If you have your roof regularly inspected for damage or deterioration, you may be able to catch minor issues before they become major problems. At M&K Renovations, we will do a free inspection to make sure your roof and materials are in good condition and we’ll recommend repairs if we notice any problems developing.
Typical roof problems
Deteriorating roofing material: Sometimes this is fairly easy for you to spot just by looking at your roof, but usually, if you can see it easily, it’s not a small problem anymore. We look for bare spots, loose shingles or tiles, debris in gutters such as granules from asphalt shingles, and cracks along junctures.
Cracked or deteriorating flashing and sealants: Flashing is a metal barrier (sometimes rubber) installed under shingles or tiles and around roof elements such as chimneys and vent pipes to prevent water penetration. Sealants may also be used in the sloping valleys where two roof planes come together. Over time, metal can corrode or deteriorate and rubber and sealants can shrink, harden, or crack from the elements or general age. When this happens, water can get under the roofing and cause leaks, rot, and mold.
Clogged gutters: This is pretty easy to fix, and if caught early, we can prevent backed-up water from rotting your roofing material.
Ice dam buildup: This is common when gutters are clogged, but it can also be a function of roof design or just the result of a long, cold winter. Ice builds up on the edge of the roof, preventing melting snow from draining. Both the weight of the ice and the standing water can damage the roof’s surface and/or allow moisture to penetrate.
Sagging roof: Some sagging may be visible from the ground, but we can look at the various roof planes of your home from more strategic angles to detect the beginning of a sagging or drooping roofline, which could be evidence of underlayment deterioration or even improper installation.
Possible repairs
How we fix the roof depends on the type and the extent of the damage.
- Loose shingles can be easily and quickly replaced if caught before underlayment is damaged by moisture.
- Flashing and sealants can be easily repaired and replaced, but again, we will look closely for any damage to the underlying materials. If water has damaged the underlayment or the roof deck (the wood sheets upon which the roofing material is laid) we would recommend replacing those materials.
- Clogged gutters can be cleaned out by the homeowner, or we can do it. Ice dams should certainly be broken up and their cause determined and rectified if it has something to do with the design of the roof or gutters.
A poorly-installed roof does not always need to be completely replaced. We will evaluate the real problems and correct what is critical to keep water from working its way under the roofing material and into your home.
However, if your roof is over 20 years old and has a variety of problems, it may actually be more cost-effective to replace it. Starting over again with new materials can not only give your house a great facelift, but it can also make it more watertight and eco-friendly. Roofing products have improved dramatically in the last 20 years, giving homeowners an almost endless variety of choices, with materials that are more weather-tight and energy-efficient than ever before.
Give us a call at (610) 353-2895 for a free inspection to make sure your roof is keeping your home dry and warm.