Roof Repair: Facts about Roofs and Repairs

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Roof Repair Facts about Roofs and Repairs
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Introduction

• One of the major components of any home is
  the roof. A solid roof can last decades if
  installed and maintained properly. There are
  instances where an entire roof because of age or
  damage must be completely replaced. Checking a
  roof regularly and spotting any minor
  imperfections and repairing these immediately
  adds to the longevity of a roof. Replacement of a
  roof is not cheap and regular inspection and
  repair can avoid replacing a roof too often.

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Table of Contents
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• How Often Should a Roof be Inspected?
• When Should a Roof be Repaired?
• Can a Roof be Repaired without a Professional?
• Preventing Roof Damage
• For the Best Maintenance of Roofs Use a Roofing
  Contractor

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How Often Should a Roof be Inspected?
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• This depends on the type of roof and the
  location. Weather conditions and other
  demographic features should be factored in. In
  sunny dry climates, a roof can experience
  cracking from the heat and sun. In locations that
  are wet and cold, the dampness, and perhaps snow
  and ice, can cause pitting and lifting. There are
  also other acts of nature such as tornadoes and
  hurricanes plus hail that make an inspection of a
  roof necessary each time. At the very least,
  however, an inspection should be done every year.

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When Should a Roof be Repaired?
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• It does depend again on climatic differences and
  age. However, here are some general guidelines
• When a roof appears dry and has lighter and
  darker spots
• When gutters are clogged as water can then push
  under the roof
• When there is the apparent lifting of the roof at
  the edges or seams
• When pitting shows up on the surface
• When holes even small ones are apparent
• Most importantly when ceilings or walls show
  spots of water seepage

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Can a Roof be Repaired without a Professional?
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• Yes, but it must be done carefully. If a roof is
  in serious need of repair, rather than do it
  incorrectly it is wise to use a certified roofer.
  To tackle minor DIY repairs, however, the basic
  process below will assist.
• Walk across the roof and look for any damaged
  shingles
• Be on the lookout for any mold or mildew
• Pay close attention to any gaps around chimneys
  or drainpipes
• Locate any suspicious shingles that look damaged
• Remove the damaged shingles very carefully
  without damaging surrounding ones

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• Check for mold under the shingles and if
  necessary, remove the under layer too
• Replace the shingles tightly using the correct
  tools which can be found online or at a local
  hardware store. Instructions can also be found
  online.
• Ensure the new shingles are tightly fitted into
  the existing shingles
• Find all small holes that are left from satellite
  dishes, etc. and fill them
• Do not simply caulk any small holes as caulk will
  not work
• Replace flashing under all damaged areas
  including small holes
• Look for any signs of insect infestation
• Survey the roof from the ground also to ensure a
  smooth seamless look

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Preventing Roof Damage
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• Especially on a new roof, it can be
  disheartening to discover there is damage. There
  are ways to prevent damage depending upon the
  area and climate. Roof damage in hotter climates
  usually occurs because of clogged gutters or
  drainpipes as the foliage is numerous. In colder
  climates, roof damage is more common, as hail,
  high winds, snow, and ice dams can wreak damage.

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• Keeping gutters and drainpipes clean is a
  priority in any climate. These should be checked
  regularly especially after a windstorm. In the
  winter, in cold climates, a roof should be kept
  free from debris and if possible, snow and ice.
  Roofs can collapse under the burden of excess
  snow so as uncomfortable as it is, a roof should
  be shoveled off from snow and ice. However, when
  doing this it is important not to savagely attack
  a roof with a shovel, or holes and slashes can
  occur.

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• Make sure a roof has proper drainage via
  gutters and downspouts as the water build-up is a
  culprit in roof damage. Fallen branches also
  should be removed ASAP as the weight of a fallen
  branch that is sodden with water puts pressure on
  roofing shingles. There should be a thorough
  inspection along the edges of the roof as many
  insects, especially termites and wood wasps will
  nest under the edges of a roof. These creatures
  can go unnoticed for a long time.

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• Adequate insulation also prevents damage as it is
  a barrier under the roof. Trimming overhanging
  branches should be done regularly when close to a
  roof. In the fall, leaves should be removed from
  gutters and downspouts every month.
• If in a very warm climate planting shade trees
  around the home can help cool a roof and prevent
  cracks and dryness from impairing a roof. A dry
  roof is more prone to cracking.

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For the Best Maintenance of Roofs Use a Roofing
Contractor
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• Most minor roof damage cannot be spotted
  by a non-professional. While a general contractor
  of a handyman can also be useful the best bet is
  a professional roofer. Especially if a roof is
  somewhat new, a professional can find and repair
  a roof to keep it in top shape for many years,
  perhaps even decades. Since full installations
  can cost some larger dollar amounts, protecting,
  and preserving a roof is the best plan.

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• A roof is not an addition to a home or
  property. It is part and parcel of the property
  and as such does require as much attention as
  electrical and plumbing. It is easy to forget to
  check a roof so relying on a professional roofing
  company to set up an inspection schedule is a
  step in the right direction.

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The Conclusion on Roof Repair
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• Roofs are built to last by good roofing
  contractors and roofs can last for decades.
  However, inspection and repair, and vigilance
  must be kept by a property owner, or a new roof
  will be needed too soon. Roofs are cost
  affordable considering the longevity of a good
  roof.

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• However, the costs are not that low that a
  property owner would want to replace a roof every
  few years. Saving money by maintenance inspection
  and having repairs done throughout the life of
  any roof will extend its lifespan. All property
  owners should choose a great roofing contractor
  and then follow all the suggestions given above,
  with repairs made immediately when problems do
  arise.

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Contact Details

• Terrazas Roofing
• https//www.terrazasroofing.com/

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Address

• 2447 Pacific Coast Hwy, 200 Hermosa Beach
• Los Angeles, CA, 90254, USA
• Phone Number 714-951-0292