No one ever wants to have to do roof repair, but it’s a necessary part of owning a home. A good roof should last for many years with only minimal maintenance, but sometimes things go wrong. Leaks, missing shingles, and other problems can develop over time, requiring you to take action.
Here are six tips that will help you get started on your roof repair project in San Antonio!
Examine the Roof for Leaks
If you’ve noticed that your ceiling is sagging, cracks in your walls or floor, discoloration of paint on the outside of your home, water stains on ceilings and exterior walls that occur when it rains – there’s a good chance you have some leaking issues.
The first thing to do if you suspect there are problems with your roof is to check if you can find any leaks. You should also inspect the insulation in your attic and walls to see if it’s damp or damaged. Minor leaks can often be fixed with a little bit of sealant, however, if the damage is more extensive you may need to think about roof contractor repairs. If you are not comfortable climbing onto your roof by yourself for this task, it is best to get someone else to help out – and a professional roofer should be able to assist with this part of your roof repair.
The General Condition of Your Roof
Before you get to work on any repairs, take some time to examine the structure of your roof to see if there are any loose or missing shingles, cracks in the exterior surface, rust spots, and damaged flashing around vents and chimneys. This may also be the time to consider getting your roof professionally inspected, or having a contractor give you an estimate for repairs.
If you are replacing the shingles yourself, it is strongly recommended to replace any damaged flashing at the same time. If you are not doing this job yourself, make sure that all tools and materials required for the project are included in the price of your repairs.
Trim Bushes and Trees Near Your Roof
There’s nothing worse than finding out that dead branches on your trees or bushes have caused leaks in your roof after it is too late, for example when there is already extensive damage to your siding and roof flashing. Keeping trees trimmed will help decrease the chance of damage by preventing branches and leaves from falling on your roof. It can also help to prevent water buildup around vents and chimneys.
What to do if the tree causing a problem is not on your property? According to the American Water Works Association, most legal responsibility for damage caused by trees is on the owner of the tree. You may also want to consider moving your bushes or plants away from your neighbor’s roof for future protection.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
Missing gutters or downspouts, clogs in the downspout, or damaged gutter seals can all cause water damage in your home. A simple solution like this could solve one of your roof repairs and prevent water from damaging your foundation, walls, basement, and ceiling. It’s also important to make sure that the downspouts extend at least five feet away from your foundation so that water is directed away from your home.
Maintain Your Roof
One of the best ways to keep your roof in tip-top shape is regular maintenance. The type of roofing materials you have installed on your home will affect how often you need to do this, but it’s something that should become part of your yearly routine so you can spot any problems early and get them fixed.
Therefore, depending on the type and style of your roof:
- Metal roofs – should be inspected once a month;
- Shingle roofs – should be inspected every three months;
- Wooden tile roofs – should be inspected once every six months.
Prevention of the bigger problems down the road also includes regular inspection for damage. If you find anything that needs repairing, get in touch with your roofer as soon as possible.
Fixing Small Holes
Tiny holes, dents, and rips might not seem like a big deal at first. However, left unattended these can turn into bigger issues quickly. If you have found a hole or tear in your roof, the first thing to do is determine how big it is and where it is located. If the hole is less than four inches long, you can patch up a small tear or repair damage with roofing cement made specifically for this type of repair job.
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It offers protection from the elements and can help save on your electricity costs by keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter. But what happens when you have to do some repairs? Whether it’s downspouts, gutters, shingle removal or just trimming bushes away from vents near the house- take care of these things before they become bigger issues!