Roof damage is the worst and it always seems to pop up at the most inopportune times. These problems can range from simple honey-do repairs to professional jobs, but it is important to be able to tell the difference.
Tips to determine if your roofing problem is a DIY repair or a job for Chicago’s leading contractors.
The top three sources of roof damage are leaks, missing tiles or shingles, and environmental damage.
Types of leaks and how to address them:
- Roof valleys which are poorly designed can have a lot of fast moving water rip through them, leading to serious damage. Seek professional help.
- Pooling water, before repairing, investigate the cause of ponding. Clear drains of blockage. Repair damage.
- Flashing, where the roof membrane ends or is interrupted, is the source of most leaks. Poorly fastened flashing details result in leaks. To repair, completely dry the area, spread roof cement under the loose material and press down to reseal. Secure with galvanized roofing nails. Cover entire area including nails with roof cement. If damage to the flashing occurs around the chimney and other connection points, the features may need to be replaced. Contact a contractor.
Missing tile or shingle concerns
- Blowoffs can lead to leaks. Look for damaged, missing, or curled shingles. Straighten out curled shingles and replace damaged or missing shingles. Secure exposed edges with roof cement.
- Damaged tiles need to be removed and replaced. Seal new tiles with a caulking compound.
Types of environmental damage
- Trees – Make sure branches are not allowed to rub against roof.
- Wind – Wind may cause blowoffs or tenting of the flashing details.
- Sun – UV-rays on pooled water can cause damage to asphalt- based roofs
- Rain – Heavy rains excel at revealing leaky roofs.
When in doubt, contact Chicago’s best roofing contractors for your roofing repairs!
When faced with serious damage, improper installation, or repairs you doubt your ability to fix, contact Champion Roofing, Inc. With over 30 years of experience, we have the know-how you can rely on.