Roof Repair

A roof repair simply means any repair a roof needs for the purpose of its maintenance, such as fixing leaks, damage, and wear and tear. It is important to schedule roof repair as soon as an issue starts. A roof repair can prevent homeowners from having to purchase a new roof for a little bit longer and save them any major expenses in the future.  

Not everyone knows what to look for when a roof needs to be repaired. Some signs that a roof may need to be repaired include loose or missing shingles, tiles, or shakes, as well as missing or loose flashing, damaged vents, a wavy-looking surface, and debris that has piled up in a specific area for a long time. Other signs include a leak in the ceiling, a broken pipe collar, and rotting plywood. 

1. Roof Inspection

When it comes to repairing a roof, there is a process involved. To start, an inspection of the roof needs to be performed. A professional roofer will perform an inspection to find any roofing problems. If there is a leak, the inspector will do some detective work to determine the cause. The inspector will map the entire wet area using different techniques, look horizontally and up the roof slope, and then examine the on-roof surface for any defect or gap that could be the point of entry. They can also test for leaks by spraying the roof with water. Once the inspector has determined the source of the leak, they can seal or repair the suspected point of entry, as well as repair or replace the areas damaged by the water. See our types of inspections here.

2. Roof Repairs

When dealing with the roofing problem, the inspector will use a different technique depending on the issue. For instance, flashing that has been damaged will be replaced with new ones, areas with worn sealant will be caulked or tarred, and damaged vent boots will be removed and replaced. The inspector will ensure the area surrounding the boot will be sealed to prevent leaks. Shingles that are missing or broken will also be replaced with new ones. 

If the roof has been punctured or if water has damaged the roof decking, then the repair process becomes much more involved. When a roof has been punctured, the professional roofer might have to do some reframing, install a new layer of sheathing, underlayment, and shingles, and ensure that the new sheathing and underlayment do not have any gaps for water to enter. Repairing a damaged roof decking is like repairing a punctured roof. The professional roofer will get rid of the underlayment and shingles, remove the rotten part, and replace everything on top. 

Needing to repair a roof is never a good thing. However, waiting too long to take care of roof repairs can be one of the costliest mistakes a homeowner can make. Knowing what signs to look for and what to expect during the roof repair process can help put homeowners’ minds at ease, especially when a trusted local roofing contractor takes care of the problem for them.