Roofs installed by a professional roofing contractor usually have a long life, and they usually come with some form of warranty or guarantee. However, they often develop minor problems that need fixing during the course of their life.
These issues are usually minor and can be easily fixed. However, delaying the repair of your roof to avoid the inevitable expense is never a good idea.
Small faults in a roof can often result in serious damage, leaving you with no option other than getting a new roof.
This would not only be an expensive affair, but it may also disrupt your daily schedule and will likely require you to relocate during the replacement period.
A stitch in time saves nine and addressing the faults in your roof early on can help you avoid a lot of costly problems down the line. Here is what you should know about handling a damaged roof and restoring it.
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Identifying the Problem
If you get drenched in the rain while relaxing on your couch, you have a damaged roof. But you don’t have to wait that long. Even if there is no leak noticeable, it is possible for you to identify if there are any problems with your roof.
The simplest way is through a visual survey of its condition, both from inside and outside. Missing shingles, moss formation, and sagging sections are all indications of a damaged roof.
In addition to these, a considerable increase in your heating bills could indicate poor insulation, while the formation of ice indicates poor ventilation.
Repair vs. Replacement
Replacing your roof can be quite expensive. You can extend the lifespan of your roof through timely maintenance and repair. If you have recently experienced an intense storm, it may have dislodged a few shingles that can easily be replaced.
Similarly, patchwork can be performed. However, repairing your roof must only be considered if the damaged area is small.
If the roof exhibits significant signs of wear and tear, it is probably better to replace it altogether. This is where getting a professional opinion will pay off. Most of the roofing companies in Perth, Australia offer free consultations and inspection services. You can click here if you want to get a free quotation for your roof. A professional opinion could help you identify the best course of action. One simple way of deciding if your roof needs to be replaced is by checking its age. If your roof is over 20 years old, it is most likely taking its final breaths and should be replaced soon.
Common Roof Repairs
There are numerous situations where easy fixes can make your roof function as good as new. Here are some of the common problems which warrant a roof repair.
Damage Around the Roof Fixtures
A leak developing around roof fixtures like the chimney or skylights generally indicates a damaged flashing or a worn sealant. Flashing is a bridging and protective material that is installed between the roof fixtures and the roof.
The sealant on the other hand is used with the flashing installed along with skylights. If the flashing gets cracked or the sealant gets worn, it could cause water to leak in.
Replacing these parts is quite cheap and they are easily available. However, while replacing these, you may have to replace the neighboring shingles as well, to achieve a proper fit.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Your roof shingles very often get damaged or go missing during strong winds and storms. They also wear out with time. Luckily, replacing them is an easy task.
All you need to do is pick up some new shingles, the same kind that is currently installed on your roof, and replace them.
Leakage in Flat Roofs
If you have a flat roof and there are minor leaks in a few sections, they can easily be fixed. For rubber roofing, generally involves fixing minor leaks and holes using primer and adhesive patches to seal the damaged areas.
This is done using standard roofing materials like bitumen. On the other hand, for built-up roofs, this may involve using a metal mesh as a support structure and covering it with a few layers of asphalt.
Fixing Roof Vents
Roof vents are often susceptible to leakage. A leaking roof vent will eventually cause damage to the ceiling and the plaster, further driving up repair costs.
If you are unable to provide a permanent fix, a temporary fix to the problem can be achieved by adding extra sealant or tying a towel on the leaking roof vent which will help catch water, preventing further damage.
A permanent solution involves replacing the damaged parts along with the neighboring shingles. The problem of leaks in roof vents is generally caused due to a cracked housing. Replacing these should fix the problem. It is advisable to use screws with rubber washers while performing the repairs.
Removing Moss from the Roof
While moss growing on your roof may give your house a rustic look, it also damages it. Moss grows in areas that do not witness sunlight and spread quickly, often growing under shingles.
It may open up gaps in the roof, leading to leakage. Further, it also holds moisture which can cause damage.
Removing moss from your roof is quite straightforward. The most basic way of doing this is to use water and a brush, and physically scrub it out. However, there are dedicated cleaners that are available.
These cleaning agents help kill the moss. They have to be sprayed onto the affected region and left untouched for a short duration. A small amount of rinsing may be required post-treatment.
Taking preventive measures and performing such small repairs on your roof can significantly extend its lifespan. This, in turn, can save you a lot of money, as replacing a roof can be quite expensive.
However, in certain cases, you should opt for a new roof instead of repairing the old one, no matter how tempting it is. If the roof has sustained significant damage or is quite old, repairing it will only provide temporary relief, and eventually, you will have to replace the roof entirely.
