There are many types of leaks and shingle damage that can be repaired without the need for roof replacement. In fact, repairing some of these problems can save you money in the long run.
To find the source of a leak, soak different areas of your roof with water and have someone inside watching for telltale signs of moisture. However, if you want a hassle-free experience.
Insulation keeps the hot summer sun and warm air out and cold air in, saving energy and money. In fact, the average home can save up to 15% on energy costs annually when properly insulated. This makes roof insulation a great investment in your home and the environment.
There are multiple options for insulating your home, including fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. Each option has its own R-value, which indicates how well it prevents heat loss or gain.
Rigid board insulation is made of thick, dense sheets of closed-cell foam with foil facings that allow it to resist moisture and airflow. Common types include XPS, polyiso, and expanded polystyrene (EPS). They are typically used in commercial buildings and homes where high R-values and fire resistance are required.
A good way to determine which type of insulation to install is by measuring the gap between joists and rafters. This will allow you to determine how much insulation you need and the thickness required. Some insulation boards also come with a vapor control layer, which helps reduce the buildup of moisture within your home.
Another benefit of proper roof insulation is the ability to keep the internal temperature at a steady level without excessive heating or cooling. This saves energy and money while also reducing your carbon footprint.
While many people do not give the attic a lot of thought, this area is one of the primary sources for moisture leaks. Moisture can damage rafters and beams, which are integral to the structural integrity of your home. It can also lead to mold and mildew, both of which can have a negative impact on the health of your family.
Proper insulation will protect your attic space from moisture and help prevent the need for costly repairs in the future. It will also help to preserve your home’s R-value and improve its resale value. If you have any questions about the best type of roof insulation for your home, contact a professional. They can assist you in choosing the right type and in a quick and efficient installation process.
Shingles
A shingle is a cylinder of asphalt and fiberglass that covers the roof. It’s held in place by nails and covered with a protective layer of granules. Over time, granules shed from the roof, and the shingles themselves begin to degrade. Seeing bare spots on the roof means it’s time to replace the shingles.
A more serious sign is curling shingles, which may indicate the need for a replacement roof or poor attic ventilation. You might also notice the shingles are shedding, especially in rainy weather. This indicates the shingles aren’t sealing properly or the adhesive in the sealant has worn out. If the shingles are still intact but you’re finding granules in your downspouts, that’s another indication they’re wearing out and need replacing.
When the shingles wear out, water leaks through the roof. A careful inspection can pinpoint the source. It’s usually a problem with the flashing at a corner or in an area where the step flashing meets the siding or soffit. Check the caulk at these corners, particularly around windows and between corner boards and siding or dormer walls. It’s not unusual for this caulk to be cracked or missing altogether. Water seeps through these cracks and carries moisture under the shingles, rotting the fascia and soffits.
Another common problem is ice dams, which occur when melting snow reaches the colder eaves of a roof and re-freezes there. This prevents the snow melt from running off the roof and causes water to back up under the shingles. Often, this can lead to roof leaks, so it’s important to improve attic insulation and venting to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.
Shingles can also cause a painful rash and loss of vision or balance for some people. The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is severe pain in the areas where the blisters from shingles have scabbed over and can last for months or even years. This is more likely to occur in people over 50 and can be more serious in those with weakened immune systems.
Flashing
Many elements of your roof go unnoticed, but flashing is one of the most important. Without it, your home would experience far more leaks and other damage to the interior of the building. Flashing is a thin sheet of impervious material that prevents water from seeping into buildings through crevices where structures like chimneys, vents, and skylights join the roof, walls, windows, and doors. It’s usually made of a metal such as galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper. Often, it’s sealed to the roof and covered with shingles, but it can also be exposed as an outward-facing sheet of metal.
The flashing is designed to allow the roof and the walls to expand and contract as the temperature changes without leaking. It’s most commonly installed around protrusions that go through the roof, such as a chimney or plumbing vent, but it can be found anywhere a wall and a shingled area meet. It may also be installed along the valleys of intersecting roof planes to protect drainage pipes.
It’s possible for flashing to start failing if the shingles aren’t properly installed over it, and this is the most common cause of flashing failure. It can also be damaged by the freeze-thaw cycle that your roof goes through each winter. When the ice on your roof melts, it can run down through the flashing and cause cracks that will eventually lead to leaks.
If you notice a crack or hole in your flashing, it’s important to contact a roofing professional immediately. These professionals can repair the leaks and make sure that your roof is protected for the long term.
If you’re considering a new roof installation, be sure to ask the contractor about replacing your flashing at the same time. This can help prevent problems in the future and save you a lot of money in the long run. Whether your roof is in need of a minor repair or a major overhaul, an experienced roofing company will be able to handle it quickly and efficiently. A quality company will also be able to perform any additional roof repairs that may be needed down the road.
Gutters
A gutter (also known as an eavestrough, eavesshoot, or surface water collection channel) directs rainwater from your roof to proper drainage and away from the foundation of your house. Without gutters, the resulting water accumulation can damage your walls and roof materials and cause expensive property repairs or even structural failure. Gutters are the freeway system of your roof, directing rainfall quickly from where it falls to where it needs to go—far from your home.
Gutter systems are available in many different sizes and materials. The least expensive gutters made of vinyl, aluminum, or coated steel run about $1 to $8 per foot; copper and zinc are a bit more expensive but last longer. Straight sections are easy to install yourself, but you’ll need a professional for larger houses or seamless gutters. A pro can also handle more complex installations, such as soffit and fascia work or ice dam prevention.
The most popular gutter shape, popular after World War II, has a semicircular front lip or bead that resembles crown molding. It fits most traditional homes and goes well with rectangular downspouts. Half-rounds are available in 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-inch widths and can handle more water volume than K-style gutters.
Metal gutters have long been a favorite with contractors and homeowners because of their durability. They come in many styles and colors to match any architectural style, from sleek and modern to rustic and traditional. They can cost more than aluminum, but they are stronger and hold up better to rust.
Regardless of the type of gutters you choose, it is important to maintain them regularly. Regular cleaning removes clogs and debris from your gutters and ensures that your downspouts are not blocked by leaves or pine needles. A clogged or obstructed downspout can allow rainwater to back up behind your gutters and overflow, causing wood rot around windows, doors, and trim. It can also lead to ponding water that can damage your siding and the surrounding landscaping, as well as the foundation of your home. A professional can prevent this by properly installing and maintaining your gutter system.
