Roof Repair Tips For Common Roofing Problems

by Sue White | May 19, 2022 | roof repair

roof repairs Your home’s age is an indicator of the age of your roof. A typical roof lasts 20 – 30years. This can vary depending on what type of roof you have. When your roof isn’t working properly, you will know. No matter what material your roof is made of, all roofs show signs of deterioration as they age. You need roof repair when these indications become noticeable.

Asphalt roofs can begin to show signs of wear after 12 years. A metal roof, on the other hand, can last up to 50 years without any problems. It is important not to let things get worse before you know you need major repairs.

This can lead to additional costs and more problems in the long-term. It’s important to be aware of some common roof problems that older homes may have.

Signs that your roof is in trouble

Roof problems can often be unavoidable. Without regular roof inspections, they can go unnoticed.

It is possible to prevent major damage by getting problems caught early. You can avoid major damage by making it a habit to inspect your roof regularly.

Multiple areas of missing or damaged flashing
Missing or loose shingles
Nail heads that are exposed or not secured
Cracking, blistering, drying, dry or curling shingles
Gutter granules
A sagging roof
Your roof may have dark or dirty areas

There may be evidence in your home. You may also find evidence in your home, such as damage to your ceiling or attic.

A rise in your energy bills could also indicate a problem. If your roof leaks, it could cause bad air to enter and good air to escape. If your attic doesn’t get enough ventilation, you may see fluctuations in your bills.

It is also important to know the age of your roof. These problems can become more obvious the older it gets.

Is age just a number?

Your roof is no exception. You’ll need to consider the type of roof that you have in order to get an estimate of how long your roof will last. Different types of roofs have different lifespans.

You may need to be aware of specific issues that can arise from the type of roof you have chosen. Below are some roof types and the expected lifespans.

Asphalt Roofing

This is the most popular type of roof in Fort Worth. It can withstand Texas’ harsh weather conditions very well. Asphalt roofs can last from 15 to 30 year.

Metal roofing

Another popular Texas roof is the T-shaped. You can choose from aluminum or steel for your metal roof. They offer protection for your home that lasts. The lifespan of metal roofing is between 40 and 70 years.

Slate roofing

Slate roofs weigh more than other roofs. It can also be more costly. A slate roof can last up to 200 years.

Wooden Roofing

Wood roofs are a unique choice. However, they can give a home an unusual look. Wood can also age well. A wooden roof can last up to 30 years.

Clay Roofing

Clay roofs are a great addition to any home, because of their unique colors. Clay roofs are affordable and require little maintenance. Clay roofs can last 50-100 years.

You should do your research based on what type of roof you have. This will help you identify signs that indicate it is time to have your roof repaired.

Roof Repair: Most Common Roof Problems

Proper maintenance is key to a roof that lasts. Even the most durable roofing materials can be damaged by the elements. These are just some of the many things that can reduce the lifespan of your roof.

1. Roof Leaks

This is the most obvious sign of roof damage. Leaks may not always be apparent immediately.

It is unlikely that you will ever need to put buckets in different rooms of your house when it rains. You wouldn’t want this to happen, since it would signal that there is severe damage.

You may also notice subtler signs. These signs can include:

Water spots on your ceiling and walls
Mildew signs
Dampness on walls
Peeling paint
Broken shingles, slate, tiles or flashing could cause this.

Solutions for leaky roofs

Roofs can be as diverse. However, there are many reasons why your roof could be leaking. Before you can fix the problem, it is important to first identify the source.

Locate the leak and inspect it. Next, trace the leak from the water spots on your ceiling.

It’s not an easy job and it could prove dangerous to access your roof. It is recommended that you hire a professional to solve this type of roof problem. They will identify the root cause of the problem and:

Replace damaged roof vents
Take off old roof papers and shingles
Remove and cut off damaged roof deck
It can be replaced with a new roof deck.
Lay roofing underlayment or sheet
Apply the new shingles to the affected area

This task requires some expertise. It may take up to two days depending on the number of leaks and extent of damage. It’s possible to have it done correctly the first time, so you don’t need to worry about any additional problems.

2. Snow and Ice Damage

Fort Worth’s cool winters may be a refreshing change from the hot and muggy summers. However, colder temperatures can cause problems with cold weather roofing.

These unique conditions involve melting and refreezing snow and ice. This can cause problems in some areas of your roof.

Water from melting ice and snow can seep beneath your shingles. It can push against the flashing or shingles if it freezes. This can leave gaps where water or snow can get in.

Over time, this slowly damages the roof’s integrity.

Solutions for Snow and Ice Damage

Winter is not the best time to have your roof repaired. Routine roof inspections should be scheduled before and after winter.

This is done in the fall to fix any damage that may have occurred before winter arrives. Repeat the process in spring to fix any problems from the previous winter.

Roof repair companies can perform maintenance if they find any problems. This will ensure that your roof is ready for any weather conditions. This will reduce the need to repair your roof in an emergency.

3. Poor Installation

It is important to recognize when you need to call a professional roofer. One of these times is when you are installing your roof. You must make sure you hire a reliable company.

It is tempting to choose based solely on the price. Poor workmanship will ultimately end up costing you more. If your roof work isn’t up to standards, these are the things that you will notice.

Blisters
Adhesion problems
Premature aging
Wrinkles
Leaks

Poor Roof Installation Solution

Poor roof installation can be fixed by having your roof replaced. It’s not an easy task to do it twice just because it was nice. To finally succeed, it will require additional investment.

This is why it’s so important to find a roofing company that has extensive experience. This will help you save a lot of money and time.

4. Gutters that are clogged or broken

Water can back up in your guttering system if it is damaged, blocked, or defective. This water may seep into your home’s eaves, where it has no other place to go.

A defective gutter can also cause siding to rot. If the gutter is not properly installed, water can run down your siding. It can also lead to erosion of parts of your landscape.

Detached downspouts can be caused by damaged gutters. These issues are often easily visible. There are many things you can do once you recognize that your gutter is in trouble.

Solution for Broken or Clogged Gutters

Even if there isn’t any damage to your guttering, it’s still a good idea to inspect them every so often. To prevent clogs, you should also remove any debris. Installing screens in your gutters can help to prevent excess debris like leaves and twigs.

If you find damage during your inspection, reconnect downspouts as soon as possible. If that is not possible, or if the gutters are severely damaged, you will need to replace them.

5. Failing Granules

While you are inspecting your gutters for asphalt roofs, make sure to check for granules in the gutter. Asphalt shingles are made up of granules from crushed stone and minerals.

They can protect your roof in many ways. They are able to absorb harmful UV rays from the sun. Copper is also present, which prevents the growth of algae for a prolonged period.

These granules can cause asphalt shingles to become unusable over time. Granules can be loosened by prolonged exposure to hail and extreme weather conditions.

As the granules begin to fall off your shingles, you’ll see bald patches. Roof discoloration and bald patches are indicators that your roof is in dire need of roof replacement.

Solution to Failing Granules

Good news is that roof replacements are possible even if granules fail. It all depends on your roof’s age and how much granule loss your roof has. Repairs may be limited to replacing damaged shingles if the damage is minimal. A roof inspection is the best way to determine the extent of the damage.