Roof Repairs

Few things are more frustrating in regards to your home, than a leaking roof. Intruding water damages insulation, drywall, paint, carpet, personal items, etc.

The age and condition of your roof is the deciding factor on whether your roof can be repaired, or should be replaced. Depending on the type of roof system, temporary repairs are sometimes possible even on roofs that need to be replaced.

Common causes

Shingle Roofs
There are numerous causes for leaks on shingle roof installations. Including, shingle deterioration, penetration treatment break down, damage to roof materials (hail, trees limbs, foot traffic etc.)failed flashing,ice dams, improper installation of roof system (or improper materials installed).

Shingle / Material deterioration due to age is not repairable. Shingles at the end of their life span will lose granules, become brittle, curl, crack and split. After a windy day, if you notice granules on your walks, or driveway, the shingles are breaking down.
There is no cure or repair for this situation, any attempt at repair would be short lived at best. One needs to consider a new roof at this time.

Roof penetration treatment , referred to as "pipe jacks" "pipe boots", and attic ventilation fixtures. Break down of the treatments can be a matter of low quality material used, or failure of the sealant used to keep fixture water tight or damage to the fixture itself by falling objects, foot traffic etc. Plastic components are usually less durable against the elements and can warp, crack, split etc. As long as the shingles are viable, a repair is typically a minor procedure consisting of either re-sealing or replacement.

Damage to roof (non age related) materials can reduce the lifetime of a shingle dramatically. Exposure to unexpected, out of the ordinary conditions can not only shorten the life of the materials but void material and labor warranties.

• Hail depending on the size and severity can be very damaging to shingle surfaces and roof components. Damaging hail results in granule loss, to full penetration of the shingle (holes. Generally hail under 3/4" in diameter will not cause significant damage, unless the material is already in an advanced stage of deterioration (dry, brittle, losing granules etc.)***NOTE: Hail along with other extreme weather related conditions are not typically covered under manufacturer or labor warranties, eg; tornado, hurricane, lightening strikes etc

• Tree limbs

lying on the roof surface (dragging and rubbing the shingles when wind driven) loosens the granules which are on the shingle for UV protection causing premature aging. Frequently, limbs will catch the edge of a sealed shingle, lifting it thus breaking the seal or the shingle itself. Leaves left on the roof (especially in low slope valleys) can compost and will damage the shingle in a short period of time.

•Foot traffic can damage the shingles in several ways. Granule loss, scarring, breakage, disrupting seal etc. Shingles are not manufactured to withstand foot traffic activity, extreme care should be taken when one feels it necessary to get on a roof, not only saftey concerns, but damage to the roof system. Foot traffic will typically void material and labor warranties. Best advice is to stay off the roof!

•Ice dams are not only troublesome due to causing interior leakage, (see our ventilation page) they can also cause damage to the roofing material. The expansion of intrusive water freezing can cause seals to break, and degrade underlayments, and prematurely wear (age / break down) shingle material. Preventing ice dams from forming is highly recommended.

• Water in excessive and consistant amounts will cause the shingles in it's path to deteriorate rapidly as compared to the uneffected areas. This typically occurs with the use of evaporative coolers, in conjuntion with faulty cooler components (float, tubing, overflow seal etc.) Shingles are not intended to withstand constant exposure to water flow.