Category: Emergency Roof Repair Services

Categories
Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

Winter Roofing: How To Deal With Ice Dams

If you happen to live in a part of the United States that gets very cold during the winter, you have probably had ice dams on your roof. Ice dams can cause problems that result in damage to your home. We’ll go over why these occur, and what you can do to prevent them from happening.

What Are Ice Dams?

Ice dams occur when melting snow flows from the top of your roof. The resulting water gets re-frozen at the edge of the roof.

This makes the water run down the length of your roof and get turned into ice when it reaches the areas that aren’t heated. An ice dam will grow in size as more water accumulates at the edge of the roof and becomes frozen.

If the problem isn’t dealt with quickly, it can result in horrible water damage to your home that will require emergency roof repair.

Preventing Ice Dams

The most effective way to handle these is to prevent them from forming in the first place. In order to protect your house from ice dams, there are various actions you can take.

Steps to Prevent Them:

• When there is a storm, make sure you immediately clear your roof after it passes. A roof rake is a good tool to use to take the snow off of your roof. Inspect your roof afterward to make sure that there isn’t a large amount of snow remaining.
• Clear out your downspouts. If you keep your downspouts clean, it will be easier for the melted snow to run down your gutters instead of piling up at the edge of the roof.

If these two steps are done immediately after storms, you greatly reduce your chances of creating them.

Removing Them

If you were unable to keep the ice dam from forming, you have to remove it as soon as you can. If you don’t, it will cause water damage. This can result in costly repairs later on.

• Go to your roof and push the ice dam off of your roof.
• Buy some calcium chloride and use it to melt the ice. The best way to do this is to pour the calcium chloride vertically along the length of the dam.

It’s important to deal with ice dams as soon as they appear. Otherwise, they can cause a lot of damage to your roof.

Categories
Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

Signs You Need a Roof Replacement

Your roof is a crucial part of your home. It is what provides protection to your interior as well as the people inside. A roof keeps water from getting in, thus preserving your walls, carpet, floors, furniture and belongings. It also prevents mold from growing inside. When a roof becomes old or damaged, it is essential to look into getting a roof replacement. If you wait too long, larger problems may occur and repairs will end up costing you more money. A quality roofing contractor in Virginia will be able to install a new one to ensure your home remains protected.

Leaks in Your Top Floor or Attic

If you are finding damp spots or drips every time it rains, then it is definitely time to invest in a roof replacement. This indicates a deterioration leading to leaks. If it is not fixed quickly, then the problem may become worse and lead to further damage.

Missing, Curled or Cracked Shingles

Another sign that indicates you need a roof replacement is if you happen to notice shingles that are missing or scattered about on the ground. You should also look to see if the ones remaining are cracked or curled. This is due to a worn out tar strip causing the shingles to become weak and blow off from the wind. The sun is another culprit in this occurrence. A good roofing contractor in Virginia can assess the damage and successfully replace your roof.

Dark Spots

Dark spots on your roof indicate a loss of granules. This means it is time for a roof replacement, as granules are what provide the asphalt in the shingles with protection from the sun. Once the granules are gone, the sun will begin to cause deterioration. Your roof with then become more susceptible to weather. Have a roofing contractor take a look at your roof if you see any of these signs are present so you can get a new one installed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.

Categories
Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

Steps to Take After Sudden Roof Damage

Although it is not pleasant to think about, emergency roofing repair can be a reality for any structure, no matter the location or age, so it is important to be prepared in case of sudden roof damage. If you are a homeowner, you should know there are a few steps to take immediately after you experience unexpected roof damage. Noting a few basic items now can help you handle your roof problem quicker and easier when it happens.

