The roof is one of the most critical structures of the house. The integrity of your roof affects several other features of the entire structure of your building. Hence, it is no surprise that roof inspection is top of mind for home inspections.

It is easy to ignore warnings that point to roof damage in most cases. Most homeowners only pay attention to the roof when it starts to leak. If you are one of them, remember that delaying repairing these issues can worsen them. As a result, you may need to replace the entire roofing system instead of simply repairing it.

This article looks into the emergency signs of roof repair you should know. Never delay the repair of roofs and call home repair specialists as soon as you see any of the following signs. Please read on.

Old Roof

Do you have an aging roof system?

An old roof is one of the easiest signs that your roof may need repairs or total roof replacement. It is a fact that a roof will age.

But all roofing systems age differently, contingent on factors like installation techniques, ventilation, and climate. But overall, they are designed to last about 20 to 25 years. Hence, if your property is nearing this number of years or is older, and you have never had your roof replaced, it might be good to get it examined by roofing professionals.

If you are unsure about the age of your property or your roof, it is recommended you make comparisons around your neighborhood. The houses in your area were probably built around the same era. If your neighbor’s roofs seem to be in better shape than yours, it is perhaps time to get your roofing system checked and consider replacing it.

Do you suspect your roof will need a complete overhaul or replacement? We can help you with your roofing needs. Visit us!

Missing or Broken Shingles

Missing, broken, or torn shingles cause holes in the roof and your structure’s exposure to the elements. There might already be small leaks that you haven’t noticed yet. If you don’t get these issues looked at, your house may soon suffer more leaks and damage that will require urgent repair or a total emergency overhaul of your roof.

Curled or Buckling Shingles

Shingles must lie flat and even on your roof. Hence, any curling or buckling of the shingles is caused by the underlayment getting wet and wrinkling. In the absence of functional shingles on your roof, leaks will frequent. If you notice shingles cupping, curling, or buckling, you must consider getting them repaired.

Balding Shingles

If you find balding shingles or many shingle pieces in your gutter, you have a severe roofing emergency. A roof losing many granules is nearing the end of its lifespan. The longer this problem persists, the higher the risk of leaks.

Corroding Roof Valley

The roof valleys are the channeling system that runs along with the roof’s inner angles. Over time, it can disintegrate, especially if they trap debris and leaves.

These clogs cause rainwater to drain improperly, so it will soon overflow and drip onto your roof. Ideally, roof valleys should have a relatively long lifespan of about 20 years. But if your roof is situated under trees, expect their lifespan to be significantly shortened. Hence, get your roof valley checked regularly.

If rust or holes develop in the valleys, it will cause a gradual leak that worsens over time. A telltale sign of damage from a rusted roof valley is a stained ceiling beneath the area of the valley. If your roof valleys are already corroded, there might be significant damage to your roof already. Hence, it is recommended you get it looked at by a roofing expert to determine whether your roof needs repairs or replacement.

Mold or Moss Growth on Your Roof

Mold and moss grow quickly on shingles, especially in the places between the shingles.

Moss typically grows on areas of the roof that do not receive much sunlight, such as the north-facing side or parts shaded by areas. Besides being difficult to clean, moss damages a roof if left to flourish. Moss acts like a sponge that sucks and stores water. This water could get under the shingles and soak into the roof underlayment.

Over time, it will saturate the sheathing of the roof below. Leaking rainwater caused by moss growth can result in problems with mold in the interior of your home.

But if you determine that the moss growth is not too serious, you can try scraping it off with a brush. Another option is to apply chemicals. However, avoid pressure washing with water because this adds moisture damage beneath the shingles.

Ceiling Stains

An internal sign that your roof needs repairs or replacement is if you observe brown spots, patches, or rings on your ceiling. If they grow or darken after rain, they should be considered a serious issue.

Spots that expand or grow are an indication of a serious leak. But it can be tricky to determine exactly where the leak is because water does not always leak in a straight downward direction. In many cases, water runs along panels and beams before dripping onto the insulation and down through to your ceilings. The source leak is often found at a distance from the brown stains on the ceiling.

Therefore, you should hire a roofing specialist to locate the leak and assess the damage before it becomes more serious.

Leaky Roof and Water Damage

A leak can cause severe structural damage and dangerous mold growth even before noticing any problem. Leaks progress gradually, but even a tiny one can be serious. When water enters indoors and stagnates, mold spores could germinate in as little as 48 hours.

More alarmingly, roof leaks can cause fires. When water permeates and soaks non-waterproof electrical wiring, junction boxes, ceiling lights etc., there is a risk of a short-circuit and, therefore, fire.

One thing to be aware of is that most insurance companies will not cover you for damage caused by gradual leaks because they classify it as negligence on your part. It is crucial to check and address small leaks before it causes any devastating damage.

Soft and Rotten Roof Sheathing

The sheathing is a protective layer installed on the top of the beams of your roofing system and beneath your roof shingles to stop moisture from entering your roof.

This protective layer is usually made of plywood. But in certain climates, wood is particularly susceptible to rotting and water damage, especially when exposed to continuous excess moisture. 

The roof sheathing is critical to your home structure. If a roof sheathing is rotted through or softened, it will be unable to support the roof’s weight, thus leading to serious structural issues.

Telltale signs of rot in roof sheathing are the following:

· Stains on the ceiling or interior walls

· Paint cracks

· Peeling wallpaper

· Darkened water stains on the insulation

· Sagging ceiling or roofline

Note that rot in roof sheathings cannot be fixed and must be replaced completely.

Daylight Is Visible Through the Roofing Boards

Remember that if sunlight can get through your roof, so can rain. If there is even a tiny amount of daylight visible through the roof, it is a sign that something is wrong.

Go up to your attic on a sunny day to check if there are holes where light comes through. At the same time, try to determine if there is moisture because this can be a sign of water getting in.

If you discover a light that comes through or moisture in the insulation, it is recommended you call a roofing expert to examine it further.

Damaged or Missing Flashes Around the Chimney

Flashing is typically found where there are joints on your roof, as in the case of roof valleys and around chimneys, skylights, and vents.

Flashing is made of corrosion-resistant metals but can also be manufactured from plastic and other composites. It is engineered to divert water away from the roof and into the gutters. Flashes provide a waterproof seal for protection against leaks. But when flashes are damaged or deteriorating, the risk of a leak significantly increases; hence, make sure your flashing is in excellent condition to prevent severe and costly repairs further down the line.

What Emergency Roof Repair Can I Do for a Leaking Roof?

Minor DIY roof repairs can help you save money until you are ready to hire the pros.

Bear in mind that these small leaks can escalate into more significant problems over time if left unchecked. But as soon as you make a temporary fix, make sure to contact a professional roofer immediately.

Regardless of whether your leak results from extensive storm damage or wear and tear over the years, you must give roofing professionals a call. They can help determine whether you will be able to file a claim on your insurance company, repair the damage, or replace the entire roof.

In the interim, if you are in a bind, the following are a few DIY temporary fixes for a leaking roof.

Polyethylene Plastic Sheets

Plastic sheeting can be a reliable solution if holes are on your roof. But it would help if you got an actual roof repair expert soon after.

Get sturdy plastic sheets and attach them to the roof utilizing roofing nails. In addition, you can also weigh them down using large rocks or bricks. In extreme cases, duct tape can be used to keep the plastic fastener and fill in any tiny holes.

Waterproof Tarps

Waterproof tarps are the most common temporary solution. A reliable waterproof tarp is an excellent quick fix for a leaking roof.

The challenging part about tarps, in this case, is if you have to make sure that it covers the entire area where the leak could be coming from or where there is actual damage.

The waterproof tarps must lie flat against your roof to completely seal any gaps where water can permeate. Similar to plastic sheets, you can nail the edges or utilize that tape to secure it so that if another storm hits your area, it won’t blow away and leave your roof susceptible to more damage and leaks.

If you find that one tarp isn’t enough or want to be cautious, place an extra layer or two of tarps.

Tar Paper

You can place tar paper and plastic roofing cement to fix a leaky roof. With a caulking device or putty knife, lay the tar paper on your roof to completely cover the area of damage. And if you can obtain some roofing felt, you can put that on top of the tar paper. It will act as an additional layer to protect your home from further damage.

Note that roof cement will only be a temporary fix to a leaky roof and that actual roof repairs are required.

Patching or Plugging

Patching or plugging is safer to remedy a leak and is the best option for anyone uncomfortable getting up on their roof, especially if you don’t have someone to help you with a ladder.

Patching up leaky roofs utilizing roofing tape is also an excellent DIY solution. If you can pinpoint where the roof leak is coming from inside your attic, you can apply roofing tape to the spot itself.

But you must only apply this method if rain has already stopped in your area because the tape’s adhesive properties may wear off if exposed to rain.

Another alternative in line with patching is roof repair plugging.

Combine water and roofing cement and pour this mixture on the spot of your roof leak where the damage is. After the mixture dries solid, it will stop water from getting in. But again, this is not a permanent solution. Eventually, you will need to repeat this process until an expert roofer can provide a permanent fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a fix or roof replacement cost?

There is no one size fits all solution to this question.

The cost of repairs or installing a new roofing system will be contingent on the following:

· Pitch of your roof

· Size of your roof

· The roof area that needs repair

· Types of materials used

· Condition of the roof

· Current market costs of materials

· Number of shingle layers

· Your chosen roofing contractor

The best way to determine the final cost of roof repairs or replacement is to have a free estimate before getting the job done.

Always remember that the roof of your home is an investment. Hence, a quick, low-cost solution that doesn’t provide a permanent solution will usually be more expensive.

Can my roof be repaired, or does it need a complete replacement?

If your roof is old and worn and you experience constant problems with it, replacing your entire roof may be your best bet. But if you are only experiencing minor problems, a simple fix may be enough.

For example, cracked, broken, or missing shingles can be repaired to prevent leaks. But older roofs or roofs with widespread problems and numerous leaks must be replaced entirely.

The only way to find out what type of roofing service you need is to contact a roofing contractor and request a detailed roof inspection.

How long do roof repairs take?

Every roof is different, and each roof will have a different size. Repairs typically take a few hours, but the exact timeframe will be contingent on the degree and extent of the damage.

You can consult a roofing contractor for an exact timeline once they investigate your roof and give you an estimate. A good and reliable contractor must give you an accurate estimate of how long the project will be completed.

What should I do when my newly installed roof leaks?

There are several reasons why a new roof will leak. But the most common issue is extreme weather or impact damage. If something like this happens to your home, the best route is to call a roofing company at once and let them check the problem and fix it for you.

These experts will come to inspect your roof as soon as possible and stop the leak from growing bigger. And because your roof is new, it is probably covered by a warranty, so you won’t have to worry about additional expenses.

Conclusion – How Do I Choose the Right Roofing Contractor?

Because there are many options, choosing the right roofing contractor can be overwhelming. 

Start by asking for referrals. Interview the former clients of potential companies to hire to see if they have any complaints with their services. For this same reason, check your contractor’s reviews online.

A roofing contractor must be insured and licensed. Ask them about their products and whether a warranty covers their materials and labor.

Finally, a roofing contractor must clean the area once the job is over. They must finish as they promised and address any issues at once.

Have you got roofing needs?

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