Roof repair is the process of fixing components that are damaged or leaking. However, a slew of factors can damage your roof, including storms, whirlwinds and even tornadoes.
Water stains on ceilings and walls, mold growth and a sagging roof are all indicators that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. A thorough inspection is essential to determine the extent of the damage. Visit https://lexingtonroofcompany.com/ to learn more.
While shingles and tiles aren’t as vulnerable to damage as other roofing materials, they still require attention. Cracked, torn or missing shingles should always be repaired right away before the weather turns. This protects the roof deck from water intrusion and prevents mold and mildew inside the home.
Storms often wreak havoc on shingle and tile roofs. The most obvious sign is a section of missing shingles, which can leave the roof exposed to moisture and allow water into your home. Even a single missing shingle can cause the other shingles to degrade faster than they would otherwise.
Blistering is another common shingle issue. This occurs when a shingle is subjected to extreme heat or pressure from a strong wind. The granules on the surface of the shingle melt, leaving behind an area that is darker in color than the surrounding shingles. Blistering is more common in areas with harsh sunlight.
A sagging roof or damp attic are further indications that your roof needs repair. Moisture can penetrate the roof decking and damage insulation, leading to rot and structural issues. If left unchecked, these problems can result in leaks or mold.
Discolored or faded shingles may also indicate that they’re deteriorating. The granules that give shingles their color help them shed rain and UV rays, so when these shingles are damaged, they can’t protect your home.
Moss and algae growth are another common indicator that your roof needs repair. These types of fungi retain moisture, which speed up the deterioration of your shingles and other roofing materials.
If you see any moss or algae growing on your roof, it’s crucial to contact a roofing contractor immediately. They will use a power washer to kill the fungi and prevent them from returning.
If a shingle is simply cracked, rather than torn or missing, it can be repaired with a bit of roofing sealant. First, remove the nails from the damaged shingle. Then, slide a new shingle under the existing shingles and nail it through its nail strip. Make sure the shingle is centered over the damaged shingle and cover the entire nail strip with additional sealant.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing, or BUR for short, is a long-established roof system that’s effective in many different geographic areas and climates. It’s comprised of multiple layers of asphalt that get applied between ply sheets (or felts) over the roof deck and insulation.
Because of this, built-up roofs are typically less prone to leaks than other types of commercial roofing systems. However, that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free and can’t experience problems like clogged drains or other issues that can lead to water ponding or other damage to the building structure.
One issue that can occur with built-up roofs is blistering. Blistering occurs when moisture builds up between the layers of the roof membrane. This can be caused by a lack of proper installation, a leaking gutter, or undetected roof leaks. When blisters occur, they need to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further moisture damage and potential roof layer tearing.
Repairing a built-up roof is usually done by spudding the surface of the membrane, brushing and applying a base course of asphalt and fabric. Afterwards, a light colored gravel or sand can be sprinkled on top to reflect the sun’s heat and speed up the drying process.
Since built-up roofing is made of multiple layers, it’s difficult to pinpoint the source of a leak. This is why it’s important to have a skilled service crew that can evaluate the entire roof and diagnose any potential sources of leaks.
A good way to avoid major leaks is to schedule regular inspections with a trusted roofing company. They can help you to find and fix small leaks before they become worse and help your built-up roof extend its lifespan. A regularly scheduled inspection also helps to catch potential structural damages early, which can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs down the road. Schedule a demo of Q Ware today to see how our data-driven reports can empower you to make better decisions about repairs, replacements, and overall roof management strategies.
Roof Leaks
A leaking roof can cause significant damage to your ceilings, walls, and foundations. It also leads to the growth of mildew and mold, which can be a health risk for your family. It’s important to fix a leaky roof as soon as possible, so you can avoid further damage and costly repairs.
There are several different causes of roof leaks, including damaged shingles and flashing, clogged gutters, and improperly sealed roof vents. Check for water stains and discoloration on your ceilings, walls, and floors to find the source of the problem. You should also check in your attic and crawl space for signs of water damage.
If you’ve found the source of a leak, you can do a few things to repair it until a professional can arrive. For example, you can cover the area with a tarp to prevent further damage and water accumulation. If you’re not comfortable working on a roof, it’s best to call a roofing contractor to handle the repair.
The most common and urgent sign of a leaky roof is active dripping. Dripping water is a surefire indication that you need to act quickly to avoid further damage and health hazards. Water that dries and re-moistens can damage your ceilings, walls, furniture, and electrical systems. It can even rot the wooden framing of your roof and weaken its overall integrity.
Leaky roofs can be caused by a variety of issues, including old shingles and flashing, clogged or missing gutters, and damaged or rusted vents. To prevent a roof leak, you can replace the flashing around chimneys and skylights, inspect all pipes and vents for proper sealing, and make any necessary adjustments to your attic ventilation.
If you can’t identify the source of a leak, try soaking different areas of your roof with a garden hose. Have someone inside the house watching for telltale drips, and have them yell as soon as they see one. This will help narrow down the location of the leak, and make it easier to locate by a professional.
Insurance Coverage
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to a roof as long as it’s caused by a covered peril like fire or wind. However, if the roof is damaged due to general wear and tear or lack of maintenance, the insurance company won’t cover the repair. This is why it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and inspections.
Home insurance also typically covers any debris that falls on a roof from a storm. If your roof is in need of repairs after a storm, make sure you document the damage and get quotes for the repairs before calling your insurance agent. This will give you the best chance of having the repair costs covered by your insurance policy.
If the roof is severely damaged and needs to be replaced, most insurance policies will cover the cost up to a certain amount, minus any applicable deductible. This will typically cover not only the new shingles or tiles but the structural damage as well.
The specifics of what’s covered by your insurance will depend on your specific policy, but most homeowners policies will have a section for dwelling coverage and another one for other structures. These other structure sections usually specify what parts of your roof are covered by the policy and for which events. For example, you may have a separate section that specifies that your roof is covered in the event of a tree falling during a windstorm or an extended hailstorm.
It’s also a good idea to read through your specific policy carefully and ask an insurance agent if you have any questions. If your roof is leaking or otherwise damaged, you should hire a professional to make temporary repairs until an insurance adjuster can inspect it and approve a claim.
It’s also worth noting that if your roof is less than 10 years old, it will probably be fully covered by your insurance policy. On the other hand, if your roof is older than this, the insurance company will likely depreciate it and only pay you for a fraction of its actual cost.