Continue reading “Steps to Take After Sudden Roof Damage”
Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services Blog

3 Facts About Residential Roof Repair

Roof damage is an unavoidable—but not necessarily inevitable—issue that homeowners should deal with immediately. The further damage that can be done leads to more necessary residential roof repair. This includes a wide range of issues, many of which increase repair costs over time. If a roof has been damaged by a storm, the elements (rain, snow, hail, etc.) have a greater chance of entering the attic and trickling down into the home. This can create water damage on walls, floors, and ceilings. Not receiving appropriate residential roof repair may also result in water leaking into wiring, affecting the electricity. This can certainly increase repair costs and can decrease the value of a home.

Causes of Residential Roof Repair

A roof that has an opening can increase the entrance of outside air, an action that can increase humidity and air conditioning costs. When a home has poor ventilation, homes may need more heating during the winter and cooling during the summer. This increases heating and air usage, something that may contribute to the toll on the environment. Furthermore, if humidity increases in a home, breathing issues may result in a specific subset of individuals (particularly those prone to breathing difficulties). Without appropriate residential roof repair, this humidity can also attract insects, as many invasive varieties thrive in wet or humid conditions. This may make it necessary for home owners to also seek out the help of an insect control specialist.

When it comes to residential roof repair, it is always important for homeowners to ask repair companies for modern, durable materials for their home; however, many repair companies already use these materials. Still, it is always best to make sure so the roof will hold up to rain, wind, or snow. Typically, materials today are incredibly durable and are well worth the initial investment. Installing low-quality roofing only increases the chances of damage. This further increases the incidence of unnecessary emergency repair bills for a number of other interrelated roof-related issues.

Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services Blog

Emergency Shingle Roof Repair Tips

As time goes by there are many ways our roofs can become damaged or worn in some way, and this includes shingle roof repair. From minor leaks and breaks to larger issues, you can fix some of those without professional help. However, for quite a few of them you will need such to make sure your home is safe. The tips up ahead will give you some information on what you can do to assess the situation and fix most of the issues on shingle roofs. Always remember to only work on the roof as long as its dry and safe to walk on. Your roof protects you and your family from the elements. If you think you’re in need of a repair, follow these tips for shingle roof repair.

Shingle Roof Repair: Check for Damage

The first step in shingle roof repair is to check for damage. You should begin by checking for damage to the roofing shingles right above the spot where you have the leak occurring. You will likely have a higher chance of finding the spot when you have to work on a flat roof. However, leaks can sometimes happen some distance away from the place where the real damage is. It’s important to keep your eyes open and analyze the clues. If you have a slanted roof you should expect gravity to take its toll. Look for the damage above the point where you saw the leak first. The points of origin may be hidden compared to other types or roof. If your home has an attic, you should check it out with a flashlight for possible water stains, mold or black marks. If you can, run a hose with some water on the roof to find the leak origins. This will be a two person job, so get some help if you can.

Look for the curled, damaged or missing shingles close to the leak as well as roofing tacks that are exposed. This is a simple, yet crucial part of the process.

Straighten Out Curled Shingles

Straighten out the shingles that have been curled back by the damage. If you’re doing this in cold weather, you should focus on softening them up first with something such as a blowtorch (be very careful). You can also use another heat source that helps in keeping things soft. When you’re using an open flame you should keep in mind that the shingles are flammable due to the asphalt used in their making.

Reattach Missing Shingles

Put back and reattach the shingles after straightening them. You can straighten them with a good amount of roof cement or a similar compound used around its edges.

Replace all damaged shingles by checking out which ones you can lift off the roof with minimal effort. Keep an eye out for those shingles that are crumbling as well. Remove them by lifting their edges and removing the nails. Scrape the area so you can remove the leftover cement and prepare it for reapplication again. Use a sharp and good utility knife to scrape things off and to round the corners of the shingles you need to put in. Slide the shingle into place and put the galvanized roofing nails into the upper corner, then cover their heads with roofing cement.

Now you can protect your home from roof damage and you will know what to do when you need shingle roof repair.

