Homeowners are often confused by the decision of when to patch a leaky roof versus replacement. While putting off repairs can save you money in the short term, they often cost you more in the long run. Repairing a leaky roof may be an acceptable alternative to complete replacement if the damage only affects a small portion of the total roof surface. Listed below are some common scenarios when roof patching Salem, OR is the right choice.
Leaky roof
Whether your leaky roof is a result of old shingles or an entirely new roof, the first step is to find the source of the leak and repair it. Small leaks can lead to large problems if you ignore them, and they can also cost you a lot of money in the future. If you notice any of these signs, contact a roofing professional.
One way to identify a leaky roof is to look for signs inside your home. For example, you’ve probably got a leak if you see stains on your ceiling or walls. It would help if you also looked for swollen ceilings. If you can’t find the leak in the ceiling, spray some water to locate its source. Then, get a bucket or another container ready to catch the water that leaks through your roof.
Sagging roof
If you’ve noticed that your roof is sagging, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem:
- You’ll want to identify the cause of the sagging.
- You’ll want to examine rafters and plywood gusset plates to see if they are damaged or buckling.
- If you see any of these, it’s time to call a professional roofing company.
The extent of the damage will determine how much work is required. It can range from simple repairs to complete roof replacement. Depending on the severity of the damage, you’ll need to decide if you will attempt a DIY roof repair or hire a professional. In some cases, it’s best to hire a construction company to repair a sagging roof because doing it yourself could cause more problems in the future.
Shingle or shake roofs
Shield or shake roofs require specialized tools for repair. Before repairing a shingle roof, ensure the broken section is dry and free of moss or algae. Use galvanized or stainless steel nails to attach the new shingle. You may need a drill or a shingle “ripper.” A shingle ripper is a long flat metal piece with hooks at the end. Wooden shingles need to be in good shape and have straight grain.
To fix a broken shingle, place a piece of aluminum flashing about two inches wide, slightly longer than the damaged shingle. Slide the top end under the shingle, letting the rest slide underneath. If the shingle is too thin to slide under the shingles, bend the flashing to mimic a shallow rain gutter. It will add friction and keep it from sliding out.
Small hole in shingles
Before you attempt to repair a small hole in shingles, it’s important to determine what type of damage there is. It may just be a leak, but you can also look for wet walls in your home to determine what is causing the problem. Once you know what damage there is, you can decide which shingles need to be replaced and which need to be patched.
Sometimes a small hole in a roof is caused by a nail, tree branch, old satellite dish, or vent. If the nail is exposed, you can remove it and patch it up. This simple DIY roof repair can buy you a few more days before you need a full-scale roof replacement. However, it’s important to remember that climbing a roof is dangerous and requires proper safety measures. Always ensure that your ladder is secure.
Cost of roof patching
The cost of repairing a hole in a roof is usually less than replacing shingles. Patching a roof can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on the size of the hole and the type of roofing material used. The best option is to hire a contractor who is skilled in this work. While a roof patch will solve the problem temporarily, a full roof replacement can cost thousands of dollars. A small hole will be much less expensive than a large roof replacement, but the damage may be permanent.
Make your roof more useful
If you have a roof, it’s important to make it as useful as possible. You can add solar to your home by installing a roof top solar panel. Solar roofs are a type of roof that use solar energy to convert sunlight into electricity. When exposed to bright sunlight, the photons from the sun create an electric current that can be used to power tools and appliances. Solar roofs work best in areas with sunny days and good weather conditions, as they require no maintenance or planning. You can check community solar for more information.