With proper maintenance, a roof should serve you for about two decades. However, this depends on the type of roofing material, the weather, and how well it was installed. With time, however, even the best roofs become worn out. This means budgeting for repairs and sometimes replacement if the roof is extensively damaged. The first thing that homeowners do when they notice that their roof is sagging, leaking, or having another weakness is to look for simpler ways to fix the problem. That's why some of them even attempt to repair the roof themselves.
However, no roofing problem is too small for professional help. Handling some minor repairs without a professional's help will often only worsen the problems. Here are the three types of roof repairs you should always leave to a competent roofing contractor.
Repairing Your Shingles
Shingles are a strong and durable roofing material. However, when they start wearing out, you will notice signs such as splitting, loss of granules, curling, shrinkage, and lifting. Loss of granules exposes the material underneath to the elements, which can lead to leaking. Changes in heat and moisture usually cause roof lifting and curling. Sometimes, the shingles curl inwards because of excess moisture and the roof not getting enough sunlight.
Only allow a professional roofer to get onto your roof and inspect the condition of the shingles. They can tell whether the damage is artificial or if it's affecting the layers below. They will also plan the repairs.
Repairing the Gutters
Gutters are an important but commonly ignored part of the roof. They collect rainwater from the roof and guide it away from your walls, your foundation, and other parts of the home. Functional gutters protect your home from water damage. On the other hand, when they get clogged, are rusty, and are leaking, their efficiency in protecting your house diminishes.
If you have been experiencing problems like waterfalls from the roof when it rains or if you have ice dam issues more frequently, you need to have your gutters checked. A professional will clean and repair any damaged or faulty components, restoring the efficiency and functionality of your gutters.
Repairing the Flashing
Flashing is used to direct water away from any roof corners the roof meets a vertical surface. When the flashing is installed correctly, you do not have to worry about water damage inside the home. But when the installation and maintenance are poor, you might have many water damage issues that demand professional repairs.
These are a few of the home's common roofing issues and why you should hire a professional for the repairs. Take time and choose a competent contractor for superior-quality repairs and a durable roof.
When you develop a roof leak, you don't have time to ignore it. Issues with leaks can cause problems as simple as incoming water and as wide-ranging as mold accumulation inside your home, which is why you should never let an issue sit. However, if you aren't careful, you could develop problems with roofing that is simply open to the elements, allowing rain and snow to enter your home, melt, and contribute to problems like mold growth. On this blog, you can learn more about the kinds of roofing issues that you could be faced with, and what to do about them.