crucial part of the roofing system, working in tandem with the roof to shed water. Gutters are essentially shallow troughs fixed beneath the edge of your roof, to catch rainwater and carry it down the sides of your house, to where it’s needed. Depending on the slope of your guttering, it can then direct the water into your garden, a waste system or even a rainwater collection tank – far away from the foundations of your home.
Guttering is actually a term for the whole of a roof’s guttering system, and can be made from a range of materials. Metal gutters are often used, but other options include copper, zinc, lead and vinyl. They can be either seamless or sectional, with a choice of trough shape and size, depending on the needs of your property.
A correctly functioning roof gutter system channels the water that falls off your house from the eaves to downspouts along the side of the building and away from the foundations, reducing erosion that can damage paint or stain on the house’s siding, as well as preventing leaks in crawl spaces and basements. But gutters can become clogged with debris such as leaves and twigs, making them less effective.
Regular gutter maintenance and repair is recommended, to ensure that they are always working properly. Professional roofing contractors can clean your gutters and downspouts, ensuring that they are clear of any dirt and debris. They can also tighten loose gutter parts, and check for rust or cracks.
While DIY cleaning can be done, if you’re unsure of your ability to do it safely and effectively, it’s best to leave it to a professional. They’ll be able to use a ladder to access hard-to-reach areas, and will know how to remove any twigs and other debris that could potentially cause harm. They’ll also be able to spot any issues that you may not have noticed, such as damaged or missing trough sections, and repair them before they worsen. This can save you time, money and stress in the long run.
Siding
Siding is an important part of your home’s exterior and it plays a crucial role in protecting the interior of your home from harsh weather elements. It helps to prevent moisture from entering your house and causing mold and mildew. Additionally, it’s a great way to add curb appeal to your home and enhance its beauty. However, like your roof, siding needs to be maintained and repaired in order to ensure it lasts.
One of the best ways to protect your home’s siding is by having it regularly cleaned. A good pressure washer can help you get rid of any dirt, debris or stains on your vinyl, wood or aluminum siding. However, you need to be careful not to use too much pressure because it can crack or damage your siding.
Another thing that can affect your siding is a leaking roof. If your roof is leaking, it can cause water to cascade down the side of your home and can start eroding or rotting the siding. This can also lead to moisture inside your home and cause mold, mildew and other issues. It’s important to have any leaking roof issues fixed as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs to your siding and other structural components of your home.
When it comes to roof and siding repair, a lot of times they can be done together, especially if you’re having the roof replaced. Replacing your roof and siding at the same time can help you save on labor costs and it can be completed more quickly as well.
If you’re thinking about having your roofing and siding repaired, contact a local company in Newnan to see what they can do for you! They offer a wide variety of roofing, siding and gutter services to keep your home looking great.
Whether you’re trying to boost your home’s curb appeal before selling it or you want to give it a facelift, having the roof and siding replaced can make all the difference. It’s an investment, but it can make your house feel brand-new and is a worthwhile upgrade.
