Repairing or replacing your roof is a large home improvement project. Choosing the right option will help protect your investment and extend your roof’s lifespan.
Repairing a few leaks, mitigating small areas of rot, and sealing flashing can make sense for homeowners who want to postpone a larger job. However, there are some situations when repairing is not enough.
Shingles are the outer covering of your roof. They are available in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials. They protect your home from harsh environmental weather and other issues that can damage the structure of your house.
When a shingle becomes damaged, it is important to repair the damage right away. Leaving the problem unattended can lead to other problems such as leaks and further damage.
Some common signs of shingle damage include missing or loose shingles. You may also notice granule piles on the ground. This is a sign that the shingles are losing their integrity and that it’s time to replace them.
There are a few different ways to repair a damaged shingle. You can use a tar patch or roofing cement to fix the shingle. You can also apply a bead of roof sealant to the damaged area of the shingle to help keep it in place.
You should always wear rubber gloves when working on the roof and be sure to take all necessary safety precautions before you climb onto the roof to work on a repair. Once you’re safely on the roof, find the area of the shingle that needs to be replaced. To make the process easier, it’s a good idea to count how many new shingles you need at the home repair store so that you can purchase enough to match.
To remove the old shingle, start by loosening the nails with a flat pry bar. Carefully lift the tabs on either side of the damaged shingle and pull them up. You can now see the nails underneath, so be careful not to pull too hard or you could tear the shingle. Then, use the pry bar to loosen the nail in the middle and pull it up. Repeat this process for the other side of the shingle, then carefully remove it from the roof.
If you’re replacing a damaged shingle, it’s important to use the same type and color as the other shingles on your roof. This will ensure that the new shingle blends in with the existing ones and doesn’t create an uneven appearance. If you do this correctly, your shingle repair should last for years to come.
Flashing
Flashing is a sheet of thin, impervious material (usually metal) that prevents water penetration into walls and roofs at seams and intersections. This is especially important at areas where projections like chimneys, dormers, vent pipes, skylights, and window openings meet the surface of the roof. Without proper flashing, water that gets beneath roofing materials can cause rot, mildew, mold, and other forms of damage to the structure of your home, as well as provide a sheltered environment for pests to nest, hatch eggs, and live. Flashing is more effective and economical than a roof sealant at stopping leaks in these areas.
Different types of flashing are used to close and protect these different points of intersection around the house. Some are called base flashing, counter flashing, step flashing, and skylight flashing. These differ based on where they are installed and the shape of the flashing itself.
These flashing pieces are rolled out and sealed to create a waterproof barrier that keeps rain, snow, and other weather elements from entering walls or leaking into ceilings and other interior spaces. Flashing is also used in places where the roof meets the wall at a gable or eaves, as well as in valleys and other sloped areas on a roof.
Most problems with roof flashing are caused by improper installation, which can lead to leaks. If your flashing is damaged or displaced, it’s best to contact a professional for roof repair as soon as possible before the problem escalates.
To install flashing, first determine if the area needs to be shingled or not, and what type of flashing is required. If the area is to be shingled, a standard strip of flashing can be installed along the edge of the roof, or if it needs to be waterproof, a metal drip edge can be placed at the edges of the wall. Then, a piece of flashing is cut to size and bent at a 45-degree angle where the wall meets the roof. Next, another piece of flashing is cut and bent to align with the first piece, creating a “flashing joint” that will be covered by shingles. Then, the new flashing is sealed with a caulking compound or other suitable sealant.
Gutters
Gutters are a vital component of your roof. They divert rainwater from your home’s foundation, walls, and other vulnerable areas to prevent damage. They also prevent water from pooling around your house, which can lead to structural problems and flooding basements and crawl spaces.
A gutter is a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of your roof for collecting rainwater. It is also called an eavestrough. Gutters are usually fabricated from aluminum or copper, but they can also be made from galvanized steel or vinyl. They are typically held by sleeve-and-spike supports, fascia brackets nailed to the wall, or strap hangers nailed to the roof.
If a gutter is damaged, it is a good idea to repair it before proceeding with roof repairs. If left unattended, damaged gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, and may start to sag or pull away from the house’s roof. Gutters that are leaking or heavily dented should be replaced as well.
Some homeowners may wonder, “Do I need gutters?” The slightly longer answer is yes if you live in an area that receives appreciable rainfall. Rainwater without a free way to escape your roof can cause soil erosion, which can damage the foundation of your home and lead to expensive repairs and replacements. Gutters also keep water from seeping through the shingles or damaging the roof itself.
A faulty or poorly designed gutter system can cause damage to the siding of your home, which can be difficult to repair and can cost thousands of dollars. In addition to cleaning your gutters periodically, it’s important to replace or install soffit vents to help control moisture and avoid water leaks from under the siding.
Vents
Vents allow hot air to escape the attic, helping your home breathe properly and reducing mold and mildew. A good roof vent system will help keep your energy bills lower as well. If you notice that your roof vents are not working, you should call a professional for roof repair as soon as possible.
A faulty roof vent is usually the result of a damaged shingle or flashing. However, it can also be caused by a rodent chewing on the vent pipe or by water leaking through the vent boot. Regardless of the cause, it is important to fix any leaky roof vents right away as it can lead to expensive damage and a host of health and safety issues.
There are several different types of roof vents to choose from, and each type works best in different situations. Ridge vents, for example, run horizontally across the ridge of your roof and aren’t as noticeable as other roof vents. However, they don’t offer as much protection against snow and ice build-up as other types of roof vents do.
Soffit vents are another popular type of roof vent. They’re located in the soffit (the area between the attic floor and the bottom of the exterior walls) and are designed to remove excess moisture from the attic. Soffit vents can be either power or static, with power vents having a fan that helps to push the hot air out.
If you have static vents, make sure that they’re not obstructed by the insulation in your attic. You should also check that the ductwork leading to your roof vents is in good condition. Signs of a poorly functioning duct system include dirty ducts, rusty metal, and rodent droppings.
If you’re not happy with the look of your roof vents, a skilled home specialist at Thomas Quality Construction can replace them. Generally, the roofer will cut into the sheathing to create the hole for the vent and then add felt paper around it as a layer of water proofing. Then, he will install the new vent, nailing it into place. Once he’s finished, he will cover the exposed edges of the vent with a ridge cap shingle that matches your roof.
Aimee Bishop 
Edgar Boone