Water damage can be a huge headache, and it’s often difficult to know where to start with roof repair.
Water damage can cause all sorts of problems in your home, from ruined furniture to structural damage. If you don’t take care of the problem quickly, the damage can get worse and worse.
Texan Residential Services is here to help. Our team of experts can help you take care of water damage quickly and efficiently, so you can get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
We offer a wide range of services, from roof repair to water extraction, so we’re sure to have something that fits your needs.
Water damage is something no homeowner wants to go through. Water can ruin any appliance, surface, and even memory.
Water damage may be the result of a broken water line, or sometimes it can be caused by a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flood.
The steps below will help guide you on how to repair your roof and put prevent future water damage.
If you have a leak, figure out where it is coming from. Small cracks in the roof are usually not a cause for concern. Those can be patched with shingles or caulk depending on the size and severity of the problem.
If you do not know where a leak is coming from, a professional will need to find it before any repair work can be done.
Once you have found where the leak is coming from, it is time to patch up the roof. If the roof needs extensive repair, it might be best to replace some shingles or tiles so your roof doesn’t develop another leak.
If your home is older and has asphalt shingles, check with your homeowner’s insurance and see if it is covered by your policy.
Next, you will need to remove any debris from the area around where the leak is coming from. You can do this with a soft brush or broom so as not to damage the roof further.
Finally, cover up any exposed materials such as wood or wiring with plastic to prevent future damage.
Fix any cracks that are smaller than half an inch in the roof with caulk or shingles if they aren’t too wide yet.
If you have larger cracks, it might be best to remove shingles around them so you can repair the problem properly and ensure long-lasting results.
Ensure that your roof is properly ventilated.
Once you’ve completed the steps above, go ahead and ensure that your roof has proper ventilation. The last thing you want to do is trap water in an area where mold and mildew can start growing. This step will also help prevent ice dams in the winter when the snow melts and refreezes on the roof.
Check for worn or torn shingles, and replace them if needed
If there are missing shingles in your roof, you will need to replace them before they cause further damage to the roof by allowing water inside.
You can tell that your shingles are starting to wear out when there are curling or cracking. You might also notice that your shingles are discolored or brittle.
If you have any of these problems, it is best to replace the shingles as soon as possible.
Inspect your gutters and take care of them if they need repair work.
Gutters play a big role in making sure water can safely and easily travel off your roof. They also prevent water from seeping into the wood underneath the shingles and causing more damage.
Make sure you clean out any debris that might be blocking gutters, such as leaves or twigs. You can do this with a leaf blower or just by hand depending on how long they’ve been clogged.
If the gutters are broken, you will need to replace them before they cause further problems for your roof or home.
Ensure that your downspouts are draining properly by clearing any debris that might be clogging them. If they’re not draining correctly, water can pool up on the lawn and start to cause damage.
FAQs about Preventing Water Damage for Roof Repair
How do I protect my roof from water damage?
The first thing that you will need to do is find out where the water has come in.
Water can be very sneaky and it may not look like there is a leak, so you will want to use a flashlight to look in dark areas of your roof.
Another option would be to use a video camera on the end of a long pole if you are having trouble finding the source of the leak or damage using only your eyes.
Once you have found where water is coming through try to trace it back to its source, for example, water can travel pretty far if left unchecked so you will want to be as thorough as possible when looking for the source.
Water often takes the path of least resistance so it may not have traveled directly through your roof. Water could have come in through a window or an area that has been damaged by hail.
Water is going to follow electrical wiring and plumbing lines so these are also two areas to look for water damage.
Now comes the fun part, actually fixing the problem!
If you are trying to stop the water damage then you will need to find a way to cover it up, so people do not have access to your home.
Water can travel pretty far before it is detected so be sure to check every area of your house for leaks or other areas where water could have accessed the roof.
Once you have found the source of the leak, start looking for a way to place a tarp over it.
If you are not able to find the source of the water damage or you cannot block off the area where water is coming through then you will need to bring in a professional roof repair service.
Does roof repair work?
Roof repair is more of an option if the roof has already been damaged but does not need to be replaced.
If your roof is in good shape, but you are experiencing water damage on the inside of your home then you may want to consider bringing in a professional service that specializes in repairing roofs.
There are many different kinds of roof repair services and they all use different techniques depending on the damage.
You will want to look for roofers that are experienced, have proper liability insurance, licensing in your city, references from previous customers, and are insured in case any more damage is done during the process of repairing the roof.
It is best to get at least three estimates for your roof repair.
Ask if they provide any warranties with their services and make sure to read the small print on the warranty because sometimes it does not cover everything.
