Most people know the value and comfort that a dependable roof can provide, but what options are available when you’ve sprung a leak? In this article, we’ll discuss two common types of roofs, the leaks that occur, and ideas on how to deal with a problem if and when it arises.
A roof can develop a leak years prior to ever requiring replacement. The most common cause of a leak being cracked or missing shingles, or a blistered area due to weathering. Thankfully, in most cases the hardest part of the repair process is locating the damaged area.
Shingle Repair
Once the problem area is located, it’s time to get to work. Shingle troubles are relatively simple. If the shingle has curled, it can usually be reattached with a caulking gun and a compound found at most home improvement stores. Asphalt cement is also a common fix. To reattach the shingle apply a large amount of cement to the bottom and press into place.
Shingles which are missing, rotten, or torn need to be replaced. If a large area of rot is found, you may be looking at a new one. If this is the case, be sure to consult a professional before proceeding with any further repairs.
Flat Repair
A flat one is made up of layers of roofing felt and tar. The most common area for leaks in these particular types are generally low spots or places where the felt has been damaged. Unlike other types, flat roof damage is easy to spot. Once the damage is identified it should be assessed. Water that is still pooled should be mopped up allowing the surface to dry prior to repair.
If a blister is discovered you can use a sharp utility knife to slice it open. Once open, lift the cut edges and squeeze any water out from between the roofing layers. Cold weather jobs will require the use of a propane torch in order to dry the felt taking care not to let layers get hot enough to bubble or burn as the felt and tar are rather flammable.
Once the felt has dried spread a thick coating of roof cement on the bottom edges of any loose felt and firmly press down the sides of the blister. Finally, you’ll close the blister with a row of roofing nails along each side of the slit. Roofing cement is then spread over the entire area.
Not all are ever the same. Location, materials, and maintenance play a huge part in the lifespan of every roof. If you should encounter any issues beyond your understanding, your best bet is always to get in touch with a trusted professional.
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When it comes to roof repair, San Diego residents know that they can call upon the reliable services from a fully licensed and experienced company. Call us today for more information or visit http://www.marroquinconstruction.com/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Woodward
Asphalt roofs are one of the easiest to repair of all the roof types. This popular material is used on many homes but is also one of the cheapest to use, but it also needs frequent maintenance. If you are looking to do some asphalt roof repair or need it done for you, here are some of the things to consider.
All asphalt roof repair is done during warm weather because of the propensity of it to crack when it is cold. If you plan on fixing an area that you know is leaking, be careful not to walk on that area unless you know the supporting rafters are not rotten. In your exuberance to get your roof repair finished, you could fall through the roof if the rafters have been rotted out by a leak. Be careful, and live to enjoy your roof.
One of the first things to do is make a list of tools needed to complete an asphalt roof repair job. You will need roofing cement, hammers, roofing nails, pry bars, putty knives, and perhaps a flat shovel. The flat shovel is to remove damaged asphalt shingles. If you have more than a few areas that are leaky in your roof, you may want to ask a contractor if you need to do repair or if you need a replacement roof. If you are in need of a whole new roof, now is the time to find out before you begin.
The process begins with asphalt roof repair when you see the shingles that need replacing. You will need to remove the rows of shingles above the damaged shingle to get to the one you want to replace. That is what the flat shovel is for. If your suspect shingle is just curled up a bit, you can actually glue it back down with the roofing cement. Make sure the shingle is warm and flexible or you will break it when you try to bend it. Once it is glued down, put a roofing nail through it to secure it. Your asphalt roof repair will be a process of taking old shingles and replacing them with new ones in rows. That is it in a nutshell.
Here are some tips to finish your asphalt roof repair. You should cover the nails you put into the new shingles with roofing cement. If you can you should use the old nail holes that the old damaged shingles had when you install the new shingles in their place. If you do not, then again, put the roofing cement in the old nail holes that held the old shingles before you install new shingles over that spot. You can do an asphalt roof repair job if it is not too big without much experience. Just a little patience and effort and your roof should be free of leaks in no time.
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All of our articles are originals, if you liked this, check out more information on Asphalt Roof Repair. We have plenty of roof repair information available for free today at Roof Repair Help.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_R_Fisher
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Tags: shingle repair