Roof safetу and repairs are two of the top concerns of homeowners in the United States. While it’s not much different for business owners, it’s homeowners who tуpicallу need third-partу help or take on a DIY project to repair damage to their roofs.
This is whу around 5 million new roofs are installed on existing properties (both residential and commercial) each уear. But that’s where the repair comes in, and whether уou decide to do it уourself or hire a professional is entirelу up to уou.
However, here are some of the keу things to understand about roof damage and the repair process:
What is Roof Damage? 5 Types of Roof Damages
Roof damage is when any roof or ceiling begins to show signs of leaking, rusting, aging or damage. In most cases, the damage is the result of climate or weather. However, here are some of the most common damages to homes in the Midwest and South of the United States:
- Water penetration through damaged areas;
- Absence of protective shingles;
- Deterioration of metal edging;
- Structural problems causing subsidence or subsidence;
- And impact from hail causing dents.
Our experts at Nashville Roofing Contractors report that these are the main culprits in most damaged roofs. This allows us to know what measures to take and prevent future damage after we have repaired such damage.
And while a lot of this is due to aging sealants, lack of protection, and damage to materials, it’s mostly due to the weather.
How To Repair a Damaged Roof: 5 Steps To Do It
Now, there are several stages a home or business owner can go through to repair roof damage. The best course for many people would be to hire professionals like roofing contractors Nashville.
We can handle the complexities for you, or you can try to fix things yourself by following these steps:
1: Assess The Damage
The first and perhaps most important step is to assess the damage. You may not need a ton of caulk and you may not need to get new plumbing or shingles. But you won’t know until you assess the damage, and here’s what to do:
- Check the roof surface for missing or displaced shingles;
- Look inside for water stains or mold;
- Inspect metal trim around chimneys and vents;
- And check the roof for any noticeable sags or sags.
Once you’ve identified the problem, move on to the next step.
2: Gather Necessary Materials
Now comes the part where you collect the necessary materials such as sealants, shingles, nuts, bolts, screws and tools. This entire step depends on your damage assessment. So you need to focus on a few things such as:
- How much material will you need?
- Do you have enough tools?
- And can you fix it with a proper finish?
Questions like these will help you determine the necessities needed to repair your roof.
3: Replace Shingles
The next step is fixing or replacing the roof shingles. If the damage was repaired from the inside, it is likely that the top part suffered some kind of damage. Therefore, the above shingles must be changed and here is how to do it:
- Carefully lift and pry off the old, damaged shingles;
- Check the condition of the underlying roofing material;
- Align and secure the new shingles with roofing nails;
- And use glue to seal the edges and ensure a tight fit;
This will help ensure that the shingles are properly in place.
4: Apply Sealant
Sealant is your best friend if you want to avoid future damage. Therefore, it is imperative that you use the right sealant and apply it equally well. Here are three keys to applying sealant correctly:
- Remove debris and ensure a clean and dry roof;
- Apply the sealant evenly with a brush or roller;
- For effective waterproofing, allow the sealant to harden thoroughly.
When you’re done, continue checking.
5: Inspect & Test
The final step is to review and test the work you have done. This requires you to try a few things and ensure things like:
- Verify that water does not penetrate the repaired areas;
- Make sure there are no new signs of water damage in the interior;
- Confirm the secure attachment of the replaced shingles;
- Ensure that the metal flashing remains intact and sealed;
- And confirm that the repaired parts contribute to a stable roof structure.
And if you’re not sure, you can always call a Nashville roofing contractor for a better look and inspection. And that’s all you have to do!
Conclusion
That’s all you need to do to ensure your roof can withstand any climate or weather. While occasional aging is inevitable, constant checks and inspections every few months can prevent this.
