Being a homeowner can be stressful, particularly regarding roof maintenance. Whereas the homeowner can do other home maintenance repairs, such as painting your interior walls or adding mulch to your front yard, roof repairs or replacements are somewhat unfamiliar territory. Nevertheless, residential roofing professionals, such as those at residential roofing Wilmington, NC | Summit Roofing & Construction, have assisted hundreds of homeowners with a wide range of roofing issues. The following are the most common residential roof repairs.
Improperly Installed Flashing
One of the most common causes of residential roofing repairs is improperly installed flashing. Improper flashing causes leaks and water damage. It can also lead to rusting. Additionally, it can lead to a financial burden for the building owner. Luckily, there are ways to prevent leaking flashing. The first step is to check for cracked or damaged shingles. Next, if you notice damage to siding and fascia boards, it’s time to call a roofing professional.
Roof flashing is a thin metal sheeting installed along the roof’s edge near joints and seams. Flashing prevents water from seeping into the building and causing leaks when properly installed. Improper flashing installation can cause serious problems for the roof and require expensive repairs. It’s best to hire an experienced roofing contractor to install the flashing. Moreover, extreme temperature changes can cause deterioration of roof structures and flash. Excessive changes in temperature can cause the flashing to pull away from the roof surface.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are one of the most costly causes of residential roofing repairs. A missing shingle can cause some problems, including leaks and reduced curb appeal. It may also result in exposed nails and falling shingle granules. These issues are not only costly to repair but can also lead to water damage and mold growth. So, it is important to get your roof checked regularly.
Luckily, most homeowners insurance companies cover these costs if you can show evidence of wind damage. However, to receive a fair settlement, you will need to have an insurance company inspect the damage and determine whether or not it is covered under the policy. While shingles are the most popular choice for residential roofing, metal roofs are also an excellent option. Metal roofs are easier to maintain and last for much longer than shingles, but they cost more.
Poorly Insulated Roof
In winter, ice dams can develop on the roof. It is caused by poor insulation, which allows heat inside the house to escape through the roof. As a result, melted snow drips down to the cold edges of the roof and freezes. Not only can this cause a roof to leak, but it can also pose a safety risk to those walking below. To avoid this, installing a good insulation system on your roof is important.
A poorly insulated roof is another leading cause of residential roofing repairs. A poorly insulated roof will allow moisture to seep into the insulation, leading to further damage. While your roofing contractor can repair the roof’s damage, installing new insulation is best. This way, you won’t have to worry about damaging your freshly repaired roof. Hiring a roofing contractor to do the job can also avoid hassle and expense.
Ice Dams
When a winter ice dam forms on your roof, melted water will seep into the roof sheathing. When this water freezes and flows down the roof, it can damage the sheetrock, exterior walls, and paint. It can also damage people and plants underneath. And the worst part is that the ice dam will also cause the downspouts and gutters to bend. So if you’ve had several ice dams on your roof in the past, it’s time to have it checked out by a Wilmington roofer near you.
There are several methods to remove an ice dam. One method uses a trough-maker, a cloth tube filled with calcium chloride and tied off. This method melts away the ice dam and opens the underlying water flow path. It’s important to use the correct equipment when removing an ice dam. You don’t want to risk damaging the roofing material by trying to remove it yourself.
Strong Winds
When a strong wind blows on your roof, it will be necessary to make residential roofing repairs as quickly as possible. High winds can be especially damaging during winter, when freezing rain and brisk wind combine to create an ideal environment for roof damage. During spring, stronger winds can bring thunderstorms and even more damaging winds. Homeowners should be aware of the damage that high winds can cause to their roofs and take steps to minimize the effect.
If you live in an area with frequent storms, you should check your roof frequently to prevent damage. You can also check for signs of water leakage, discoloration of the walls, and visible damage. If you notice any of these signs, take photos to document the damages and report them to your insurance agent. If you don’t know how to make a quick repair, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
