Although the highest-quality slate, copper, and tile roofs can last 50 years, that isn’t forever. Roof issues will eventually occur on even the strongest of roofing materials. Therefore, it is important that you know how to go about repairing a roof when it’s necessary.
Read on to learn about four common roof problems and how to deal with them.
Table of Contents
1. Leaks
Neither commercial nor residential roofing is safe from leaks. Luckily, if you have a leaky roof, it may be easier to fix than you’d think.
The first step to dealing with a leak is to find the opening through which the water is entering the roof. It is possible that a loose and/or broken shingle will be the cause. However, it is more likely for holes to occur around vents, chimneys, and so on.
It is safest to search for holes from the attic rather than on the roof. When you find mold, water stains, and/or black marks, know that you are near to the hole. It will probably be upslope or to the right or left of these marks.
Once you find the hole, you can go about sealing it.
2. Impacts
Hail, tree branches, and other weather debris can hit your roof shingles or tiles. This action can cause your residential roofing materials to dent, crack, and/or shatter.
This doesn’t always lead to leaks. However, it can cause a protective coating to wear off. This can leave your residential roofing materials more vulnerable to threats such as UV rays.
In addition, damaged tiles or shingles can look unattractive. In both cases, you may consider roof repairs.
3. Standing Water
It’s not common for a sloped roof to have standing water. Usually, the rain can flow down the slope and off the roof.
However, this situation isn’t impossible. When it does, the water can cause mold or mildew to grow on your roof. The water can also sneak through your roof and cause damage.
Therefore, remove standing water from your roof as soon as possible.
4. Flashing
Missing or damaged roof flashing is often the cause of roof leaks. You can usually find these types of roofing materials around the points where roofs connect with other fixtures like chimneys or skylights. It is usually made of some form of plastic or metal.
Check around the edges of vents, skylights, and so on when you’re inspecting your roof or searching for a leak. If you notice cracks in your flashing, sealing may work if you can’t replace it. When your flashing is missing, it’s best to replace it.
After Reading About Roof Problems, Learn More From Our Other Articles
If you’re not a roofing expert, remember that you can easily make mistakes. Therefore, make sure that you follow any tutorials that you find carefully.
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