 

Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services Blog

How to Increase Your Satisfaction with Roofing Repairs

Maintenance is an unfortunate reality in home ownership. Some types of maintenance and repairs are minor enough that you can feel confident performing them on your own. Even if you make a mistake there will not be many consequences. Other types of repairs are serious. If roofing repairs are not done correctly, you may face leakage and mold problems. These can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. The first thing you can do to increase your satisfaction with roofing is to hire a qualified roof repair expert. A second key to your satisfaction in the process is to compare all aspects of the service when deciding between contractors.

How to Guarantee Quality Roof Repairs

Contractors are capable of performing quality work that you can trust to last for a long time. Eventually shingles wear out and other repairs may be required on the roof structure itself. However, these problems can be curbed by good workmanship and quality products. Contractors have more than a claim to being handy with tools. They have real experience and education in roofing repairs that cannot be replicated by a how-to book or video.

Don’t Focus Solely on Price

Too many people look only at price when they compare multiple contractors. This type of selection may not be prudent because there is much to be considered. You are more likely to be happy with the results when you evaluate how and when the project will be completed. The convenience of hiring a contractor who will show up on time and complete the project within a reasonable time frame may be worth paying a little extra. Contractors who clean up the inevitable mess roofing repairs create are even more likely to be worth more money. If you hire someone who saves you a few dollars but then leaves you with a mess to clean up and haul to the dump, you may find that it would have been worth it to hire a better contractor.

Whatever roofing repairs need to be done, and regardless of your specific needs, you can find a qualified contractor. They will leave you completely satisfied with both the work and the timeliness of the process. With the help of a contractor you can also feel confident that the new repairs will hold up a reasonable amount of time. You’ll know that it will protect your home from the water damage and mold that you might otherwise have to deal with.

Categories
Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

How to Repair Pipes

Water pipes around our homes are something that needs eventual maintenance and even in the best of times and the best materials used time forgives no pipe. Knowing how to repair pipes and how to handle emergencies concerning them is something any homeowner should be familiar with.

Tips to Repair Pipes

Knowing how to repair pipes can help prevent the additional costs contained within taking care of plumbing work. Make sure you follow these simple directions to identify the problem and solve it:

Find the Pipe Leak

• Identify and spot the leak.
Before you begin focusing on the repair works in progress you will naturally need to find the problem first. This may not always be as easy as it seems, but for the most part you will find the leak due to the volume of water dripping from it or the area that has obvious water damage.

• Shut the water off.
Once you’ve spotted the location of the leak you need to cut the water off so you can work freely. You should only have to go down to your water main and shut it down. Alternately if the damage is in a location that prevents you from doing that you may need to shut down the water from your street. Make sure you remove the drywall at the location of the leak if its damaged by it as you may need to do some repairs there.

Patch the Pipe

• Placing a patch.
Take a look at the pipe and figure out where the crack is located, then grab a piece of an old garden hose. Cut some pieces off of it a bit longer than the crack in the pipe and place them on top of the crack after you cut them lengthwise. You will need to do a bit more than that though, so this brings us to our next tip.

• Using clamps.
Next you need to get some hose clamps, several in number and place them on the patch in even increments. Tighten them up until they are as tight as possible and you will have a good temporary solution until you have to replace the entire pipe at your convenience.

Ensuring Safety

• Testing the repairs.
Once you’ve patched the location you should turn the water back on to see how well they’re holding. Its possible you may need the help of a family member or friend to tell you whether your repairs are holding so you won’t flood your place again. If everything was done right you won’t have any leaks and drips once you’re done. You should still be careful with your water use until you’ve done whatever you can to replace the faulty pipe however.

• Call a plumber or fix it
Since this is only a temporary solution you should focus on getting things fixed completely as soon as possible. Either use the services of a plumber if you’re not good at it or do it yourself if you have some experience on that matter.

