Every homeowner understands the need for the roof of the home to be in good condition. If you live in Raleigh or any other location, you will find that the maintenance of the roof is prioritized by most homeowners. This is because the integrity of the home is determined by the roofing condition. Every other aspect of the building will also be affected if it is damaged hence the need to always give it good attention and maintenance.
While some roof problems may require simple DIY tips to fix, there are other serious issues that may require professionals to fix them. When you are faced with such situations, going for professionals who have a track record of delivery will be the ideal step to take. Most roofing companies like koala roofing use durable materials to fix the roof of buildings, and using their services will save you from the stress of fixing the same issue repeatedly.
One of the foremost considerations in roof repair is the actual cause of the damage, because it helps to prevent any recurrence. We will look at some of the factors that can lead to damage as well as how you can fix these issues yourself.
Things that can Damage the Roof of Your Home
The following are some things that can damage the top covering of your home:
Wind
This is one of the major causes of roof damage in buildings. Strong winds have the capacity to take off the shingles and leave other areas exposed. It is recommended that you check your compound for shingles especially after you experience a very windy day. If there are shingles scattered around, then it is a pointer that you need to contact a roofing expert.
Critters
Birds, bats, raccoons, mice and squirrels sometimes nest on the top covering of the home and their presence can cause a serious damage. They do this by tearing the shingles or chewing through the wall of your building. This doesn’t just cause damages but can also be a medium for spreading diseases.
Debris
Debris here includes materials such as pine needles, twigs, leaves and branches. Debris can make moisture to gather on the roof and this makes it to rot. The shingles will also deteriorate if this is not managed early enough.
How to Repair Your Roof By Yourself
The following are some steps to help you with the process:
Inspection
This is the first step you have to take. You need to inspect the top covering of your home to find areas where there are issues. Look for cracked or curled shingles that are usually at the leaking corner. If after inspection you observe that the damage is widespread, you may have to opt for replacement or call a professional to make a detailed evaluation. However, in cases where there are a few cracks, you can handle them as they are easy fixes especially with a good guide handy.
Reattach and Strengthen Curled Shingles
You will observe that the edges of shingles made of asphalt start curling after some time. To fix it, smoothen the shingles that are curled before using a caulk gun to put a small quantity of a strong roof sealant beneath the raised areas. After this, hold down on the shingle, then use a hand trowel to tuck in the edges using roof cement.
Fix Cracks with Roof Sealant
If a crack is clean, there is no need for replacement of the shingle. Instead use a dab of a roof sealant to cover the crack. Hold the shingle down then apply another dab of sealant on the crack.
Replace Missing or Broken Shingles
If some parts of a shingle are missing, you may need to get the replacement from a hardware store. Should the shingle be broken requiring that you remove it, you will have to raise the edges with the use of a prying bar. After that, utilize a hammer to detach the nails that are at the four corners. When this is done, you can go ahead with the replacement.
These are some of the tips that may be of help to you. You can also check out more tips on the internet. Additionally, if you need tips on how to protect your roof especially during winter, you can check here: https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/how-to-protect-your-roof-during-winter-weather.
Conclusion
Having a bad roof is detrimental to the integrity of a building. As a homeowner, one of the ways to ensure your roof lasts long is through regular inspection and maintenance. When you find minor issues that you can fix, go ahead and fix them. However, major cracks and tear demand that you call a professional.
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