In an ideal world, your roof would last forever. But as every
Fortunately, roof repair options are better than they ever have been. And if you do have to replace your roof, you can expect decades of dependability before you should start worrying about replacing it again
Asphalt shingles are so popular and widespread due to their combination of affordability, durability, customization, and ease of service. They are ideal for use in the Northern Virginia climate, offering a lifespan of up to 30 years in the right conditions.
Cedar shake is one of the most durable roofing materials available, holding up to ice and hail better than most other materials. It is also beautiful, weathering to a nice gray and silver coloring over time. Another benefit of cedar shake roofing is its green qualities. Biodegradable, renewable and able to be harvested sustainably, it is a great choice for those who want to be environmentally friendly.
Genuine slate is found on the roofs of many historic buildings and homes throughout Northern Virginia – still holding up after many decades. That is because slate roofs are extremely durable, although the material does become brittle over time. Older genuine slate roofs should only be repaired by professionals experienced with the material to avoid unnecessary damage.
Flat roofs are durable, easy to maintain and offer several other advantages, including being cooler than many roofing materials.
Around $120 per 100 square feet
Around $600 to $900 per 100 square feet
Around $1,000 per 100 square feet
Around $1,500 per 100 square feet
Repair permits can range from $200 to $400 depending on the area
Typically ranges between $200 and $500
Asphalt shingle roofs are the easiest to repair. Most repairs can be completed relatively quickly. But the more difficult the material is to work with - such as cedar shake or genuine slate – the longer the repairs tend to take.
For instance, repairing a genuine slate roof can take much longer than repairing an asphalt shingle roof. The slate shingles are considerably heavier than asphalt shingles. The heavier shingles are more difficult to get up on the roof, and more difficult to repair and replace. The older the slate roof, the more carefully the repair person must be to avoid damaging the roof.
Most leaks occur at points where something penetrates the roof, such as pipes, vents, etc. These are the areas where you should search first for the source of the leak. If you are unsure, you can use a garden hose to saturate the area you suspect and see if you notice water penetration.
If the leak is coming from a gasket or caulking, remove and replace the seal. Just remember that simple caulking will not fix most leaks for long. You should try for mechanical solutions – like new flashing – instead of relying on caulk.
If you cannot find the source of the leak, or if you find that you have many leaks and substantial degradation of wood (and often mold), it is time to call in a contractor.Having one or more lifted shingles is common as
Once the area underneath is relatively clean, apply a dab of cement and press the shingle down. Stand on it for a few minutes, or weight it down with something, to ensure the cement holds it in place.
If the lifted shingle breaks, or if you cannot get it to stay flat, it needs to be replaced. Avoid using nails to stick it down, as they create another way for water to get in.
A little standing water on a flat roof is to be expected, but a deeper puddle that sits for an extended period indicates a problem. First, clear out the gutters to ensure proper drainage and check to see if the problem is fixed. If not, you can build up the roof in that area. Just make sure to dry the area first.
Use rolled asphalt roofing to create larger and larger patches to build a dome over the puddle. For instance, if the puddle is 10 inches across, cut a circle of material that is 12 inches. Cut a 14-inch patch, apply it over the 12-inch patch. Keep expanding by 2 inches until you have built a dome. Then cover it with nylon fabric and rubberized coating to waterproof it.
If the roof is squishy underneath the puddle, repairs will require replacing the structural components under the puddle.
Holes in the roof can be caused by events like storm
Repairing a hole requires removing the shingles surrounding the hole, patching the hole and ensuring the patch is structurally sound, then covered over with roofing felt and new shingles. Small holes can be patched using plywood cut to the shape of the hole and a board long enough to attach on each side of the hole inside the roof for support. For larger holes, it is better to cut back the roof sheathing and attach the plywood patch directly to the trusses.
After you have patched the hole, cover it with tar paper or roofing felt using a large enough piece to tuck under the shingles above the hole, then attach new shingles.
If the damage has affected the trusses or rafters, or the hole is quite large, hiring a qualified contractor is recommended to ensure the structural integrity of the roof.