How do you repair a roof?
Different roofing repairs require different types of tools, but the basics are pretty similar.
For some repairs, you will need to remove any loose debris and make sure that your roof is free of any dangerous hazards like broken glass or nails.
Nails can pop up through the shingles during a storm so make sure they are all covered with a strong underlayment.
After you have cleared away anything that is loose or hazardous it is now time to start fixing the roofing material itself by using nails, screws, a staple gun with a stronger type of insulation, and a liquid rubber product to seal up any cracks.
Make sure that you do not use liquid nails because it will not hold up against the weather.
Now that you have repaired the roof and added a layer of insulation it is now time to replace any shingles that were damaged and then clean and caulk any areas that still require repair.
If repairing your roof does not seem like an option or you are having trouble fixing certain areas then just bring in a professional company.
Repairing a roof yourself does not have to be expensive or difficult as long as you have the right tools and materials, but if any part of your roof is damaged it may be best to call a professional service so that no more damage can occur.
How do you seal an asphalt shingle roof?
Sealing an asphalt shingle roof is an easy process that requires very little time and it will help your roof last longer.
You want to start by inspecting your roof for any holes or cracks in the shingles, if there are any you need to fix them before sealing the roof otherwise they can let more moisture inside your home.
Is roof repair yearly?
Roof repair is not a yearly event unless you have a roof that requires more maintenance than usual.
However, it is a good idea to have your roof checked each year just in case there has been any damage done during the winter months.
If you find any damages then take care of them as soon as possible so that they do not get worse throughout the year.
There are some homeowners that choose to have their roofs inspected each year because they tend to have more problems or want peace of mind especially since many insurance companies require homeowners to present a certificate saying the roof has been inspected within a certain amount of time which could affect your rates or coverage if you don’t abide by their requirements.
All shingles will eventually need to be repaired or replaced because they will not last forever under constant weather conditions, this is why it is a good idea to get inspections done each year and make any necessary repairs.
Sealing asphalt shingles is easy and it can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your roof.
Is roof repair expensive?
Roof repair can be expensive but it depends on how much work needs to be done and if you choose to do the repairs yourself or hire a professional company.
If any part of your roof is damaged then it may be best to call for a professional service or maybe even purchase new shingles because fixing old ones will not last very long and could end up costing you more money in the end.
However, if your roof does not have any damage then getting an annual inspection and having some sealant added to help protect against weather damage should only take a few hours and cost less than $500 so overall it is not too bad of an investment.
It is always best to check with multiple companies hiring one because they usually charge different rates for the same job and you do not want to get ripped off.
Roof repair can become expensive if you have a lot of damage or if you don’t know how to fix certain problems so it is always best to hire a professional service.
How do you seal an asphalt shingle roof?
Sealing an asphalt shingle roof is simple and does not take very much time or money.
You can get everything you need from your local hardware store, but before you begin to repair the roof make sure there are no holes or cracks in your shingles because sealing over damaged areas will let moisture inside of your home.
It is best to start by inspecting for any damage in the shingles and then cleaning them thoroughly with a power washer because dirt and debris can affect how long your sealant lasts.
After you have repaired any parts that require it then apply the liquid rubber product that comes in a container like caulking and it should be enough to seal up any cracks in the shingles without having to replace any.
It is very easy and can be done in a few hours, but always make sure you check with the manufacturer before starting any kind of project to make sure you use it properly and take safety precautions.
Prevent water damage by sealing your asphalt shingle roof and save yourself some money because this project does not cost much at all.
What Waterproofing Do You Recommend?
Choosing a waterproofing product can be difficult because there are so many options on the market and not all of them will work as well as others.
It is best to do some research online or contact a few roof repair services near you before making your purchase to see what they recommend because most professionals have been through this process several times and have used various products with different results.
Although most people would recommend using liquid rubber instead of roll-on waterproofing because it lasts longer, this product is more expensive and has to be applied by a professional so hiring someone can become very costly if you need multiple repairs done.
Prevent Water Damage With These Steps for Roof Repair
If you’re looking to prevent water damage in your home, there are a few things you can do. You should always check the roof of your home on a regular basis to make sure it is not leaking or damaged.
It only takes one small hole to cause major problems with your roof and lead to expensive repairs down the road. Be proactive about checking out your roof so that you don’t have any issues later on!
When was the last time that you checked out your roof? Are there any leaks or cracks?
If something looks off, be sure to call us today at (512)-273-7838 before it becomes an even bigger problem!
We offer free inspections and estimates so that we can help keep our customers safe from potential water damage in their homes.
Don’t wait until it is too late – contact us today!