PART 1: The Greenhorn’s Guide to Common Roofing Problems
If you’re reading this, then it can only mean one thing: that you are, more or less, a greenhorn when it comes to roofing. You don’t have the slightest idea of what to do when your roof starts to show signs of aging or damage. There’s no need to worry, though, as you’re not the only roofing green horn who needs help. This handy guide tackles all you need to know about common roofing problems, so you won’t be completely at sea when you discuss things with your contractor. Cupped or Upturned Shingles Upturned corners are commonly seen on asphalt or fiberglass shingles; if not immediately repaired, this issue may lead to more serious problems. Shingles need to be installed tightly against each other to prevent any leaks or other forms of damage. A tar composite strip is used to join the top layer of shingles to those on the bottom; when the strip fails to do its job and the shingles turn upward, then they can more easily blow off your roof, leaving it bare and vulnerable to leaks. Fortunately, this issue is among the easiest to repair. Roof Leaks A leaky roof can stem from a variety of causes, making it the most common home roofing problem. If you don’t fix the leaks ASAP, you will need to get a new roof in just a few months, and it’s not going to be cheap. Roof leaks can cause roof sheathing and rafters to rot and molds to form in the insulation. If you have water stains that run down your walls or spread across your ceiling, immediately check for leaks in your roof.
PART 1: The Greenhorn’s Guide to Common Roofing Problems
Damaged or Missing Shingle Every once in a while, a shingle or two gets damaged either by a strong wind or a fallen branch. Left unrepaired, it can make your roof vulnerable to water or snow. Ponding Water A pond of water on your roof is a cause for concern. A usual source of ponding water is an HVAC unit without proper condensate drain lines. These drain lines should be dirt-, silt- and debris-free. Faulty Installations & Repairs If you hired a contractor without checking his reputation first, you could end up with a faulty installation that will eventually cause a plethora of problems. Emergency repairs, if done by someone without the proper skills and tools, could make matters worse for your roof. Make sure you only hire a licensed, bonded and insured roofer.
PART 2: What’s the Diff?: Quick Fixes vs. Pro Solutions to Roofing Dilemmas
Every home has a roof that’s bound to need repairs. Whether you like it or not, you will be faced with such a dilemma more than once in your lifetime and dealing with the repairs will never be a walk in the park. The situation can be made easier, however, if you call a professional to do it for you. Let’s take a look at some common roofing problems and compare shortterm solutions with how a roofer would solve it permanently. Cupped or Upturned Shingles When you have an upturned shingle, the quick fix solution would be to get a tube of roofing caulk and place a generous amount underneath the area where shingle is upturned. You then push the upturned part of the shingle down to seal it into the caulk. You can choose to hold it down until the caulk dries or place something heavy on top of it to seal it properly. Now, when you call a roofing professional to do it for you, they already have the proper equipment and tools with them. This means they save you the hassle of having to worry about what caulk to use or how to use it properly. They have methods that are more efficient, if only because they have professional training and experience, having done it on hundreds, if not thousands, of roofs before. Moreover, they would have the expertise to tell whether or not immediate replacement is required. They’ll be able to offer multiple solutions and give you realistic options.
PART 2: What’s the Diff?: Quick Fixes vs. Pro Solutions to Roofing Dilemmas
Roof Leaks Roof leaks are caused by a variety of issues; a homeowner cannot possibly diagnose the cause of every leak. Simple fixes include re-sealing old and cracked caulk and repairing damaged flashing. Replacing flashing is rather complicated; you need to remove the shingles and the siding on the affected parts of your home before you can remove the flashing and replace it. Some people forget to nail the flashing in place, causing it to slip down eventually. Experienced roofers certainly know better than to rely solely on caulk for repairs. Their professional training in roofing repair and installation equips them with the knowledge necessary to provide long-term solutions. Where homeowners might depend solely on ways to seal off the source of the leak, contractors will offer other, more effective remedies.
PART 3: The Importance of Professional Roofing Solutions
When you have a problem with your roof, do you prefer to fix it on your own or do you call your trusted roofer as soon as you can? Most of us do the latter, but there are still some who prefer to keep the expenses at a minimum (or so they think) and repair whatever issues their roofs have on their own. The biggest concern we have about DIY fixes is that there is no protection in the event that something goes wrong. This applies to the homeowner, to the materials, and to the family and belongings inside a home. This is why it is important to highlight why calling a roofer is not a lazy choice, but rather, a smart choice—even if you’re a Mr. or Ms. Fix It. Here’s a few more reasons why: - Fixing your roof on your own can actually make the problem worse. It’s more than just ripping off those old shingles and replacing them with new ones. It goes beyond what to do, but how it is done and the quality of materials used. More importantly, it is about the skills and the knowledge of the people who will do it. Roofers make a living out of building and taking care of roofs, so they have to be exceptionally good at it. - You can actually die from falling off of your roof. Not to be morbid, but according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the United States has the most number of ladder deaths in the world. There are 300 people every year who fall to their deaths in the US. Most of these victims fall ten feet or less from the ground.
PART 3: The Importance of Professional Roofing Solutions
- You get insurance coverage for any damages or injuries that occur on the job. If you get hurt while fixing your roof, congratulations! You get to pay for your own medical expenses. If something gets broken or you don’t have the certification to install a material properly, you can’t get it replaced without paying extra, while a professional roofer can insist on a free replacement.
- They provide regular inspection and maintenance. Let’s face it, the term“regular check-up”can be a bit of a stretch when you’re a homeowner with a job to focus on and children to attend to. A professional roofing company can take that responsibility off your hands. They can provide accurate assessments of your roof and, by spotting early signs of wear and tear, help you prevent any serious roof damage.
Roofers have a key role in keeping your home in excellent condition. You just have to know when to fix your roof problems on your own and when to call a roofer. Just make sure you call a licensed contractor with trade association memberships and a stellar reputation.
Goodrich Roofing 3401 Vassar Drive NE Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 884-0662 (505) 395-5100 GoodRichRoofing.com