Repairable Vs. Unrepairable Roof Problems
by William Gerard
A quality roof is an expensive investment but an essential one because the safety and comfort of your home rely on the quality of the material you put on top. But fortunately, not every roof problem requires an investment in a new roof. Many issues can be fixed through a few simple repairs. But how do you know the difference? Here are a few problems that may only require repair as well as a few that will likely necessitate re-roofing.
REPAIRABLE
Missing Shingles
The most obvious problem that can easily be fixed is a few missing shingles. A strong wind storm or hail storm can put a few shingles out of commission, but it's nothing that can't be replaced. The key is to get the missing shingles replaced as quickly as possible so the underlayment and the decking aren't damaged by water penetration.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a thin type of material—usually a galvanized steel sheet—that roofers use to direct water away from areas that are vulnerable to water leaks, typically found in areas where there are seams or breaks between shingles and another surface like a chimney or a vent. It's surprising that one thin piece of metal can be so important, but damaged flashing can result in leaks and costly water damage. Fortunately, damaged flashing is usually easily repairable.
UNREPAIRABLE
Structural Damage
Any type of damage that hinders the integrity of your roof's structure requires re-roofing. For example, a severe wind storm may cause a tree limb to fall into your roof and damage not only the shingles but also the underlayment and decking underneath. When that happens, the only option is re-roofing.
Incorrect Installation
The most frustrating problem is one caused by the shoddy workmanship of previous roofers. A common issue might be a new roofing material that is too heavy for the structure holding it. This is sometimes an issue when heavy roofing tiles like clay or slate are installed on an existing roof. These materials require more support than something lightweight like asphalt.
Too Many Shingle Layers
Another common issue that may require re-roofing is too many layers of shingles on one roof. It's sometimes common to lay a second layer of asphalt shingles over an existing asphalt roof in order to avoid the costs of removal and new underlayment. However, once there are at least two layers, it's not wise to add more, and you'll need a complete re-roofing.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers roof services.
Share
About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!