Guest post granted on behalf of: http://www.removalsmanandvan.org.uk

Categories
Emergency Roof Repair Services Blog

Roofing Repair Keeping You Safe

As we progress further and further into winter, the weather begins to show it more and more obviously, most commonly in roofing repair. Reports warn of the conditions on the way, showing them to be mostly freezing and wet. This is the last time of year you would want to find yourself in need of emergency roof repair. Unfortunately, such weather can exacerbate a roof’s condition, whether it breaks under the weight of snow or rots due to damp. If you find yourself in such circumstances this year, pick the roofing company that specializes in roofing repair. They will have you warm and dry quickly and professionally.

Inspecting Your Roof

Most experts will recommend that you get up onto your roof at least twice a year, preferable in the spring and the fall. Make sure that you do this in good weather and that you have taken any necessary safety precautions.

Before you climb onto the roof, you should head into the attic. Once there, look for any areas that are sagging. Watch out for signs of water damage. Be especially on the lookout for dark spots, trails, or areas that seem to be leaking. You should also look for any areas where outside light is getting into your attic.

After giving a thorough examination on the inside, you can check the roof itself. Pay attention to the condition of the shingles. Are there any that are damaged or missing?

You can also look into the gutters for any buildup of shingle granules. A number of these will indicate a great deal of wear on the shingles. Double check to be sure that all of your vents, whether from dryers, kitchens, or baths, are exiting completely to the outside, not simply into the attic. Inspect the roof, inside and out, for any signs of moisture buildup.

 

When Do You Need Roofing Repair?

Though, traditionally, roofing is typically from shingles, many are not. A competent company should be able to work with any material no matter what repairs you need. Whether the damage is from wear and tear over time, or by a sudden unexpected event such as a storm or falling tree, a good roofing repair company will tackle it with expertise. If your roof has features such as a skylight or chimney, make sure the business you hire knows how to deal with it. If extra sealant is required, they may be able to provide. Immediately needed repairs are usually available. However, an inspection check may also be offered to determine the future of your roof and perform maintenance. In cases where moss and mold have caused the damage, some companies will spray a solution to prevent future problems. Lastly, it is important that, once done, your roofing repair team can promise you will no longer have leak problems.

 

Keeping Your Roof Safe

The roof is the most important part of your house. It provides shelter and symbolizes a safe place. Don’t let this winter disrupt your peace of mind by intruding into your home. Whether it’s a leak, regular wear, or a huge gaping hole, secure yourself and your family by fixing it. Find a trustworthy and capable roofing repair company to have you back under cover in no time, no matter the circumstance.

Categories
Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

Leaky Flat Roof Repair Tips

Roofs develop leaks in time as the years roll by, which requires flat roof repair. Sometimes these repairs force the entire replacement of the structure itself. These leaks are most often concentrated in certain spots where the damage lies, however on flat roofs this mostly applies to cracked or blistered areas that need urgent attention. Use the following tips for flat roof repair to get your roof back in top shape without further ado.

Flat roofs are made of layers upon layers of tar and felt. Many times, flat roofs are made up of rubber roofing as well. The leaks most often show up where the water or sunlight has been damaging the roofing. Thankfully in cases like these the damage is most often right over the spot where the water has started to seep in, so this makes it easy to spot and engage in flat roof repair.

Flat Roof Repair: Fixing Leaks

Follow the following tips for flat roof repair to get rid of the leak, repair the issue, and avoid leaks in the future.

1. Clean Up Leak

• If you have any water pooled up in the area of the leak, then you should soap it up and mop the place. Do so with rags if you have to and brush away the gravel from that spot. Look down for cracks and blisters and the locations where the spots need attention.

• Mending a blister doesn’t take too much work, just follow a few easy steps up next:

2. Removing Old Leak Spot

• Using a sharp utility knife you should slice blisters open, but only enough to cut through the top layer and not through the roofing felt.

• Lift the edges of the blister you’ve just cut. If you have any water inside that happened to collect there, then you should do your best to collect it. Soak it up and then prop the edges open so it can dry out completely. This is necessary or else your repair attempts won’t work at all.

