Doing roof repair or even just identifying issues on your roof isn’t always an easy task. Here are some things to do and consider to see if you are in need of roof repair services and to prevent damages to your roof:
Roof Repair Tips
Safety!! – Trying to find a leak as soon as it happens is something that could put you in the hospital. Meddling on a roof while it’s raining or covered with ice and snow isn’t the ideal way to find a leak. Trying to temporarily fix a leak could be highly dangerous as well. If you want to do it right, there is no quick-fix. Take your time, and be very patient and careful to wait for weather conditions to become less extreme.
Take Precautions – Being on a roof will put the body in positions that are not comfortable or safe. Make sure to wear rubber sole shoes to prevent slipping. Also use a harness and always work with a buddy.
Hose Down the Roof – Take a garden hose and go up to the roof and start spraying in different locations to find the leak in need of roof repair. Wait if it’s wintertime because it’s not safe to run water on the roof when it’s freezing out.
Keep Gutters Clean – One of the most common areas and causes for roof leaks are clogged gutters. Gutters that have not been cleaned can cause the water to build up during rain and damages may require roof repair services.
Avoid Dry Rot – Dry rot isn’t related to any type of water damage, but lack of ventilation. If a roof repair is right in the middle of the roof, there is a chance that the plywood might be deteriorating. The roof will actually sag in and cause the roof shingles to get brittle, crack and then leak. Preventing dry rot consists of installing a ridge vent, which will only work if there is a soffit vent. Holes have to be drilled through the soffit vents so cool air comes in through the bottom and pushes the hot air out through the top.
Prevent Ice Buildup – In the wintertime, ice has no problem building up under the roof membrane, shingles and gutters. The ice builds back up when it reaches the wall line where the house is heated and it creates an interior drip. Proper ventilation, rain and ice shields along with installing a drip edge will help prevent this problem.
Fix Roof Boots – Flashing, roofing, ice damping and skylights are all obvious places for potential leaks. One thing people often miss is the rubber boots. It’s where the roof fence comes up that you find roof boots. If they dry up they will cause major leaks. It’s a quick fix; purchase a new roof boot in a local hardware store. You may have to remove some of the shingles, lay a better tar under it and put it back in place.
Inspect Materials – Sometimes shingles are faulty and will begin to crack after they’ve been nailed down. Faulty installation with nails and shingles can also play a big part in leaks. Nails could be nailed too low and it will start pushing back up. Make sure to always check merchandise before getting on the roof. If they were installed poorly, roof repair services may be a good idea.
Biondo Contracting is a roofing contractor that offers roof repair to the Central NJ area in towns such as East Brunswick, Milltown, Princeton, South River, Manalapan, Aberdeen, Colts Neck, Hillsborough, Bernardsville, and many more. Contact today at (732)257-2926 or visit the website.
