When roof damage occurs, homeowners need to decide whether it’s best to repair or replace the roof. A new roof can cost more upfront, but it protects the home’s value and adds curb appeal.
Small cracks and holes can be repaired with a sealant or patching material. However, if it’s impossible to find an exact match for the color of your existing shingles, then a replacement is the best option. Contact Roof Repair Las Vegas for professional help.
The shingles and tiles on your roof are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. They aren’t infallible, however, and it is common for high winds or falling debris to damage or loosen them. If left unattended, a few loose shingles can lead to more serious problems, including leaks and structural issues with your home. If you notice a small area of missing shingles or tiles, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible.
While 3-tab asphalt shingles are a durable roofing option, they can still get damaged from weather fluctuations, heavy impact, insufficient attic ventilation, and normal wear and tear. A damaged shingle allows water to seep in, which can cause further roof damage as well as staining of interior walls and flooding of your home. Many insurance policies have strict time limits for submitting storm damage claims, so it’s crucial to take fast action when you discover any issues with your roof.
If your shingle isn’t too badly damaged, you may be able to fix it by applying roof sealant or a shingle patching kit. Be sure to thoroughly clean the area before applying the patching material and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. If the damage is more severe, you’ll need to replace the shingle entirely.
Before you begin working on your roof, be sure to wear a safety harness and use a ladder that’s sturdy and secure. It’s also best to work during cooler temperatures, as the heat can make it difficult to handle materials and tools. Once you’re prepared to start, carefully remove the damaged shingle by sliding your pry bar under it and lifting upward. Once the shingle is lifted, you can then pry out the nails with your hammer claw.
After you’ve removed the nail, slide your pry bar under the shingle directly above it and lift upward. Once you’ve raised the second shingle, you can then use your hammer claw to pry out the remaining nails. Repeat this process for any other shingles that need to be removed. Once you’ve gotten all the nails out, you can pull off the damaged shingle and replace it with a new one.
Leaks
A leaky roof is an unpleasant surprise that can cause major water damage within the structure of a home or business. Whether the result of a damaged shingle, flashing issue or something else entirely, the leaks can create problems such as drywall rot and mold growth. To reduce the impact on your property, it’s important to catch these issues early by performing regular inspections and repairs.
Some signs of a leaky roof are easy to see; water stains and discoloration on the ceiling are common indicators of a problem. Other clues include water spots on the walls and a musty smell in the attic.
Leaks can be caused by a wide range of issues, including aging shingles, high winds and clogged gutters. However, the most common cause of a leaky roof is shoddy roofing work and flashing. For example, the flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights often deteriorate due to age or improper installation. Flashing may also break or become dislodged from the roof as a result of powerful storm damage.
Chimneys and skylights can be a great addition to your home but they are not without their share of problems. The flashing that seals the seam between the chimney and the roof can deteriorate, or the caulk around the chimney can wear out. In either case, a leak will soon follow.
Another common source of a leak is through the roof’s ventilation system. Blocking the vents will trap moisture in the attic, leading to leaks and interior damage. The best way to prevent these issues is by ensuring that all vents are open and free of debris.
Some of these issues can be addressed by the average homeowner, but in many cases, it is a job for a professional. Trying to perform a DIY repair beyond your skill level can lead to further damage and more costly repairs down the road. Professionals have the tools and experience necessary to safely and effectively address these issues. They can also take precautions to ensure that water doesn’t reach electrical systems, which could pose an electrocution hazard.
Sagging
The sagging of a roof is one of the most severe issues homeowners encounter. Sagging can lead to water infiltration, which can cause mold, mildew, and rot within your home.
Sagging can be caused by a number of things, including poor ventilation and damaged roof flashing. Leaking or collapsed sections of a roof are another common cause of sagging.
If your roof has been leaking or collapsing for some time, it’s important to get the issue repaired quickly to avoid further damage and structural issues. A qualified contractor will be able to inspect and repair your roof to prevent further problems down the road.
Mold
When mold, algae, moss or mildew grow on a roof, it can result in leaks, wood rot and unsightly discoloration. These organisms can also create serious health hazards if inhaled, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems. Generally, they are identified by their earthy or rotting smells and dark coloration on the surface of materials.
Mold, a type of fungi that grows in multicellular strands known as hyphae, can be found on any surface where there is moisture and organic material to feed it. It thrives in warm, damp climates and can cause damage to shingles, wood, metal and other building materials. Inhaling the spores produced by these fungi can trigger allergies, asthma and even fungal pneumonia. These conditions are especially dangerous for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
A number of issues can contribute to the growth of mold on a roof including leaks, clogged gutters and improper or insufficient ventilation. However, the most common cause of microbial overgrowth is high humidity and insufficient roof drainage.
When these organisms are left unchecked, they can spread throughout a roof, resulting in rotting and even structural collapse. They also can erode the asphalt shingle and damage the underlayment, leading to roof leaks and other problems.
Once established, mold can be very difficult to remove from a roof. It is important to hire a professional roofing contractor for mold removal because the spores can be airborne and will return as soon as conditions are right for their growth. A professional will thoroughly clean a roof, using a non-toxic solution designed to kill the spores and prevent their spread. After the fungicide has been allowed to soak in for several minutes, it will be scrubbed with a brush and rinsed thoroughly with clean water.
In addition to cleaning the shingles, professionals will remove the moss or algae and inspect the underlayment for damage and leaks. If they discover other repairs are needed, these will be completed as well. This will help prevent the growth of these fungi in the future and minimize other problems.