The roof on your home in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or Port Orchard is an investment. And like any investment, you want to take all the necessary precautions.
Let’s talk about the five most common roof problems, and how you can fix them.
Leaks
Whether they are big or small, a leak in your roof is something you need to address right away. If you have a roof leak, find the source, and temporarily fix it with a tarp or patch, but only if it’s safe to do so.
Avoiding Annual Maintenance
We know that getting up on your roof isn’t the most fun. But twice-yearly maintenance will go a long way when it comes to the longevity of your roof.
We have found spring and fall ideal times to maintain your roof. For more, check out our Spring Roof Maintenance blog for the basics, and our blog on Getting Your Roof Winter Ready.
These will give you the tips and insight for all things maintenance.
Moss
Moss can be especially troublesome. Moss acts just like a sponge, and when it gets wet it holds the water on your shingles. If left long enough, that water will seep through the shingle and to the underlayment.
To remove moss from your roof, it’s important to not damage any shingles. We recommend you gently remove the moss using baking soda, powdered laundry detergent, or Moss Out for Roofs and then use a leaf blower to push away any debris.
Finish by applying a Zinc treatment to your roof to kill any moss that may remain, and to help keep future growth at bay. Zinc is safe, and it won’t harm your pets, children, or your lawn.
Broken or Missing Shingles
Broken or missing shingles are an invitation for water damage. They leave your roof exposed to moisture, but also make it easier for surrounding shingles to become loose and peel away.
In most cases, you can replace shingles that are missing or damaged. But before you head up, check out our blog on 10 Safety Tips for your DIY Roof Projects.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a piece of metal used to prevent water from seeping into areas of the roof where there is an interruption with the roofing materials, like chimneys, vent pipes, or the perimeter of the roof. Flashing prevents leaks and protects the deck (the first layer of roofing) and underlayment.
Flashing is so important because it is used at several places on your roof and is often the source of leaks.
To make sure it’s in tip-top shape, inspect all the areas with flashing, and if you find any of it cracked, replace it.
You may need to remove some of the surrounding materials, most likely shingles.
If any of this seems too difficult, contact us today. In addition to new roofs, we routinely help with repairs.
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