If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to know how to spot roof damage before it becomes a bigger problem. A little bit of preventative maintenance can save you big money in the long run. However, if you need professional help, contact Roof Repair NJ now!
First, get up in your attic or crawlspace and take a look around. Look for damp spots on the ceiling and along the walls.
If a shingle is damaged, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. Damaged shingles can cause leaks, which can be costly to repair.
Shingle roofs can be very vulnerable to wind and storms, so they need to be checked regularly for damaged or missing shingles. Damaged shingles are easy to spot and most can be repaired by replacing them with new ones.
When looking for damaged shingles, pay special attention to areas around chimneys and vents. These are the most common places where leaks originate. Also, check for any areas where the shingles are missing or have gaps or cracks.
A shingle can be damaged by hail or falling debris. It can also become worn due to constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays, which causes fading and warping. To prevent this, make sure to replace any shingles that have been damaged or are showing signs of wear and tear.
Another common sign of shingle damage is discolored granules on the roof. These granules provide a layer of protection from the sun’s UV rays and can be lost due to age or improper roof ventilation.
In some cases, a shingle can develop a blister, which is similar to a bruise and appears as a raised area on the shingle. Blisters can be caused by moisture or poor ventilation and may lead to a leak in the attic.
A deteriorated or damaged shingle can also develop a concave center, which is called cupping. This is typically due to age or a poorly ventilated attic and can be a major source of leaks in the roof.
To repair a damaged shingle, start by removing the nails in the row above it. Next, pry up the shingle with a pry bar or crowbar to lift it and expose the nails underneath. Then, cut a V shape around the nails with a utility knife to release them and pull out the shingle. Lastly, nail down the replacement 3-tab shingle using 4 roofing nails. Remember to cover the nails with asphalt roofing cement after they’re nailed down.
Bent Flashing
Flashing is a sheet of metal (typically galvanized steel) that seals the seams around penetrations in your roof like chimneys, skylights, dormers and vents. It also lines valleys and the ridge and rake edges of your roof. Because of its constant exposure to the elements, flashing can become damaged over time. It may develop rust spots or corrosion, and if left unchecked, these problems can lead to leaks. Flashing can also get bent or pried loose from the roof in a storm, or it may be damaged when workers attempt to install new roofing materials or other components.
Flashing can be damaged in other ways too, such as when the sealant that holds it in place breaks down or is missing completely. If this happens, water can seep under the flashing and cause damage to shingles, the roof membrane and other components of the roof.
In addition, flashing can be impacted by normal wear and tear, such as the shrinking and expanding of your home as it ages. This can affect the alignment of flashing and cause it to shift over time, resulting in moisture leaks.
A skilled roofer can repair most flashing problems, especially if they catch them in a timely manner. For example, if you notice that the flashing around your chimney is pulling away from the chimney, a roofer can simply replace the headwall flashing and re-seal the chimney.
For more serious flashing problems, a roofing contractor can replace the entire piece of flashing. This is a more involved job that involves removing shingles to gain access to the flashing. This is a job best left to professionals, especially if the damaged flashing is highly corroded.
It is important to check the condition of your roof flashing on a regular basis. It can be difficult to identify signs of flashing damage over time, but a trained eye will spot even small issues that can lead to expensive water leaks. It is a good idea to schedule a roof inspection with a professional at least once a year. During this time, the roofer can look for potential flashing problems and make necessary repairs before they become more serious.
Water Leaks
If your roof has a leak, you want to get it fixed right away. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace drywall and ceiling tiles and deal with potential mold problems in your home. You might also see higher energy bills as water ruins insulation and causes it to lose its effectiveness.
Before you call a professional, you’ll need to take steps to minimize the damage and find out where the leak is coming from. Start by taking pictures of the area and securing any valuables. Then you can put up a tarp to keep water and dust out of your home until the professionals arrive.
Water leaks are usually caused by a damaged shingle or flashing. Often they occur in places where the shingles meet other elements of the roof, such as the soffit and valleys. A soffit leak might be caused by a nail that has not been driven in properly or by a hole in the shingle itself. A valley leak is more common and can be caused by a gutter that hasn’t been installed properly or by the shingles themselves.
A roof repair company will fix the leaking shingle or flashing. If there is a hole in the shingle, they will patch it up with ice and water shield or roofing cement. They will also reseal the shingle and nail holes with some type of caulking.
If you’re unsure what the problem is, look for evidence of a leak in your attic or crawlspace. Look for dark spots on the ceiling that you can trace up to the rafters or roof. If you’re unable to find the source of the leak, try running water over your roof to spot a problem area.
If the leak is causing moisture in your attic, it could damage insulation and affect your home’s energy efficiency. Moisture can also cause mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your family. It can also ruin wall and floor coverings, wood framing and ceiling tiles. If the moisture gets into your electrical wiring, it can cause a fire hazard and pose a threat to your safety.
Mold
Mold is a common problem in homes, particularly in areas that have been damaged by water leaks or flooding. Many types of mold can grow in wet cellulose materials, including paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood. Mold spores can be spread through the air and can also attach to people or animals, where they will stay until they find a suitable environment for growth.
The presence of mold is often a sign that moisture problems have not been adequately addressed. In order to stop mold from spreading, the source of the moisture must be fixed, including fixing any roof leaks and reducing indoor humidity levels.
There are many different types of mold, each with its own characteristic color and odor. A yellow mold called serpula lacrymans is commonly found in damp environments and can have a slimy texture. Other types of mold include Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Chaetomium. Some green molds, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, have been linked to serious health issues, including memory loss and lethargy.
All types of mold require a source of nutrients to grow, which is typically organic material. Mold spores can feed on a variety of materials, including dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet and fabric. Mold growth is most likely to occur in damp, dark conditions and is deterred by sunlight.
When a homeowner suspects a mold problem, it is important to respond quickly to limit its growth. If mold spores are allowed to take hold, it can quickly spread throughout the home. The first step in any mold cleaning effort is to remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours, ideally double-bagging them and tying the bags shut.
The next step is to clean and kill the remaining mold spores. This can be done with liquid biocide or bleach. Once the mold is dead, it can be encapsulated with a special paint or caulk to prevent regrowth. Moisture should be corrected as soon as possible to prevent the formation of new mold and other water damage. Wet drywall and insulation should be stripped down to the studs, cleaned thoroughly and replaced as necessary.
