Roof Repair Columbus GA is the process of addressing damages to a home’s exterior and interior. It requires semi-annual inspections and timely action to prevent costly damage and prolong a roof’s lifespan.
Inspect shingles, gutters, roof edges, and flashing around chimneys and dormers. Moisture seepage can cause rot in sheathing and framing.
A sudden and severe storm can cause roof damage that leads to shingle replacement. Severe winds, high winds, heavy rains, and snowfall can all impact shingles in different ways. Old age and improper installation can also negatively impact shingle integrity.
Water leaks and stains are visible signs that indicate that a shingle has been damaged and should be replaced immediately. This will help to prevent further deterioration and minimize any potential water damage to your home’s interior.
During your inspection, look for any shingles that are missing altogether. This can be a serious problem that allows moisture to penetrate your roof decking and into your home. It is important to replace a missing shingle immediately so that other shingles will not become loose and fall off the roof.
If you do notice a shingle that is visibly damaged, try to identify the source of the issue before starting any repairs. Check the surrounding shingles for curled edges, which may be a result of improper attic ventilation, or cracks in the surface that are often the result of temperature fluctuations.
You should always use a ladder when accessing the roof, and work on a warm afternoon when shingles are more supple and less likely to crack. If you are unsure of your ability to perform the repairs, consider calling your local professional roofer.
Begin by positioning a flat pry bar beneath the shingle directly above the damaged area. Slowly lift it to break the sealer strip connection and expose the first row of nails.
Slide a new shingle into place over the existing upper and lower undamaged shingles. Then, nail the shingle in place with roofing nails, if possible. If you can’t nail the shingle in place, secure it with roofing tar.
After all of the missing and damaged shingles are repaired, you can apply a layer of roofing tar to protect the area from moisture. Be sure to apply the tar generously, and make sure that all of the edges of the shingle are fully covered with the tar.
Leaking Gutters
Gutters are a critical part of your home’s drainage system, helping to guide rainwater away from foundation walls and into downspouts. If your gutters become clogged or have holes and gaps, water can’t exit the system correctly. This can lead to overflows, sagging gutters, or leaks.
Gutter leaks usually occur where the gutter meets fascia boards or the downspouts. These leaks can be caused by improper installation or loose fasteners, and they’re also common in older gutter systems. If you suspect that a leak is due to poor gutter installation, call a professional to fix it as soon as possible.
A properly installed gutter system has a slight downward slope to ensure that rainwater flows freely down the channels and into downspouts or drains. An incorrect slope can cause water to collect in the gutters and overflow, or it may fall behind the gutters and erode the underlying soil. This can lead to foundation problems, sagging gutters, and moisture in the basement or attic.
If you see puddles of water around the base of your house or notice musty odors in your home, a leaky gutter may be the culprit. If left unaddressed, it could eventually lead to mold growth and rot in the fascia or soffit boards, as well as damage to the foundation footings.
While gutters are typically made of aluminum, they can rust if not maintained. If you spot rust spots or holes in your gutters, this is likely because of holes or gaps created by the fasteners that hold the gutters to the fascia board.
A professional roofer can repair these problems and make sure the gutters are anchored securely to the fascia boards. When choosing a roofer, be sure to research them thoroughly. Ask friends and family for recommendations, read online reviews, and do a phone screen with several companies to find the best fit for your project. If you choose to repair your own gutters, be sure to work on a sunny day when you can safely secure a ladder, and have someone help you spotter or assist with tools.
Cracks or Gaps
Whether a crack or gap is present in your roof, it’s important to have it repaired immediately. Unrepaired roof gaps can allow moisture into your home, which can cause rot and mold. Gaps also let in the sun’s heat, which can increase your heating and cooling bills. If you are comfortable on a ladder, it is possible to fill in a small gap yourself using caulk or roofing cement, but large gaps should be fixed by a professional.
Some roof cracks are to be expected and can actually be a sign of a healthy roof. However, if your roof is leaking or structurally damaged, it’s time for a new roof. A professional roofer will be able to inspect your roof and determine if it is worth repairing or re-roofing.
Gaps and cracks can appear in many different places, but they’re often a sign of a larger problem. These gaps are usually caused by a lack of proper roof flashing or damage to the flashing. Flashing is the metal strip that seals off areas of your roof where different materials meet, such as around chimneys or skylights. Without proper flashing, water can leak into your home and cause significant damage.
You should regularly check your roof for cracks or gaps. It’s especially important to do so if you have recently experienced a big storm that may have left debris and other damage on your roof. In addition, you should also be sure to check areas around penetrations like vents and chimneys, as these are common spots for leaks to develop.
While small cracks and gaps are normal, they can quickly become serious problems if left unrepaired. It’s essential to schedule regular inspections by a professional to ensure that your roof is in good condition.
In addition to preventing leaks and rot, proper roof maintenance will lower your heating and cooling bills by keeping the air in your house insulated. It’s estimated that a third of your annual energy costs go to heating and cooling the air that passes through unrepaired cracks and gaps in your roof.
Post-Repair Inspection
After a roof has been repaired, a post-repair inspection can be used to determine the condition of the repair. The inspector looks for any issues that may affect the longevity of the repairs, including abrasions in the paint, peeling or cracking of shingles and gaps between shingles. The inspector can also check for any signs of leaking in the attic or walls inside the building. If these are spotted early, they can prevent more costly damage to the interior of the home or business.
The inspector will examine the shingles and flashing to see how well they are holding up. They will also inspect any additions to the roofing system such as skylights, chimneys and roof vents for their condition. If they are in poor condition, it can cause leaks or rot on the roofing system or other parts of the home or business.
In addition, the inspector will look for any accumulated dirt or debris on the rooftop that could block positive drainage and cause standing water. This can lead to severe damage over time. The inspector will also examine the gutters, scuppers, and drains to make sure they are free from any clogs or obstructions that can impede drainage. Finally, the inspector will look for any fungus or moss growing on the roof, as these can be a sign of a compromised roof membrane.
If a homeowner or business owner notices that their energy bills have increased unexpectedly, this may be an indicator of a problem with the roofing system. It can indicate a lack of ventilation that allows hot air to escape or insufficient insulation that keeps cool air from entering. A professional roofer can help solve these problems before they become a major issue.
Regular inspections can help homeowners and businesses save money by preventing costly repairs and extending the life of the roof. A roof inspection should be part of the maintenance schedule for any building. Ideally, it should be performed at least once per year. If a property is being financed or insured, lenders and insurance companies often require an inspection prior to lending money or granting coverage. This is to ensure that the roof meets the requirements of the policy.