In a recent weather report, the speed of wind in Hawaii County was between 67 mph and 191 mph. Gusty winds and other extreme weather conditions are the primary causes of roof damage. Homeowners are wary of roof damage because of the considerably high cost of the project.
Roof leaks are one of the most common types of roof damage that might require prompt repair. Other roof damages include curling, loose, or missing shingles. These roof damages can escalate to bigger issues if not repaired, eventually creating the need to hire a team of experts such as those from Team Roofing to meet all your roof repairing needs.
Do you know the common causes of roof damage? Read on to learn more about the roof damage and how to fix a damaged roof.
Table of Contents
What Causes Roof Damage?
Roof damage is a nightmare for any homeowner. The causes of roof damage can be natural such as wind damage. Issues like poor roofing can also have devastating impacts on your roof.
Check out some of the common causes of roof damage.
1. Improper Installation
You need a professional to inspect your roof thoroughly before you can decide on the repair. A certified roof contractor will know how to go about addressing any issue on your roofs. Wrong roof repair can cause further damage to the roof.
The seemingly minor issues, such as loose shingles or leaks, need a qualified repairer. If you decide to DIY, you might need to research widely.
2. Wind Damage
High winds can have debilitating impacts on a home. Besides breaking windows, strong winds affect roofs. Winds loosen shingles, exposes nails, and other roofing materials.
Strong winds can make your shingles to curl, rip off, or lift them upwards. Consequently, the sealants between the roof’s layer break, causing leaks. You can learn more about the impacts of wind on roofs.
The information will guide you on how to spot cases of wind damage on your roof. While wind is inevitable, you can repair your roof with features that promote wind-resistance.
3. Ice Damage
Ice and snow can affect the durability of a roof. Water particles remaining on the roof’s shingles after ice thaws can have adverse effects. The refreezing water has more significant effects on your roof.
Roof corrosion is evident in areas where snow is common. It would be best to check your roof often. Your roof contractor can guide you on maintenance during winter.
4. Clogged Gutters
Debris such as leaves can clog your gutters. These gutters make rainwater to settle on your roof. The rotting waste and stagnated water have indescribable effects on your roof.
Clean your gutters regularly to get rid of debris. Besides the devastating rot, leaves and tree limbs can strain your roof with unnecessary weight.
5. Birds and Animals
Animals and birds can cause immense roof damage. If your house is near bushes, you might have to deal with raccoons, bats, and squirrels. Nesting birds and woodpeckers are also regulars on roofs.
Most of these animals scavenge on roofs looking for food. You’ll need to check your roofs often to deter damage from birds and animals.
6. Lack of Regular and Proper Maintenance
Most homeowners hardly remember to check their roofs. In fact, it is highly likely that you’d check your roof when you identify a leak. But it should be the case; roof inspection should be consistent.
When a professional inspect your roof, you have an opportunity to address an issue before it gets worse. Regular roof care reduces cases of costly roof repair.
How do You Fix Damaged Roofs?
Americans spend about $400 billion on home remodeling each year. Homeowners renovate different parts of their homes to increase their value. Roof repair is one of the projects that you wouldn’t want to ignore.
If your roof has been leaking, then you probably need to have a repair. You will require roofing shingles, plywood, felt paper, nails, nail guns, and roofing tar.
To know how to repair shingles, ensure that you embed the nails securely. It’s also essential to layer each shingle from bottom to upwards. Use a nail gain to get the measurements right.
Check these steps on how to fix roof damage.
Step One
The first step involves removing all the debris, roof reframing, and sheathing. Plywood that’s ½ inch-thick and eight-foot is ideal. You’ll need to measure the part of your roof that needs new shingles.
It’s best to have your sheathing in brick patterns to increase the strength. Install the plywood in brick patterns until you have the entire area covered. Note that long pieces of plywood are not stable enough for sheathing.
Step Two
Staple the starter strip at the roof’s bottom part. You ought to leave at least one-inch overhang to promote proper gutter drainage. Fix the remaining layers from bottom to top.
Ensure that you nail each of the felt layer’s tar strip for a perfect grip. Measurement errors in this stage can hinder the efficiency of the roofing.
Step Three
For roofing shingles repair, you need to lay the shingles starting from the roof’s bottom corner. Follow the chalk lines and move upwards in a pyramid-like shape. Six nails per shingle will improve the hold.
Move up and across the roof using the pyramid as a guide. If you repair a section of the roof, put new shingles for uniformity.
Repairing Roof Damage Can Be Costly, Yet Is Essential
A damaged roof can reduce your home’s comfort. That’s why fixing roof damage ought to be a priority for any homeowner. If the damage escalates, your home’s value can dwindle.
You might need to replace your shingles if they are damaged or considerably old. Don’t wait to see signs such as roof leaks. Repairing a roof before it worsens can save you time and money.
Consulting with a professional contractor for roof repairs is vital. A certified repairer can detect roof issues through regular inspections. However, most simple roof repairs can be DIY projects.
If you decide to repair your roof, research widely on the issue. Trying to repair extensive damage can lead to more negative impacts on your roofing.
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