If you notice that part of your roof looks unusual or uneven, examine the area more closely. You may discover that it was built or repaired incorrectly. Sometimes homeowners will attempt their own repairs to save money, or hire someone to make the repairs that
Some bad repairs are easy to fix yourself. If you notice shingles that were repaired incorrectly – such as crooked shingles or shingles that are not attached correctly – you can replace them. You can also install your own roof flashing if you notice the flashing on your roof was installed incorrectly. More significant problems, like a warped roof, will require a contractor to repair.
Roof membranes and rubber roofs can shrink over time, which can result in separation from flashing and other parts of the roof. The areas where the membrane pulls away are going to be susceptible to water penetration. Shrinkage can also lead to cracking and tearing of the membrane. Shrinkage is relatively easy to spot by looking closely at the border between the membrane and the rest of the roof.
All the areas where the membrane has pulled away or torn must be repaired to protect your home.
Gaps created by shrinkage are usually repaired by cutting away the section along the gap, allowing it to shrink for an hour or so, and filling in the gap with more material and/or sealant.
A properly installed rubber roof or roof membrane should be designed to account for possible shrinkage, but not all roofs are properly installed. If you discover a little shrinkage and a few gaps, repairing it yourself is an option. But major shrinkage and numerous gaps or tears will require the attention of a roofing contractor, and possibly replacement of the membrane.
Both roof shingles and roof rafters can split. Split shingles are easy enough to repair. Simply replace the shingle with a new one. But split rafters require more care and attention. Rafters that split must be repaired, and repaired correctly, to ensure that the roof is structurally sound.
Repairing a split rafter on your own requires taking measurements and doing calculations to make sure you add enough support
The angle iron should be three times the length of the split and the width on the larger side should be the same width as the rafter. You will most likely need to have the angle iron cut to fit your specific needs. Drill holes every 6 inches and use ¼-inch bolts to attach the iron to both the wider and the thinner sides of the rafter, placing the nuts on the iron-side of the holes.
If the split is substantial, or if you have any doubts about your ability to make the repairs, you should call in a contractor. It is much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to split rafters.
Granules are added to asphalt roof shingles to make them stronger and more resistant to the elements. As the roof ages, the granules will start to detach. If you check your gutters and notice a lot of granules, it is a sign that your roof is getting older and coming closer to needing repair/replacement (or that you just experienced a hail storm, which can knock off quite a few granules).
But granule loss does not necessarily mean you need to rush out and get your roof replaced.
To get a better idea of the condition of your roof, you will need to look at the actual shingles. When your shingles lose almost all their granules, they will start to degrade more quickly. At this point you will need to start preparing yourself for repairs and/or replacement. A roofing contractor can tell you just how close you are to needing a roof replacement.
Small animals love the warmth and dryness that is found under your roof. Squirrels, mice and other critters will set up a home if they can get into your attic or anywhere that is relatively secure and protected by your roof. If you notice signs of a small animal infestation, such as animal smells, droppings, urine, sounds of animal scurrying about, then it is time to clear them out and secure your roof against further infestations.
Most animals will run away when approached, so you can usually get the animal to leave by approaching the area of infestation to clean it out. Be careful, however, because small animals will often bite if cornered and can carry diseases.
Wear protective clothing and consider covering your mouth/nose to avoid inhaling droppings. Clean and disinfect the area, then identify the point of entry and patch it to prevent reentry.
Larger infestations, or infestations of possibly dangerous animals/insects, are best handled by professionals.
Tree damage can range from torn up shingles and minor roof leaks to large holes in your roof – or even knocking out a whole section of your roof/home.
Minor tree damage can be repaired by first removing any tree branches that remain, cleaning up the area, and assessing the actual roof damage.
For small holes, clean up jagged edges, remove shingles surrounding the hole, cut and fit a patch, support the patch with wood attached underneath the patch and attached to the surrounding roof, and then cover with tar paper or roofing felt and install new shingles.
More significant damage, especially damage to roof rafters or other structural damage, should first be assessed by a qualified roofing contractor. The structural issues must be repaired first before the actual roof is repaired.
You can identify ventilation problems with your roof most easily in
If you do have bad ventilation, you can remedy the problem by installing Soffit vents, roof vents or ridge vents. Soffit vents are most efficient
Gutters play an important role in protecting your home. Damaged or leaking gutters can cause water to accumulate in the gutters, which can freeze and rip the gutters away from the house. Leaking gutters can also pour water
If you notice your gutters are leaking or damaged, you can usually repair them yourself. Scoop out debris, rinse the gutter out and search for leaks. Most of the time leaks develop at seams.
For leaking seams, apply a silicone sealant to the seams when dry and clean. Look for areas where the gutter has pulled away from the home and reattach it.
If you cannot find a good attachment point due to rotten wood, it may be time to bring in a contractor to repair structural damage to the roof.
Most damage to gutters is caused by debris accumulation. Keeping your gutters clean will help keep them in good working order.
One of the biggest challenges with keeping a roof well maintained is remembering to conduct periodic inspections and routine maintenance. The roof is often out of sight, which makes it easy to forget about for extended periods of time. And many homeowners who have recently purchased their homes discover that the previous owner failed to take care of the roof. Unfortunately, neglect inevitably leads to damage.
You can spot signs of neglect by taking a closer look at your roof. Excessive moss accumulation, an absence of granules on the shingles, curled or split shingles, sagging, leaks – neglect can lead to a range of different issues. Some of them are easy to fix, while others are much more difficult.
If you look at your roof and determine that it has been neglected, try to assess the extent of the neglect. Gluing down a few shingles that have popped up is not difficult. But repairing sagging, major leaks or replacing the entire roof is much more challenging.
Having your roof examined by a roofing professional is the best way to determine the extent of the damage caused by neglect. Once you know exactly what is wrong, you can decide what to fix yourself and what to leave to the professionals.
Wind, rain, snow, hail, flying debris – storms can cause significant damage to your roof. If you notice
Minor storm damage can include lifted or missing shingles, small leaks
Major storm damage, such as larger holes in the roof, major leaks or structural damaged should be examined by a roofing professional to determine the extent of the damage and the exact repairs that should be done. Major damage can include structural damage, which must be repaired correctly to ensure that the roof is sound and safe.
If your home insurance covers the repairs, it is in your best interest to contact a contractor to guarantee that the repairs are done correctly.
Flashing is the metal pieces that shed water away from areas where it might accumulate on your roof. You will find flashing around your chimney and around other areas where water needs to be redirected. Flashing is a necessity in roofing, as it is much more reliable than sealant alone – roofs and the underlying structures move and expand, and flashing is durable enough to hold up to that movement.
Flashing can be defective. More often, flashing is installed incorrectly or damaged accidentally. Once the flashing is no longer properly placed, water will begin to accumulate. Leaks develop and the flashing must be repaired to protect the home.
Flashing installation varies by the area of installation. One of the most common flashing repairs is the flashing around the chimney.
There are two components to chimney flashing – the flashing around the base, and the cap, which should be mortared into the chimney.
To repair the cap, you will need to remove the cap from the mortar, clean out the gap of old mortar, and apply new mortar into the hole. While the mortar is still wet, press the cap back into the hole and wait for it to dry. Seal the flashing where it meets the mortar.
To repair the base, clean the area of debris and chisel away the old roofing cement. Apply roofing cement to the back of the flashing and attach it tightly to the chimney under the cap, securing it with fasteners such as masonry nails. Seal the heads of the fasteners with roofing cement and do the same to the top edge of the flashing.
Most leaks occur at points where something penetrates the roof, such as pipes, vents, etc. These are the areas where you should search first for the source of the leak. If you are unsure, you can use a garden hose to saturate the area you suspect and see if you notice water penetration.
If the leak is coming from a gasket or caulking, remove and replace the seal. Just remember that simple caulking will not fix most leaks for long. You should try for mechanical solutions – like new flashing – instead of relying on caulk.
If you cannot find the source of the leak, or if you find that you have many leaks and substantial degradation of wood (and often mold), it is time to call in a contractor.Having one or more lifted shingles is common as
Once the area underneath is relatively clean, apply a dab of cement and press the shingle down. Stand on it for a few minutes, or weight it down with something, to ensure the cement holds it in place.
If the lifted shingle breaks, or if you cannot get it to stay flat, it needs to be replaced. Avoid using nails to stick it down, as they create another way for water to get in.
A little standing water on a flat roof is to be expected, but a deeper puddle that sits for an extended period indicates a problem. First, clear out the gutters to ensure proper drainage and check to see if the problem is fixed. If not, you can build up the roof in that area. Just make sure to dry the area first.
