Repairing a roof in Georgia can be an expensive hassle. Nonetheless, taking the time to inspect and repair your roof periodically can save you significant money over the long run. Replacing a roof is often one of the most expensive repairs homeowners need to make to their house. While homeowners may be able to fix some minor roof leaks without hiring a professional roofing company, some roof repairs are complicated, or they involve structural problems. In these situations, homeowners benefit from hiring a professional roofing company to get the job done right.
We have listed some tips below to help you fix minor leaks in your roof. If you inspect your roof and discover that a leak is more complicated than you thought, call Bullard Exteriors today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert roofers. We serve clients throughout Georgia, including Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Buford, Braselton, and Johns Creek.
Inspect Your Roof for Water Leaks
When it is raining, check out your ceilings. See if you have any watermarks on the ceilings or running down your walls. It is easier to detect watermarks when it is actively raining outside. If your home has an attic, we recommend climbing up into it with a flashlight to inspect the roof for any mold or water stains. Should you see any evidence of water leaks or mold, make a note of the location. Head outside to the corresponding spot on the exterior of your home. You may need a ladder to investigate the area where the leak is occurring.
It is always wise to walk around your home and visually inspect your roof for warning signs of a leak. If your roof has a slant or your home is in a frame, inspect the highest areas of your roof if you discovered evidence of a leak inside your attic. It is always best to hire an experienced roofer to climb on a steep roof. Every year homeowners suffer falls when they attempt to climb on their own roofs, and it is best to avoid these injuries by hiring a professional roofer.
Inspect Your Roof for Wear and Tear
Next, inspect your roof for any signs of wear and tear. Specifically, look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles around the area of the leak. As you are doing so, take note of the overall condition of your roof to see if there are any missing shingles or any shingles that are worn out. In addition, look for any gaps in roofing materials, as these could cause leaks, as well. If only a few shingles are damaged, you could likely conduct the repairs yourself.
Most homeowners are able to repair a few shingles themselves. However, if you find any widespread mold or rot on your roof or in your attic, you will need the help of an expert. This is true, especially if your roof is 20 years old or older. When your roof gets to be this age, it is often more cost-effective and safe over the long run to completely replace your roof with a new roof.
Repair Any Cracks in Your Roof
If you find any cracks in your roof, you will need to determine the cause. A water leak, a storm, or structural problems could be the cause of the crack. Once you have ruled out major damage and structural problems, you can go ahead with repairing the crack; you will need a roof sealant and a caulking gun to repair the crack. First, push down the affected shingle, then carefully apply a thin line of roof sealant directly under the crack with your caulking gun. Press the shingle down firmly before applying more sealant over the exposed crack.
You can use a putty knife to smooth over the bead of roof sealant throughout the edges of the crack. Remember, your goal is to fill in the entire crack to prevent additional water leaks. If the repair site is high enough, people on the ground will likely not be able to see it. But, if you would like to hide the repair, you can look for some granules of asphalt from your roof in your gutter. Take a small amount in your hand and sprinkle them over the roof sealant while it is somewhat wet to hide the repair.
Replace Missing or Broken Shingles
Georgia residents are often exposed to high winds, especially during hurricane season. Strong winds are one of the main causes of roof damage. Even a serious Georgia storm can result in shingles being ripped off your roof. Additionally, snow, sleet, and rain storms can do significant damage to your shingles. Again, if you have significant damage to your roof that involves an entire patch of your roof or more, we recommend calling the expert roofers at Bullard Exteriors.
If only one or two shingles are broken or missing, most homeowners can repair the damage themselves. First, you will need to find a replacement shingle that matches your other shingles. Next, you will need to remove the broken shingle by carefully lifting the edges of the shingle up with a pry bar. Use the back of your hammer to remove the nails holding down the broken shingles.
Slide the broken shingle out carefully and remove any remaining cement. Place the new shingle in the same spot, then place roofing nails into the new shingle’s corners. Use new nails when doing so. Finally, apply roof cement on top of the heads of the new nails as well as on the edges of the replacement shingle.
Contact Our Expert Roofers Today
Whether you have water damage, storm damage, or need to replace your roof completely, Bullard Exteriors can help. Contact our Buford roofing company today to schedule an appointment. Learn More at https://www.ownerly.com/home-improvement/ceiling-leak/