A roof is built to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but that doesn’t mean it’s infallible. Regular roof inspections can help identify minor damage before it becomes a major problem.
A monthly inspection will allow you to check for obvious problems, like leaks, rot and mold. Also look for places where debris, leaves, twigs and moss have accumulated and prevented water from draining properly. Contact Roof Repair Erie, PA, to learn more.
Typically shaped like rectangles, shingles are made from asphalt and provide your home with protection against rain, hail, snow, sun and wind. They have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years, though they can last longer if well-maintained and properly installed. If you discover a leak or damage, it’s important to repair roof shingles as soon as possible to prevent further issues.
The first step is assembling the right tools and materials for shingle repair. A ladder, roofing nails, a crowbar and new shingles are necessary for the task. Always remember to wear appropriate safety gear, including a sturdy pair of work gloves and eye protection. A tool belt can help keep small items within easy reach, ensuring they are not lost while on the roof.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, locate the damaged shingle and start working to remove it. You may have leftover shingles from previous roof work, or you may need to purchase a bundle at a home center or lumberyard. Choose a color and style that closely matches the existing shingles for a seamless appearance.
Shingles are bonded to one another with a strip of asphalt sealant. This bond is surprisingly strong, but you can break it by sliding a flat pry bar underneath the target shingle and lifting upwards. This is best done in cool weather, as hot temperatures can make the shingles more brittle and difficult to separate cleanly.
Once the shingle has been removed, search for and remove all eight nails that held it in place. Now you can replace the shingle and secure it with the new sealant. Use a putty knife to spread the sealant evenly and ensure it forms a smooth surface. This will guarantee a watertight seal, protecting the rest of your roof from moisture and preventing further shingle damage.
Cracks and tears in shingles should be repaired with roofing sealant as well. The same process as shingle replacement is followed: Loose or damaged shingles should be removed before applying the sealant. A thick bead of the sealant should be applied along the crack or tear, which is then pressed against the shingle to close the gap.
Tiles
Tiles are a common surface material in homes. They are easy to clean and durable, but they can also be fragile. Cracked, chipped, or missing tiles are not only unattractive but they can also pose a safety hazard for kids and pets. If left untreated, the cracks can allow water to seep under the tiles and cause damage to the subflooring. Repairing tiles is not a difficult project, but it can be time-consuming and messy.
Before you begin, lay a drop cloth or sheet below the damaged area to catch any debris. Cover any adjacent tiles with painter’s tape to protect them from any scratching or chipping during the repair process. Once the area is covered, remove any loose or broken tile. Next, using a center punch, drill into the broken tile to create a hole. Start slow to prevent damaging the surrounding tiles. Afterward, use a hammer and chisel to begin removing the broken piece. Be gentle and take your time to avoid damaging any of the adjacent tiles or the grout.
Once the broken tile is removed, use a grout removal tool or a chisel to remove any remaining grout from around it. You can also use a power grinder fitted with a grout blade. After the old grout is removed, you can then use a damp sponge to wipe down the area. This step is important to ensure that the area is free from any dirt or grime that could contaminate the new grout.
Finally, if you are replacing a cracked tile and you want to make sure that it is secure, apply some epoxy to the area. This can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Follow the instructions carefully for application, but it is a good idea to wear protective gloves, a mask rated for fumes, and eye protection. Likewise, be sure to open windows for ventilation while the epoxy cures.
The underlying support structure for tile floors is typically plywood or boards laid over joists. Depending on the quality of the underlying support, it can be susceptible to moisture and thermal stress that can cause tiles to loosen or crack. It is also common for houses to shift over time, which can cause uneven flooring.
Built-up roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing (BUR) is one of the most durable roofing systems available. It is a multi-layered system that relies on redundancy to stay strong and watertight. BUR is typically composed of multiple layers of bitumen and roofing felts as well as a final layer of gravel or stone ballast. It is often installed on concrete roofs, which makes it a suitable choice for buildings that need durability, strength, and waterproofing.
While BUR roofs are known for their durability, they can become damaged or leak over time. Damage to this type of roof usually occurs due to a lack of routine maintenance and inspections. In addition, factors like ponding water can accelerate the deterioration of the roof and lead to leaks. Leaks can be prevented by detecting and repairing any issues quickly, including those caused by severe weather.
BUR is more complicated to repair than some other types of roofs. Since it is a multi-layered system, the repair process requires cutting through several layers of material to reach the area where leaks are occurring. This can be costly and complicated if the proper equipment isn’t used. Additionally, the BUR membrane must be thoroughly cleaned before repairs are made.
Another common problem with BUR is surface erosion. This can be caused by several factors, including severe weather conditions and mechanical damage from foot traffic. This can cause thinning of the surface flood coat, displace the protective granules, and expose the black bitumen layer. Surface erosion is a major concern for commercial building owners, as it can lead to premature roof replacement.
To prevent surface erosion, it is important to ensure that all debris and dust are removed from the roof on a regular basis. It is also a good idea to install a reflective coating on the roof, as this will help to reduce heat and UV rays that can cause thinning of the surface floodcoat.
BUR roofs are not well-known for their design flexibility, and the tar and gravel appearance may not appeal to some building owners or architects. However, alternatives like modified bitumen membranes and reflective coatings can provide some design flexibility while maintaining the benefits of a BUR roof.
Flashing
Many elements of roofing go unnoticed, but flashing is an unsung hero. Without it, buildings would have far more leaks and moisture damage. It’s a thin protective layer that covers joints and seams in roofs, and also catches water that penetrates shingles or other materials. Flashing can be found around structures like vents, skylights, chimneys and the heads of windows and doors. It’s a vital part of any roof and needs to be properly installed in order to keep water from seeping into walls or causing other issues.
A leaking roof due to damaged or poorly installed flashing can be a major problem that leads to mold, wood rot and other problems. Leaks can be costly to repair and can cause serious damage to the structure of a home or building. This is why it’s important to check your roof regularly for signs of flashing problems.
When you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact a roofing repair contractor to have your roof flashing repaired as soon as possible. Flashing repair is a relatively simple process that can prevent future leaks and moisture damage.
Roof flashing can be made from a variety of materials, but metal is most common. It’s typically rolled out and sealed to ensure that it creates an impenetrable barrier against moisture at vulnerable points in the roof. Depending on the type of roof, flashing can be either exposed or concealed. Exposed flashing is often sheet metal or galvanized steel, while concealed flashing is plastic or lead.
In some cases, a small amount of flashing tape can be used as a temporary fix. This is especially useful if the flashing has minor dents or gaps that aren’t causing any major damage. However, this isn’t a permanent solution and should be replaced as soon as possible to protect the rest of the roof from water penetration.
There are several different types of flashing, but some of the most common are base flashing, counterflashing, eave flashing and kickout flashing. Base flashing is installed where a flat roof meets a vertical wall, counterflashing is used to cover the end of a run of base flashing, and eave flashing is a small piece of metal placed at the eaves.