What are some signs that your roof needs repair? If your roof tiles are cracked or warped, you need to repair your roof. Some signs that you need to repair or replace your roof are very obvious, such as...
Some signs that you need to repair or replace your roof are very obvious, such as leaking or missing shingles, while others are not so obvious. John Humphreys of DaVinci Roofscapes says, "Any kind of curling or buckling on an asphalt shingle is a definite sign you need to replace your roof. This is a sign that the asphalt itself is becoming brittle and subject to cracking and will lead to a leak before too long."
If you have wood shake shingles, you should look for warping. "In terms of a roof covering material, the wood that is being used for wood shake shingles has been coming from younger and younger trees over the last 10 years. These trees are less strong in their fiber structure. As a result, they warp much more quickly and/or become much more vulnerable to hail. I would say that the warping of shingles is a good sign that it's time to look for some new ones," he advises.
If you have natural slate tiles, yearly maintenance is advised. You will need to repair the tiles that are cracked or broken. DaVinci Roofscapes manufactures synthetic shake and slate tiles that are less costly and more durable than natural shake or slate shingles and carry a 50-year warranty.
Asphalt shingles remain the most common type of roofing in most areas. With this type of roofing the most important thing you can do to prevent premature problems is to avoid standing or pooling water on your roof. The first step in preventive maintenance is to keep the roof surface free of any branches or debris that may be left by a heavy storm. You will also want to inspect and clean your gutters at least twice a year. To clean your gutters you will need an adequate ladder, a broom, and a bucket to collect leaves and twigs. Your ladder should reach at least two feet above the gutter line. You can then sweep any debris you find towards the downspout and remove it into the bucket. You will want to be sure to clear your downspouts thoroughly to allow good drainage. You may even want to invest in a gutter guard that prevents leaves and small twigs from entering your spouts. These are usually made from mesh and are available at hardware and home improvement stores.
If you discover missing or loose shingles during routine inspections of your roof, you can easily repair these with a few simple tools. You will need a ladder, putty knife, and roofing cement to repair loose tiles. Replacing missing tiles will require a supply of tiles that match your existing roof, roofing nails and a hammer. If you don't feel confident in making these repairs yourself, you can hire a handyman service that will perform these tasks at a relatively low cost. It should be noted that roofing contractors are usually too busy or hesitant to take on small repairs.
If you are experiencing leaking from your roof, your first step should be to protect the interior of the home with plastic sheeting and containers to catch the water. If a professional roofer is not available immediately, you may want to try to pinpoint the leak yourself and make temporary repairs with one of the emergency patch products available, but professional repairs should be made as soon as possible.