3. Drying Leak

• Cold weather or wet layers force you to use your propane torch in a way that dries out the layers. You must use a flame-spreader nozzle to dry out the areas. Move the flame around as you have to, just keep in mind that the tar and roofing felt are pretty flammable so do your best to avoid setting them aflame.

• If you have a large area full of water under the roof, then you may have a bigger problem than simple blisters. Water might be running right through other places. You should consider using the services of a professional roofer.

4. Fill Leak

• Spread the roof cement on the bottom edges of the felt. You need to glue and press down the blister until it works perfectly.

• Close the blister once and for all by using some galvanized roofing nails on the side of the slit. Then spread the roof cement on top until the you completely cover the nails.

Once all is said and done you should have all the problems fixed as much as possible without too much effort involved.

This article has been created on behalf of: http://www.removalserviceslondon.com

Categories
Blog Emergency Roof Repair Services

Shingle Roof Repairs: Tips and Guidelines

Autumn is here and with it come the rains and the approaching winter season, which means you’ll need to pay special attention to your roofs for possible leaks before you need shingle roof repairs. These leaks are most often caused by missing or cracked shingles or a blistered area depending on the type of roof. Thankfully, shingle roofs are fairly easy to deal with as they require the least amount of serious effort to fix in most cases.

What to Know About Shingle Roof Repairs

Once you’ve located the point where the damage has occurred you should check for possible curled, cracked or even missing shingles. This goes doubly so for places where you have vents and chimneys as they are more vulnerable to such deterioration.

If you fail to locate any spots with your own skills you may need emergency roof repair services, so keep that in mind as you prepare yourself.

What to Do If You Find Problems

If you do manage to find problems with your shingles you can deal with the shingle roof repairs fairly easily. In cases of curled-back shingles you can reinforce and reattach them with a caulking gun or alternately with asphalt roof cement. When you’re dealing with shingle roof repairs on warm days straightening shingles can be a very easy task as they soften up. However cold weather makes them brittle and in need of softening.

Softening up a brittle shingle requires the use of a propane torch. You’ll need a good nozzle to spread the flames as well before you begin. Use the flames around the curled edges of the shingle. This allows them to  soften up. Avoid putting too much heat or you risk setting the shingle aflame. Once its softened up you’ll find its very easy to flatten it back to its original shape.

Reattaching or Replacing the Shingles

Reattaching a shingle is an equally easy task. Simply lather roof cement liberally over its bottom. Then put a good deal of it on each of its corners and that will be enough to get things done. Remember to press the shingle into place once you’re done.

If you have any missing, rotten or torn shingles, you should make sure you replace them with new ones as soon as possible. The last thing you want is more leaks. Once the weather turns bad during a time when shingle roof repairs will be difficult.

When You Need a Full Replacement

If you are experiencing a large area of damaged or rotten shingles, then you will be in need of a brand new roof. You should consider working with a professional roofer. Or you can replace the damaged shingles yourself with new ones or leftovers from previous times you’ve done this.

If you can’t find good, matching ones you can work at patching things with bits of aluminium and copper.

Shingle Roof Repairs: How to

Replacing shingles can be done in the following way:

  • Remove the damaged shingle by raising the edges of the shingles around it, then remove the nails with a pry bar. Slide the old shingle out, then scrape any leftover cement under it to clean it up.
  • Remove any leftover nails that are protruding from the roof.
  • Round the back corners of the shingles using a sharp utility knife for easier placement.
  • Slide the new shingle in place. Make sure you align its front edge with the shingles on each of its sides. It should align its back under the shingles on the row above.
  • Lift the corners of the shingles overlapping and each other and fasten the top of the shingle with galvanized roofing nails at each of the corners. Cover their heads with roof cement and smooth down the edges of the shingles.

Guest post provided on behalf of: fulham-removals services

Exit mobile version