A leaking roof is a common problem for many homes. But the problem is that not everyone can repair a leaking roof by themselves.
That said, roof repairs involving a leak are relatively straightforward to do. You just need to make sure you know what’s causing the leak to find the most appropriate solution.
Here are five tips to help you with your roof work:
Patching Small Holes
Most roof leaks are caused by small holes in your roof. Typically, however, these didn’t happen overnight. Most likely, they were tiny holes that slowly grew in size until they became a full-blown leak.
Depending on the hole, you can do most of the work on your own without needing to hire a roofing contractor. You can just use a specific primer or patching system to help seal these holes.
It’s also advisable to check for holes regularly throughout the year. Smaller problems are manageable if they’re caught early on.
Repairing Missing Shingles
If there are lots of shingles scattered around your house (after a storm, for example), then this might very well be the cause of your leak. Missing shingles from your roof can allow water to seep in near where the nails are, overwhelming it and causing a leak.
Luckily, it’s easy to repair shingles. You just need to nail them back in place. However, note the type of shingle your roof is using. Asphalt shingles are more straightforward and just need standard nails. Laminated shingles, however, are broader and you may need longer nails to secure them in place.
How to Avoid Clogged Gutters
Gutters are useful because they direct rainwater away from your roof, so it doesn’t collect on the roof’s surface, but this can still cause leaks over time. The problem arises when the gutters get congested. This is usually due to leaves and other debris getting trapped there over time. Storms, in particular, can blow a large number of leaves and branches into your gutters.
Luckily, you can easily avoid all this by decluttering your gutter regularly. We also recommend pruning any nearby trees, especially right before the rainy season.
Maintain Aged Roof Regularly
Your roof is subject to the wear and tear of the elements. Hence, it’s important that you maintain it regularly over the whole year. Remember, even the sturdiest roof will wear away over time, so you need to prepare for this.
This is one instance where asking advice from roofing contractors like Roofling will prove beneficial. They have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you do proper maintenance.
Replace Any Worn Out Areas
Be proactive and replace any visibly worn parts of your roof early on. Walls and dormers can easily be swapped for new ones, as well as anything that’s rotten or missing parts.
Catch problems early on and do something about it. This will save you a lot of time and money later on.