Use rolled asphalt roofing to create larger and larger patches to build a dome over the puddle. For instance, if the puddle is 10 inches across, cut a circle of material that is 12 inches. Cut a 14-inch patch, apply it over the 12-inch patch. Keep expanding by 2 inches until you have built a dome. Then cover it with nylon fabric and rubberized coating to waterproof it.
If the roof is squishy underneath the puddle, repairs will require replacing the structural components under the puddle.
Holes in the roof can be caused by events like storm
Repairing a hole requires removing the shingles surrounding the hole, patching the hole and ensuring the patch is structurally sound, then covered over with roofing felt and new shingles. Small holes can be patched using plywood cut to the shape of the hole and a board long enough to attach on each side of the hole inside the roof for support. For larger holes, it is better to cut back the roof sheathing and attach the plywood patch directly to the trusses.
After you have patched the hole, cover it with tar paper or roofing felt using a large enough piece to tuck under the shingles above the hole, then attach new shingles.
If the damage has affected the trusses or rafters, or the hole is quite large, hiring a qualified contractor is recommended to ensure the structural integrity of the roof.
If you notice that part of your roof looks unusual or uneven, examine the area more closely. You may discover that it was built or repaired incorrectly. Sometimes homeowners will attempt their own repairs to save money, or hire someone to make the repairs that
Some bad repairs are easy to fix yourself. If you notice shingles that were repaired incorrectly – such as crooked shingles or shingles that are not attached correctly – you can replace them. You can also install your own roof flashing if you notice the flashing on your roof was installed incorrectly. More significant problems, like a warped roof, will require a contractor to repair.
Roof membranes and rubber roofs can shrink over time, which can result in separation from flashing and other parts of the roof. The areas where the membrane pulls away are going to be susceptible to water penetration. Shrinkage can also lead to cracking and tearing of the membrane. Shrinkage is relatively easy to spot by looking closely at the border between the membrane and the rest of the roof.
All the areas where the membrane has pulled away or torn must be repaired to protect your home.
Gaps created by shrinkage are usually repaired by cutting away the section along the gap, allowing it to shrink for an hour or so, and filling in the gap with more material and/or sealant.
A properly installed rubber roof or roof membrane should be designed to account for possible shrinkage, but not all roofs are properly installed. If you discover a little shrinkage and a few gaps, repairing it yourself is an option. But major shrinkage and numerous gaps or tears will require the attention of a roofing contractor, and possibly replacement of the membrane.
Both roof shingles and roof rafters can split. Split shingles are easy enough to repair. Simply replace the shingle with a new one. But split rafters require more care and attention. Rafters that split must be repaired, and repaired correctly, to ensure that the roof is structurally sound.
Repairing a split rafter on your own requires taking measurements and doing calculations to make sure you add enough support
The angle iron should be three times the length of the split and the width on the larger side should be the same width as the rafter. You will most likely need to have the angle iron cut to fit your specific needs. Drill holes every 6 inches and use ¼-inch bolts to attach the iron to both the wider and the thinner sides of the rafter, placing the nuts on the iron-side of the holes.
If the split is substantial, or if you have any doubts about your ability to make the repairs, you should call in a contractor. It is much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to split rafters.
Granules are added to asphalt roof shingles to make them stronger and more resistant to the elements. As the roof ages, the granules will start to detach. If you check your gutters and notice a lot of granules, it is a sign that your roof is getting older and coming closer to needing repair/replacement (or that you just experienced a hail storm, which can knock off quite a few granules).
But granule loss does not necessarily mean you need to rush out and get your roof replaced.
To get a better idea of the condition of your roof, you will need to look at the actual shingles. When your shingles lose almost all their granules, they will start to degrade more quickly. At this point you will need to start preparing yourself for repairs and/or replacement. A roofing contractor can tell you just how close you are to needing a roof replacement.
Small animals love the warmth and dryness that is found under your roof. Squirrels, mice and other critters will set up a home if they can get into your attic or anywhere that is relatively secure and protected by your roof. If you notice signs of a small animal infestation, such as animal smells, droppings, urine, sounds of animal scurrying about, then it is time to clear them out and secure your roof against further infestations.
Most animals will run away when approached, so you can usually get the animal to leave by approaching the area of infestation to clean it out. Be careful, however, because small animals will often bite if cornered and can carry diseases.
Wear protective clothing and consider covering your mouth/nose to avoid inhaling droppings. Clean and disinfect the area, then identify the point of entry and patch it to prevent reentry.
