Any roof repair crew will tell you the first step is to find the problem. That means a thorough inspection of the inside and outside of your home.

Look for things like missing shingles, water stains and cracked or loose flashing. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call for a pro at EZ Roofing of Flagler County.

Many different factors can cause damage to your roof, including strong winds and heavy rain. Other causes include poor installation, lack of maintenance and aging. A roofing expert can help you determine which repairs are needed to prevent leaks and other problems.

One of the most common types of roof repair is replacing damaged shingles or tiles. This is important because bare spots on your roof don’t offer any protection against inclement weather. In fact, they can quickly lead to a number of other problems, including wood rot, mold and water leaks.

A damaged shingle can be easily repaired by using roof sealant to fill the cracks and crevices. This will not only improve the look of your roof but also extend its life and protect the interior of your home from moisture, mold and mildew.

You can check for shingle damage by conducting a routine inspection of your roof. If you are comfortable climbing a ladder, you can perform a close-up inspection of your roof. Look for cracks, discoloration or baldness.

Another sign of a failing shingle is the curling of the corners. This means that the shingle has been subjected to extreme weather and is starting to deteriorate.

Shingles can lighten in color over time, which is more noticeable if you have chosen a darker shade. This is caused by sun bleaching, which can strip essential protective layers from shingle surfaces.

When you notice that the top layer of your shingle is beginning to peel, you need to take action. This problem can cause moisture to leak into the interior of your home and lead to a variety of problems, including staining on walls, ceilings and furniture.

A good way to prevent this is to conduct regular inspections of your roof and replace any missing shingles or tiles as soon as you notice them. You should also check the metal flashing around chimneys, valleys and vents to make sure that it is not leaking or cracked open. If this is not fixed promptly, it can allow water to penetrate the inside of your building and start a chain reaction that leads to wood rot and mold.

Built-Up Roofing

The built-up roofing (BUR) process is a time-tested and durable roofing method. It consists of multiple layers of tar and reinforcing materials to offer a resilient, weatherproof roof. It is ideal for flat and low-sloped commercial roof buildings. It offers the durability and extra protection needed to withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic.

Depending on the climate, built-up roofs can last up to 30 years. They can also resist ultra-violet radiation and are fire-resistant. Moreover, their aggregate top layer is useful in preventing damage to the underlayers of the roof.

A typical BUR roof consists of the following:

In the middle of the roof is a layer of reinforcing felts or fabrics, which are adhered to each other with hot or cold bitumen. The bitumen, which is coal tar or asphalt, provides an effective bond between the layers. The final layer is a protective cap sheet or gravel, which helps in preventing UV damage to the underlayers of the roof.

BUR roofs are more expensive to install than other roofing options, but they also have a longer lifespan. They are a great option for large structures because of their durability, and their longevity makes them a cost-effective investment.

However, like other roofing systems, BUR roofs have their downsides. The most significant one is installation, as the process requires a lot of time and can be dangerous for those not familiar with it. It is important to hire an experienced roof contractor.

The other disadvantage of a built-up roof is the difficulty in making repairs. The multi-layered system makes it difficult to find leaks, and repairing them can be complicated since they require cutting through several layers of the roof.

Regular inspections are vital to prolonging the life of a built-up roof. Check for signs of surface damage, such as blistering or cracking. Ensure that the roof is clear of debris, as this can lead to water ponding and other problems. Also, trim overhanging branches to avoid falling limbs.

Fascia Damage

Fascia boards are often overlooked, but they play an important role in protecting your home from harsh elements and supporting the gutter system. The fascia board is a 2×8 or 2×6 wooden board that runs along the edge of the roof. It covers the eaves of your house and connects the gutter system to the roof rafters. In some homes, the fascia is replaced with PVC or non-corrosive sheet metal.

Fascia damage is commonly caused by exposure to water, sunlight, and pest infestation. Over time, the wood of the fascia can rot and begin to soften, which exposes the underlying structure to water infiltration and moisture damage. This can lead to structural problems such as sagging gutters or even detachment of the entire gutter and fascia system.

Fortunately, homeowners can avoid major damage to their fascia boards by keeping an eye out for early warning signs. These include cracks or flaking paint, which can reveal rot or damage to the underlying structure. Discolored stains or spots on the fascia also indicate water infiltration, which should be addressed immediately. Other signs to look for include sagging gutters, visible rot or decay, and critter activity (such as termites or carpenter ants).

A professional contractor will be able to inspect your fascia board and determine the best course of action. If the fascia is in good condition, they can repair any cracks or holes and caulk any remaining gaps to prevent future moisture damage. However, if the fascia is too damaged or compromised, they may need to replace the entire board.

It is never recommended that homeowners attempt to repair or replace their own roofline components, including the fascia board. Fascia board replacement is a complex task that requires the proper tools, knowledge, and experience to avoid costly complications and injuries. Hiring a professional to complete the job will ensure that the work is done correctly and safely, and that it is nailed to the proper studs and properly supported by the gutters. Having a professional contractor handle the work will also reduce the risk of costly repairs in the future.

Leaks

Leaks can lead to serious problems, including mold, water stains, wood damage and structural damage to the roof. It’s important to catch these leaks early to prevent the problem from worsening, as well as save money on your energy bills. Leaks can occur from damaged shingles and flashing, clogged gutters, and even chimney damage. To fix the problem, you may need to remove the affected shingles, replace the flashing, and reseal the area.

While the best way to find a leak is to look for water stains on the ceiling, you can also check in your attic for signs of moisture, such as molded or discolored lumber and wet insulation. You should also be aware of the possibility that a ceiling leak can cause your home’s electrical wiring to become wet and short circuit, leading to potential fire hazards.

Once you’ve located the source of a leak, you’ll need to cover it temporarily with a tarp until a professional can repair it. Begin by moving any items that can be harmed by water or a possible ceiling collapse out of the room. Next, use a mop or wet/dry vacuum to clean the area and then thoroughly dry it.

If a large part of the roof is affected by a leak, it’s best to place buckets or other containers underneath to catch the water. It’s also a good idea to place a tarp over the leak, as this will protect any items that might be beneath it.

If you’re comfortable climbing onto the roof, you can use a ladder to locate and patch a leak. If the roof is too steep for a ladder, you can try to identify the problem by looking for water stains on the ceiling and walls or by examining the attic for a wet odor and wood rot. If you have a hard time finding the leak, you can try to reproduce it by soaking different spots on the roof with a hose or bucket of water. If the leak reappears, it’s a good idea to give your roofer a call to get it fixed.