Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements. Even if you have a sturdy roof, it is important to inspect it regularly for damage or possible leaks.
The first step is to find the problem. Puddles, for example, often indicate that your roof isn’t draining water properly. Click the Denver Roofing Companies to learn more.
If you notice water stains on your ceiling, there’s a good chance you have a roof leak. Leaks are a major cause of mold, mildew, and other interior damage, so you’ll need to address them as soon as possible to prevent more serious problems. If the leak is minor, you may be able to repair it with caulk, spray insulation, or tar paper.
If the leak is more severe, you’ll need to head up into your attic and use a flashlight to look for the source of the problem. You’ll need to look for wet spots, dark spots, rotted wood, dark mold and the presence of water dripping from nails or other materials that penetrate the roof. You’ll also want to inspect the rafters and wood wall framing for signs of moisture or water penetration. If the area around a leak has been saturated, the wood could be rotting and it may need to be replaced.
Another big issue associated with unchecked leaks is that they can destroy insulation in your attic and walls. This is caused by the “trickle down” effect, in which water seeps into the attic and then moves downward through the wood rafters, sheathing and insulation. The result is that the insulation becomes damp, moldy and loses its R-value.
The most common cause of roof leaks is leaky penetrations. These include plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers and any other construction that projects through the roof. Leaks can occur in the areas around these penetrations, but they can also be located several feet away from them.
Leaks in the step flashing along dormers and sidewalls are also common. You can replace the flashing, but this is a fairly involved procedure that requires removing shingles and siding, replacing the flashing and re-installing both shingles and siding. If the flashing is merely loose or deteriorated, you can usually remedy the problem by applying a judicious coating of roofing sealant to the affected area. The key is to apply the sealant evenly so that it doesn’t create lumps or divert water in an undesirable direction.
Shingles
Keeping your roof sound is top priority, as it protects the rest of your home. It can be expensive to replace a roof, but you can often get years more life from your existing shingles by repairing damage and replacing missing ones. Visual clues such as water stains on the ceiling or walls are a good indication that you need to check the shingles. A quick inspection by a professional will confirm the extent of the damage and what needs to be done to fix it.
The first step is to locate the leak point, which means getting on the roof and carefully inspecting for shingle damage and missing shingles. Once you know where the leak is coming from, you can determine how many new shingles will be needed. You should also gather the necessary tools, which include a ladder, safety harness, gloves, goggles, and a utility knife.
Once you’ve reached the area of the roof with damaged shingles, carefully lift one up using a catspaw pry bar or crowbar (or even just the claw of your hammer). If it is a three-tab shingle, pull up at least five tabs from the layer above it to reveal the nails underneath. Remove the nails, and then peel back enough of the shingle to remove the adhesive strips that hold it in place.
If the shingle is torn, use a carpenter’s square and a marker to draw a vertical line across it, and then cut along this line with tinsnips. This will create a clean, rectangular space to replace the damaged shingle. Then, lay a new shingle in its place and secure it with roofing nails. Don’t forget to cover the exposed nail heads with a dab of roof cement, and then add some colored granules to camouflage the repair.
If a shingle is simply cracked or torn, you don’t need to replace it. Instead, simply use a caulking gun to apply a thick bead of roof sealant under the corner and then weigh it down with a brick until the sealant dries. Then, you can add a few extra granules to complete the repair.
Flashing
When you have roof leaks, it is possible that your flashing may be the culprit. The flashing is a thin strip of corrosion-resistant metal bent into a form that fits into the roof joint and helps direct water away from vulnerable areas. Flashing is usually made of galvanized steel, although copper and PVC are also used in some cases. On shingle roofs, the flashing is installed between the underlayment and the shingles, while on metal roofs, it is generally installed on top of the panels.
The importance of properly functioning flashing cannot be overstated. Without it, moisture will be able to seep under the roofing shingles and into your home, where it can cause extensive damage to insulation, ceilings, walls and the structure of the house itself. If left unchecked, this moisture infiltration can lead to rot, mold growth and other problems that will require expensive repair work.
Flashing is installed in a number of places where roof leaks are prone to occur, including the roof valley (the area where two downward slopes meet) and around roof penetrations such as chimneys, vents, skylights and other features. It is important to inspect the flashing regularly for rust, corrosion and other signs of wear.
If you find that the flashing is leaking, there are a few ways to fix it. First, you can try using flashing tape to make a temporary repair. This is a good option if the leak only appears to be in a small area, as the flashing tape will help keep the water out until you can get a professional to come and replace it with proper flashing material.
Another way to test your flashing is to send someone into the attic with a garden hose and have them run water over the roof. If the hose points to an area where there is a flashing leak, this will indicate that the flashing needs to be replaced.
Flashing can also need to be replaced completely if it is damaged beyond repair by extreme weather, extensive rust or other factors. This is a more involved process that requires the removal of the roof shingles and the exposed flashing before installing new flashing and sealing it in place with caulking. If you suspect your flashing is leaking, contact a local roofer to discuss options for repairs and replacement.
Gutters
Gutters are pipes or troughs along the edge of a roof that carry rainwater away from the house. They may be metal or wooden. They channel water from the eave to downspouts and into the yard or, in some cases, a storm drain.
A common gutter problem is a standing water or clog that keeps the water from flowing down through the downspouts. If this is the case, clean the downspout to remove any debris that might be blocking the flow of water.
Another gutter issue is a hole in the gutter. For small holes, use roofing cement or sealant to fill the hole. For larger holes, a flashing product designed specifically for gutters may be required.
If you have a gutter that rusts badly, consider replacing it with a new section of gutter. A new gutter will not only look better, but it will be more durable than an old, rusted gutter that might be falling apart.
Whether your gutters are made of vinyl, aluminum, copper or galvanized steel, it is a good idea to inspect them regularly to make sure they are in good condition. Most home improvement stores offer vinyl gutters that are inexpensive and easy to install. Aluminum and copper are more expensive but will last longer than vinyl.
The most important aspect of maintaining your gutters is to keep them clean of any debris that might be clogging the downspouts or causing a standstill in the water flow. A clogged or damaged gutter can cause serious damage to the foundation of your home. If you notice that your gutters are sagging, check the slope of the gutter to make sure it is pitched correctly. It should drop a quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter length. If not, a simple adjustment of the gutter hangers can correct the sagging problem and prevent future problems with the gutters. If you have a section of gutter that is leaking, repair the leak by using a waterproof gutter patch kit such as the GripSet Betta 1L Weather Seal. Before applying the patch, scrape and brush the gutter area to get rid of any tar or caulk that might be present. This will ensure that the gutter patch adheres properly.