Roof Repair – Signs That Your Shingles Need Repair

Severe damage to a roof – bubbling ceilings, large water stains, rotting wood, or sagging shingles – can require a roof replacement. But minor problems often respond well to small-scale repairs.

Start by visually examining the shingles, gutters and roof edges, as well as vent flashing and flashing around chimneys and dormers. Examine the shingle to make sure it is properly nailed, and look for backed-out nails.

Shingles are one of the most important components of your house, protecting it from water and harsh weather. However, just like other roof materials, shingles are expendable and need regular maintenance to function properly and last longer. Here are some signs that your shingles need repairs:

The most common roofing material, shingles are made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt on both sides. The shingles’ top layer is embedded with granules that serve multiple functions, including protecting the underlying asphalt from UV rays and other weather damage. They also contribute to the shingles’ aesthetic appeal.

If your shingles are not properly maintained, you may notice that they are starting to curl. This can lead to leaks and other structural issues, so it’s important to catch this problem early. A professional will be able to repair or replace the damaged shingles and ensure that your roof is protected from further damage.

Some people are more susceptible to shingles than others, especially those who never had chickenpox or the vaccine. If you get shingles, the most common sign is a red, blistery rash that usually forms in a band on your body. The pain from shingles can be intense, but it typically gets better within a few weeks or months. However, some people experience long-lasting pain from the shingles, which is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

You can help prevent shingle problems by having your roof inspected regularly. It’s also a good idea to remove any overhanging debris that can trap moisture, and spray the shingles with a protective coating every couple of years. This will help prevent dryness, warping and insect damage.

If you live in a stormy area, you should inspect your shingles more frequently, especially after severe storms. High winds can lift shingles and allow water to seep in. A drooping roof is another telltale sign that it’s time for a replacement.

A well-maintained shingle roof should last for decades, but even the most durable shingles aren’t impervious to age and wear. If your shingles are more than 25 years old, you should consider having them replaced to avoid potential structural damage and leaks. Even minor leaks can cause serious water damage to insulation, ceilings, support beams, drywall and flooring.

Flashing

The flashing in your roof is one of the most important elements – along with the shingles – to keep water out and your home safe. It protects the joints and places that tend to leak in a roof, like valleys between slopes. Without adequate flashing, your roof would develop serious leaks at these spots. Flashing is usually a metal trim (often aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel) that covers the seams of various penetrations in your roof. These include chimneys, skylights, dormers, and roof vents. It also protects the rake edges of your roof and any points where the wall meets the roof.

Flashing is typically installed in the areas around these protrusions to prevent water from getting under shingles and seeping into walls. There are several different types of flashing, depending on the needs of a particular situation: step flashing is used for penetrations into the roof, counter flashing is often installed under shingle overhangs, and continuous flashing, sometimes called apron flashing, is generally used for walls that meet the roof, like dormers.

Regardless of the type, proper installation and maintenance are vital to protecting your roof and your central Ohio home. A roofing professional will ensure that all parts of your roof, including the flashing, are functioning as they should and are free from rust, cracks, and other signs of deterioration.

Performing periodic inspections can help catch problems with the flashing early and can save you from costly interior damage. When you do find a problem, it is best to call a roofing contractor to repair the flashing and to make sure that there are no gaps or openings in the roof where rainwater can get in. While some of these jobs can be done yourself, it is best to leave the more difficult or dangerous work to a skilled roofing contractor.

Gutters

Gutters are a vital part of your roof’s structure, helping to prevent costly water damage. They work by channeling rainwater away from the roof and home, preventing rot and mold growth as well as water infiltration that can cause structural problems like foundation damage, basement leaks or crawl space moisture issues.

While gutters often go unnoticed, they play an essential role in preserving your roof’s health and longevity. These narrow channels are responsible for directing rainwater away from the roof’s surface, preventing it from collecting and pooling on the ground, where it can lead to structural damage and mold growth. Gutters also help to preserve the integrity of a building’s structure by reducing water exposure to walls and foundations, which can lead to wood rot and foundation damage.

To function properly, gutters need to be free of leaves, twigs and other debris. If these items build up, they can clog the gutter and downspouts, causing rainwater to overflow. This overflow can damage the siding of your house, causing staining and deterioration. It can also cause mold and mildew overgrowth, which is both hazardous to your family’s health and can cause damage to your home’s foundation, resulting in costly repairs.

In addition, clogged gutters can make ideal homes for rodents and other unwanted pests. They can also create conditions that are conducive to the development of ice dams, which can cause significant and damaging structural damage to your roof and property.

Keeping your gutters clean and in good repair is one of the best ways to protect the investment you’ve made in your roof. To do this, it’s important to hire a professional roofer who can also provide regular maintenance services for your gutter system. At Over the Top Roofing & Restoration, we provide gutter cleaning and repair services to keep your home’s structure and landscape in great shape. Our gutter maintenance includes removing clogged channels, inspecting for structural damage and repairing or replacing damaged sections. In addition, we can also reseal and realign your gutter system to ensure proper water flow and prevent future clogging.

Soffit

The soffit and fascia are some of the most underrated roofing components. While they don’t cost as much as a roof replacement, these elements play a significant role in your home’s performance and lifespan. Soffits and fascia serve a number of important functions, including preventing moisture damage, maintaining proper ventilation, and extending the life of your roof.

In addition to promoting airflow and preventing moisture buildup, the soffit also prevents unwanted pests from entering your home through the roofline and gutters. Birds, mice, squirrels, bees, wasps, and other unwelcome visitors often nest in soffits, which can cause extensive damage to the roof and attic space. Regular inspections and routine maintenance will help to reduce the risk of soffit problems and ensure that your attic space remains ventilated.

A soffit system consists of 4 major components: the fascia board, soffit panel, frieze board, and rafter tails. The fascia board is the long vertical board that runs along the lower edge of your roof. While it isn’t as structurally significant as the shingles or tiles, the fascia board provides an aesthetic element to your roof that can improve its appearance.

If you notice any signs of damage to your fascia board, it is important to get them repaired right away. The longer you wait, the more severe the damage will be. A professional contractor will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Fascia board repair may include repairing the damaged area, sealing cracks and holes, and repainting. In some cases, the fascia board may need to be replaced. It is important to get these repairs done right away to avoid more costly damage and prevent the wood from rotting.

Whether your soffit needs to be repaired or replaced, it is important to contact a professional roofer. They have the expertise and equipment necessary to perform these repairs safely and effectively, ensuring that your home’s soffit and fascia are in good condition for years to come. While it is possible to replace a soffit yourself, you should only trust professionals who have experience in exterior home improvement projects and can work at heights.