Larger infestations, or infestations of possibly dangerous animals/insects, are best handled by professionals.
Tree damage can range from torn up shingles and minor roof leaks to large holes in your roof – or even knocking out a whole section of your roof/home.
Minor tree damage can be repaired by first removing any tree branches that remain, cleaning up the area, and assessing the actual roof damage.
For small holes, clean up jagged edges, remove shingles surrounding the hole, cut and fit a patch, support the patch with wood attached underneath the patch and attached to the surrounding roof, and then cover with tar paper or roofing felt and install new shingles.
More significant damage, especially damage to roof rafters or other structural damage, should first be assessed by a qualified roofing contractor. The structural issues must be repaired first before the actual roof is repaired.
You can identify ventilation problems with your roof most easily in
If you do have bad ventilation, you can remedy the problem by installing Soffit vents, roof vents or ridge vents. Soffit vents are most efficient
Gutters play an important role in protecting your home. Damaged or leaking gutters can cause water to accumulate in the gutters, which can freeze and rip the gutters away from the house. Leaking gutters can also pour water
If you notice your gutters are leaking or damaged, you can usually repair them yourself. Scoop out debris, rinse the gutter out and search for leaks. Most of the time leaks develop at seams.
For leaking seams, apply a silicone sealant to the seams when dry and clean. Look for areas where the gutter has pulled away from the home and reattach it.
If you cannot find a good attachment point due to rotten wood, it may be time to bring in a contractor to repair structural damage to the roof.
Most damage to gutters is caused by debris accumulation. Keeping your gutters clean will help keep them in good working order.
One of the biggest challenges with keeping a roof well maintained is remembering to conduct periodic inspections and routine maintenance. The roof is often out of sight, which makes it easy to forget about for extended periods of time. And many homeowners who have recently purchased their homes discover that the previous owner failed to take care of the roof. Unfortunately, neglect inevitably leads to damage.
You can spot signs of neglect by taking a closer look at your roof. Excessive moss accumulation, an absence of granules on the shingles, curled or split shingles, sagging, leaks – neglect can lead to a range of different issues. Some of them are easy to fix, while others are much more difficult.
If you look at your roof and determine that it has been neglected, try to assess the extent of the neglect. Gluing down a few shingles that have popped up is not difficult. But repairing sagging, major leaks or replacing the entire roof is much more challenging.
Having your roof examined by a roofing professional is the best way to determine the extent of the damage caused by neglect. Once you know exactly what is wrong, you can decide what to fix yourself and what to leave to the professionals.
Wind, rain, snow, hail, flying debris – storms can cause significant damage to your roof. If you notice
Minor storm damage can include lifted or missing shingles, small leaks
Major storm damage, such as larger holes in the roof, major leaks or structural damaged should be examined by a roofing professional to determine the extent of the damage and the exact repairs that should be done. Major damage can include structural damage, which must be repaired correctly to ensure that the roof is sound and safe.
If your home insurance covers the repairs, it is in your best interest to contact a contractor to guarantee that the repairs are done correctly.
Flashing is the metal pieces that shed water away from areas where it might accumulate on your roof. You will find flashing around your chimney and around other areas where water needs to be redirected. Flashing is a necessity in roofing, as it is much more reliable than sealant alone – roofs and the underlying structures move and expand, and flashing is durable enough to hold up to that movement.
Flashing can be defective. More often, flashing is installed incorrectly or damaged accidentally. Once the flashing is no longer properly placed, water will begin to accumulate. Leaks develop and the flashing must be repaired to protect the home.
Flashing installation varies by the area of installation. One of the most common flashing repairs is the flashing around the chimney.
There are two components to chimney flashing – the flashing around the base, and the cap, which should be mortared into the chimney.
To repair the cap, you will need to remove the cap from the mortar, clean out the gap of old mortar, and apply new mortar into the hole. While the mortar is still wet, press the cap back into the hole and wait for it to dry. Seal the flashing where it meets the mortar.
To repair the base, clean the area of debris and chisel away the old roofing cement. Apply roofing cement to the back of the flashing and attach it tightly to the chimney under the cap, securing it with fasteners such as masonry nails. Seal the heads of the fasteners with roofing cement and do the same to the top edge of the flashing.