How To Repair Damaged Rooftops: Everything You Need To Know

Roof safety and repair are two of the premier concerns of homeowners in the United States. While it’s not much different for business owners, it’s homeowners who usually need third-party help or take on a DIY project to fix damages to their rooftops.

That’s why, around 5 million new roofs are installed on existing properties every year (both homes and commercial uses). But that’s where the repair job comes into play, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire an expert depends entirely on you.

However, here are some of the key things to understand about roof damages and the repair process:

What is Roof Damage? 5 Types of Roof Damages

Roof damage is when any rooftop or ceiling begins showing signs of leaks, rust, aging or damage. In most cases, damages are a result of climate or weather. However, here are some of the most common damages in the midwest and southern homes in the United States:

1. Water penetration through damaged areas;
2. Absence of protective shingles;
3. Deterioration of metal flashing;
4. Structural issues causing a sag or dip;
5. And the impact from hailstones causing dents.

Our experts at Nashville Roofing Contractors report these to be the primary culprits in most damaged roofs. That’s how we know what measures to take and prevent future damages after we repair such damages.

And while a lot of it is caused by sealants getting older, absence of protection, and deterioration of materials, a majority of the time it happens because of the weather. 

A roofing company specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of residential and commercial roofs, ensuring durability and safety against weather elements. They offer expertise in a variety of roofing materials, from traditional shingles to modern eco-friendly solutions.

How To Repair a Damaged Roof: 5 Steps To Do It

Now there are a few phases when the home or the business owner can go about repairing their roof damage. The best course for a lot of people would be to hire experts like Nashville Roofing Contractors.

We can deal with the intricacies for you, or you can try and fix things on your own by following these steps:

1: Assess The Damage

The first and perhaps the most important step is assessing the damage. You may not need a ton of sealant, and you may not need to get new plumbing or shingles. But you won’t know that until you assess the damage, and here’s what to do:

• Inspect roof surface for absent or displaced shingles;
• Look for water stains or mold inside;
• Examine metal flashing around chimneys and vents;
• And check for any noticeable dips or sagging in the roof.

Once you know what the issue is, move on to the next step.

2: Gather Necessary Materials

Now the part comes where you gather necessary materials like sealants, shingles, nuts, bolts, screws, and tools. This entire step depends on your assessment of the damage. So, you need to focus on a few things, like:

• How much material will you need?
• Do you have sufficient tools?
• And can you fix it with proper finishing?

Questions like this will help you determine the necessities needed to fix the roof.

3: Replace Shingles

The next step is fixing or replacing roof shingles. If the damage was repaired from the inside, it’s likely that the upper area suffered some sort of damage. Therefore, the shingles above must be changed, and here’s how to do it:

• Lift and pry off old, damaged shingles carefully;
• Check the condition of the underlying roofing material;
• Align and secure new shingles with roofing nails;
• And use adhesive to seal edges and ensure a tight fit;

This will help ensure that the shingles are properly in their place.

4: Apply Sealant

Sealant is your best friend if you wish to avoid future damages. That’s why it’s a necessity that you use a proper sealant and apply it equally well. Here are three keys to applying sealant properly:

1. Remove debris and ensure a clean, dry roof;
2. Apply sealant evenly with a brush or roller;
3. Let the sealant cure thoroughly for effective waterproofing.

Once you’re done, move forward with the inspection.

5: Inspect & Test

The final step is inspecting and testing the work you’ve done. This requires you to try out a few things and guarantee things like:

• Verify no water penetrates repaired areas;
• Ensure no new signs of water damage indoors;
• Confirm secure attachment of replaced shingles;
• Ensure metal flashing remains intact and sealed;
• And confirm repaired sections contribute to a stable roof structure.

And if you’re unsure, you can always call Nashville Roofing Contractors for a better look and inspection. And that’s all you need to do!

Conclusion

That’s all you need to do to ensure that your roof stands up to any climate or weather. While occasional aging of components is inevitable, constant inspections and checking every few months can prevent that.