A Guide to Repairing Your Roof

Regular roof maintenance preserves your home and keeps it seeming great. The normal lifespan of an asphalt roof is 15 to 18 years. During this time, your roof can be damaged by high wind and hail, as well as other common roof problems such as broken shingles or damaged trees. However, this does not mean that you need to replace the entire roof.

When to repair vs. replace your roof

Whether you repair or replace a roof depends on various circumstances, including the type of damage and the overall percentage of the total roof surface that requires repair. Here are some signs that you need a roof renovation from Spencer Roofers in Barnsley:

Curled, cracked, or missing shingle: This indicates that the shingles are approaching the end of their life and need to be replaced. This is usually a problem with old roofs.
Dirty or dark shingles: This usually indicates moisture build-up on the roof and possibly signs of mold or mildew.
Shingle pieces or granules in gutters: When asphalt and composite shingles start to wear out, they lose their granules. These granules will look like coarse black sand lying in your chute.
Water stains on interior ceilings or walls: Water stains on interior walls or ceilings are common signs of a leaking roof. This could be caused by water entering the roof lining.
Damage in the attic: This includes any signs of water damage, visible light on the roof, and slack in decking or rafters.

How to repair your roof

The roof will experience natural wear and tear throughout its life. By doing roof repairs, you can prevent serious structural problems in your home. However, some repairs are best done by a professional. Slate, composite or rubber roofs, wood, and metal roofs require additional tools and skills, and it is recommended that you hire a professional, such as Spencer roofing services, to repair these types of roofs.

Bituminous shingles are the most popular roofing material for residential buildings. The good news is that you can do some minor DIY roof repairs on an asphalt roof. For minor repairs, such as replacing shingles or patching a hole, you only need a day to complete the job.

Ask a professional to inspect your roof before proceeding with the repair. This will help determine if the backing or flooring is damaged. If the damage is large, it is cheaper to replace the entire roof.

Materials

Ladder
Roof jack and harness
Tool belt
Hammer
Pry bar or shingle ripper
Asphalt shingles
Shingle/roof cement
Cement adhesive

When to hire a roofing contractor

The decision to hire a roofing contractor is not always an easy choice. Repair or hire depends on many factors, such as the location of the damage, the time and skill required to repair, and the overall percentage of damage.

How to preserve your roof in good condition

After your roof is repaired or replaced, you should do regular scheduled checks and roof maintenance to identify problems before they become serious. Here are some ways to keep your roof healthy: