Roofers West Chester PA are licensed and insured to protect themselves and homeowners from costly mistakes. Homeowners who try to repair large areas of damage may void their roof warranty.
Roofers typically charge by the square, which is a 10-foot-by-10-foot roof area. The price goes up if the roof has multiple levels and features.
Your roof protects you from the elements, but even a small damaged shingle weakens this defense and opens up your home to moisture infiltration. A simple shingle repair can prevent major storm damage and costly roof replacement, but you have to act fast—as soon as you spot the damage.
Fortunately, most damage to shingles isn’t hard to see, although some issues may require a close inspection to detect. For example, heat and UV rays can cause shingles to develop blisters, which appear as bubbled areas on the shingle. If left untreated, these blisters can rupture and allow water to leak through your roof.
Shingles can also deform, causing them to lose their structural integrity. This can be due to a number of factors, including foot traffic or misnailing during installation. In other cases, it might be due to aging or weather conditions. Fortunately, a roofer can fix deformed shingles and return them to their original condition.
Aside from missing shingles, one of the most common problems to watch out for is damaged shingles that have a curled edge or cracked surface. In some cases, a small crack or hole will be visible beneath the shingle, but in other cases the shingle will look like it has been crushed from the wind.
Often, the first step in repairing these issues is to loosen the nails that hold the damaged shingle in place. If you have the right tools, you can replace these shingles yourself. You’ll need a hammer, a flat pry bar and a utility knife, as well as a handful of new shingles.
Begin by sliding the pry bar under the shingle immediately above the damaged one and gently lifting it to break the sealer strip connection and expose the first row of nails. Gently lift the shingle until it is free, then remove all of the nails (it may take 30 minutes or more to remove just one shingle).
Now that the old shingle has been removed, slide a new shingle into its place, starting at the top of the damaged area and working your way down. Be sure to line up the new shingle with its neighbors, making sure it overlaps properly. If you’re not comfortable working on your roof, it might be best to leave this type of roofing job to the pros.
Flashing is a sheet of metal that runs along the intersections of your roof and walls. It prevents rain and snow from leaking into those areas. It also blocks cracks and crevices so water can’t penetrate them. Flashing is important, especially in regions with a lot of rain and snow. Without it, your roof would leak into your attic space and the walls of your home.
Even if your roof was installed correctly by a professional, you can have flashing issues if inclement weather or storms damage it. For example, powerful winds can pull flashing away from the roof. Or, a chimney that’s not properly sealed can leak into the house.
Normal wear and tear can cause flashing problems, too. For instance, EPDM rubber can get brittle over time and break down. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected every year, or more frequently, depending on the age of your home and your climate.
Other causes of flashing problems include a faulty installation, dramatic temperature changes, and a settling foundation. When a flashing isn’t securely attached to the shingles, or it’s warped from drastic temperature changes, it can’t direct water where it needs to go during a rainstorm.
Flashing repairs usually involve replacing the rusty or damaged section with new metal. It may also involve removing and replacing the shingle that the flashing is attached to. A roofer will typically replace the shingle underneath it, as well, to prevent further water intrusion.
One foolproof way to identify a flashing leak is to have someone climb a ladder and use a garden hose to gently soak the roof in the area where you think a leak is occurring. If the person inside your attic can see evidence of water infiltration when the hose is running, then you need to have the flashing repaired. If you try this, be sure to take extreme caution on a ladder and never go up there alone. Make sure you have a spotter to watch for falling debris and help you out if needed.
A deck is a great place for relaxing, having backyard barbecues and gathering with friends and family. But if it’s damaged, it can quickly turn from an enjoyable feature to a dangerous accident waiting to happen. Luckily, many types of deck damage can be repaired with some effort and money.
Wood rot is one of the most common deck problems. It’s easy to spot, as boards become textbook spongy when poked with a screwdriver or other hard object. Wood rot can be repaired with a little work and some wood filler, according to Everyday Home Repair. It’s a good idea to use a wood filler that includes fungicide, as this will help prevent future rot and mold.
Another common deck problem is loose railings. Loose railings are not only a safety hazard, but they can also easily fall off during a storm. Loose railings are especially problematic along steps and stairs, as they can cause someone to trip or lose their balance. This type of damage is usually easy to fix, and it’s a good idea to do so sooner rather than later.
Decks can also be damaged by sun and wind, which cause warping, buckling, splitting and cracking. Check your deck for these issues on a regular basis, and make any necessary repairs before the damage worsens.
If a board is significantly rotten, damaged or soft, it’s likely time to replace it with new lumber. Look for other signs of serious structural damage, including rusty hardware, severe shifting or movement in the framing or joists, and sinking footers. If the damage is widespread, it may be best to demolish the entire deck and rebuild it with new materials.
Keeping your deck clean and staining it regularly can help keep it looking and functioning well. If you notice surface mold, fungus, or other discoloration, remove the affected area and sand it down before staining. Be sure to use a high-quality stain that contains a fungicide, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on application. A quality stain will help protect your deck from the elements and extend its life, so don’t skip this important step!
Roof underlayment is a vital component of your home that provides an extra layer of protection in the event of damage to the deck or shingles. It’s not indestructible, however, and it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of underlayment damage to ensure the continued strength and safety of your roof.
One clear sign that your underlayment is damaged is if you notice water stains on your ceilings and walls during or after rainstorms. These stains are caused by water infiltrating your home through the underlayment and can lead to mold and mildew growth. They can also cause damage to your insulation and other structural components.
Another common sign of underlayment damage is if you notice damp or musty odors in your home. These odors are caused by the microorganisms that thrive in moist environments, such as mold and mildew. They can also indicate a leak in the roof, which should be fixed immediately to avoid further damage.
Lastly, a sudden increase in your energy bills could be an indication that your underlayment is in need of replacement. When underlayment is damaged, it allows air to escape the home, which can raise heating and cooling costs. A roofing contractor can inspect the underlayment and determine if it needs to be replaced.
Whether your underlayment is made from felt paper, ice shields, it’s important to have regular roof maintenance so that roofing professionals can inspect the condition of your underlayment and replace it if necessary. Certain materials, such as felt, are more susceptible to UV exposure, which can cause it to break down and deteriorate. , on the other hand, is designed to be resistant to extreme temperatures and can protect your roof from UV damage.