Simple and Easy Roof Repair Tips


 

As a responsible homeowner, you want your house to be in great condition. Not only does a leaky roof mean that there will be damage to your drywall, but you will probably have to spend a fortune on repairs. Not to mention that you can also have problems with mold and rotting framing unless you repair any damage as soon as you notice it. While some roof repairs require professional assistance, there are things you can do on your own and save both time and money.

Protect flat roofs

Unlike slanted one, a flat roof is more exposed to all elements, which means that it needs more protection. Seeing as the sun beats down on it for hours and rainwater collects in the corners and stays for weeks, additional protection is advised. Tarring is a simple and easy way to protect your flat roof, and the best thing is that you can do it on your own. Make sure you pick the right time of year, as tar needs higher temperatures to dry properly, and there shouldn’t be any rain or snow for several days. However, if it gets too hot, the tar can get drippy and it can become messy.

Ridges and valleys

An area where the intersection of two roofs comes together is called a valley, while the ridge is a place where two roofs meet at the top. Water usually does very little damage to ridges, but with valleys it’s a different story. They are the most common places for leaks, seeing as the water from the entire roof ends up there. It will inevitably start sloshing back and forth and cause damage unless you prevent it by roofing your valleys. You can do this in three ways: by using woven, open metal, or closed-cut roofing, but it’s best if you check with your local building department first and see what they recommend you use.

Avoid dry rot

People believe that dry rot is caused by water damage, but it isn’t. It’s actually related to the lack of ventilation, and it ‘attacks’ wood, making it all crumbly and weak. Dry rot can cause the roof to actually sag in; the shingles will get brittle and crack, causing leaks. To prevent dry rot from even appearing, you should limit the exposure of your wood to moisture. You can do this by having properly sealed wood siding and making sure that your attic is well-ventilated.

Should you fix a leak?

If you notice a leak, it doesn’t mean that you have to apply new roofing immediately. Sometimes you can fix the leak if the damage isn’t too great, as a couple of weak spots aren’t necessarily a huge problem. If a fallen branch has damaged it during a heavy storm, you can take care of it yourself when the weather gets better. On the other hand, if your roof is generally worn-down and old, small repairs will only be a temporary solution to a greater problem, as other leaks are inevitable after a while. You can get a whole new roof or hire professionals in roof restoration from Melbourne to help you. Reroofing should be efficient and fast, but you should make sure you inspect the attic after every rainfall to make sure there are no new leaks.

Remember, fixing a roof during the rainy season or in winter isn’t a good idea, so it’s best if you inspect your roof in spring or summer (or even autumn if it’s dry season in your area). Sometimes spotting a problem early is enough to save a lot of money on repairs, so don’t hesitate to have a thorough roof inspection at least once a year.

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