A well-maintained roof can last for decades. However, even the most durable materials aren’t infallible. Storms, high winds, and fallen debris can damage or loosen shingles.

Regular visual inspections and routine maintenance help prevent major problems, but some issues may require prompt repair. The first step is identifying the problem. Look for water stains, wood rot, damp marks on ceilings and walls, and mold in attics. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.

Your roof serves as an important barrier, protecting your home from the elements. Unfortunately, like all protective barriers, it can become worn over time, allowing moisture infiltration that can lead to ceiling leaks and other damage. If you’re noticing damaged shingles, it may be time to get them replaced.

Luckily, this is a job that you can do yourself if you have a streak of DIY in you and the right tools. Replacing a shingle is relatively simple, but if you’re not comfortable working on your roof or your home has a steep pitch, this might be a project better left to the professionals.

When a shingle is damaged, it can leave a gap in your roof’s protection that allows moisture to enter your home and cause significant water damage. Damaged shingles may also lose their granules, which can affect their ability to repel moisture. In addition, if you notice a sagging or uneven roof, this is often a sign of serious structural damage that should be addressed immediately.

Look for signs of shingle damage by inspecting your roof frequently, especially after storms. Inspect for cracks, split seams, and torn or missing shingles. Additionally, if you notice dark spots or streaks on your roof, this is a sign that algae or moss has started growing. This can also damage shingles by limiting their lifespan.

Once you’ve located the shingle that is damaged, remove the surrounding shingles to expose the nails that hold it in place. Loosen the exposed nails with a pry bar, then pull up the damaged shingle and nail in its replacement. Apply a thin coat of roofing cement to the underside of the new shingle to seal it in place.

If you are replacing a large number of shingles, it might be more cost-effective to simply replace the entire area of your roof that has damage. If you’re in this situation, it is a good idea to test all of the surrounding shingles to see which are loose or leaking. Then, you can buy a bundle of shingles in a matching color and complete the replacement process.

Leaking Flashing

Flashing is a crucial part of your roof’s weatherproofing system. It seals the joint where two roof planes meet and runs around chimneys, valleys and corners. Over time, flashing can deteriorate or become damaged. When this happens, it may leak into the home, causing ceiling stains and moisture damage. It’s important to have a professional examine and repair leaking flashing as soon as you notice it, especially if the leak has been going on for a while. Over time, a leaking flashing can lead to rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation, and water and mold in the attic space.

Leaking flashing is most often caused by deteriorated or incorrectly installed flashing. If your flashing was not sealed correctly when it was originally installed, rain and melting snow can seep through the joints and leak into the attic space or into the walls of the house. Flashing is also more likely to deteriorate in climates with high rainfall or snowfall.

Signs of flashing problems can include leaks at chimneys, leaks around vent pipes, and leaks in corners of the house. Look for rusted or corroded flashing, cracks, gaps and loose sections, as well as lifted shingles that are no longer doing their job and allowing water to seep in behind them.

If you suspect that a flashing problem is causing a leak, get on a ladder and inspect the area of the roof where the leak appears in the house. It’s best to do this with a partner, especially if you plan to use a hose on the roof. One person should be inside the house waiting for a drip, and the other can hose down the area of the roof where the leak is occurring. Be sure to use appropriate safety gear, including a sturdy ladder and safety glasses.

If you find a leaky spot in the flashing, it’s possible to make a temporary fix until you can have a professional roofer repair the problem. You can purchase flashing tape that can be used to cover small holes or gaps in the flashing. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly, then apply the tape and make sure it adheres tightly to create a waterproof seal.

Moss and Mildew

Moss and mildew can be a real eye sore for your home, especially when they begin to form thick green mats on your roof. They also tend to hold water on your roof and prevent the sun from drying it, which can lead to further damage, including heaving and cracking. Moss and mildew are usually harmless to humans, but they can eat away at the surface of shingles and cause them to break apart.

To remove moss, find a good moss killer or remover and follow the instructions on the package. Depending on the product, you may have to wait a few weeks for it to kill the moss and begin decomposing on the roof surface. While this is happening, make sure that you continue to inspect and clean your roof regularly to catch moss growth before it spreads.

Then, use a long-handled broom to scrub away the moss from your roof. Be careful not to lift the shingles as you do this. If you have a ladder that is safe to climb on, spray the moss with your garden hose to get it wet. This will help the moss to loosen and be easier to scrub off your roof.

Once you have brushed away as much of the moss as possible, carefully hose down your roof to rinse it off. Be sure to do this in an area that is not directly over any plants or other objects, as the runoff from the moss killing solution can harm them. After you have rinsed the roof, wait for it to dry completely.

If you have a large amount of moss growing on your roof, consider having it professionally cleaned. This will be the best way to ensure that all of the spores are killed and that your roof is free of moss.

There are a variety of commercial moss and mildew cleaners that can be purchased. These products contain special fungicides that target moss, mold, mildew, algae and other biological growth on your roof. Some of these cleaners also contain surfactants that help to loosen and lift unwanted growth. Others include a range of biodegradable ingredients that are designed to slowly decompose unwanted growth on your exterior surfaces.

Missing Shingles

Like a missing puzzle piece, a single missing shingle leaves a gap in your roof’s cover that allows moisture and pests into your home. This is a very serious problem that should be dealt with as quickly as possible.

The good news is that shingles are designed to stand up to a lot of wind, so most shingle losses are due to direct storm damage or age-related wear and tear. However, if a shingle is gone and there are no other obvious causes, it may be time to call in a roofing professional.

A roofing company will be able to determine the source of the shingle loss, and they can also recommend any necessary roof repair services. If you decide to take care of the issue yourself, be sure to practice proper roof safety. Working on your roof without the proper equipment and experience can be dangerous, especially if you are trying to replace a missing shingle in high winds. You could easily fall off of your roof and end up with a bigger problem than the one you’re trying to fix!

To replace a missing shingle, start by using a ladder to climb to the area of your roof where the shingle was removed. Use a pry bar to gently remove the nails holding other functional shingles in place, being careful not to disturb or damage them. Use tin snips to cut new shingles to the correct length, then carefully place them over the space where the old shingle was. Secure the shingles with your nail gun and caulk around the edges of your roof to ensure that water will not get into your home if the shingle fails.

You should also check the rest of your roof for any other signs that it’s time for repairs, such as stains on your walls or ceilings. These are often the first sign of a leaky roof, and they can lead to mold and more structural problems in your home.