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The roof is the most important link between the interior and exterior of your home. It acts as the shield of the house, and its mission is to protect the residents who live inside, all year round.
As loyal homeowners, you are aware that just like other parts of your house, it is necessary to inspect your roof regularly. Even the smallest problem, when it goes unnoticed, can start an unfortunate chain of events that can affect your entire home.
For example, damaged roofing shingles are more common than you might think.
So, if you've noticed that you have a broken or leaky shingle on your roof, it's time to call a professional that will take care of the problem ASAP.
In this article, we'll talk more about replacing damaged shingles, why they are important, and some tips on how to prevent roof leaks.
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What Are Roof Shingles?
A roof shingle is a roofing material that is most commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. In the simplest sense, roof shingles are thin, flat pieces of material that are installed in overlapping rows of your roof to cover the surface.
Roof shingles are installed over a layer of underlayment. This helps the roof protect the entirety of the building from moisture and prevent leaks. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the design of your roof.
Although some people like replacing damaged asphalt shingles on their own, you shouldn't risk it. A professional roofing contractor is usually a wiser idea.
Types of Shingles
There are a variety of shingles that are available on the market right now. So, if you are missing shingles, here are some of your options:
- Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are the most affordable and popular option of shingles you can find on the market. These shingles are made from asphalt, fiberglass, and organic materials. They're very easy to install.
- Metal shingles: Metal shingles are most commonly made from aluminum or steel. They are designed to resemble other roofing shingles such as wood or slate. Despite being made from metal, they are lightweight. They're also energy-efficient and durable.
- Wood shingles: These shingles are made from all sorts of wood: redwood, cedar, etc. They're popular with homeowners that are looking for a rustic, natural look. If you decide to buy new shingles, and wood is your top choice, you'll have to pay an extra dollar.
- Slate shingles: These shingles are made from slate, and they're one of the most durable, expensive, and heavy roofing materials on the market.
- Composite shingles: Composite shingles are made from a variety of materials - rubber, asphalt, or plastic. Their main perk is that they're eco-friendly, but their price tag is a bit higher than other types of shingles.
- Tile shingles: Tile roof shingles are usually made from concrete or clay. These shingles are popular in areas with warm weather due to their ability to keep the building cool. They're also very efficient and durable.
Before deciding on the shingles you want to install or replace on your roof, it's important that you step back and see the bigger picture. Take into account their individual characteristics, prices, and how their appearance matches the entire area of your home.
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How To Repair a Shingle Roof Leak?
If you're having problems with a shingle roof leak, here are the steps that you need to take in order to solve the problem and get rid of the unnecessary water stains on the interior and exterior of your home.
Locate the Leak
The first step is to take a better look at your leaking roof and find the leak's location. Look all around. If you're having trouble pinning down the damaged shingle, you might want to look for obvious signs that indicate a problem - water marks on the interior and exterior of your home.
Of course, you shouldn't wait for the problem to grow. Our recommendation is to have a professional roofer inspect your roof every once in a while.
Clean the Area
The next step is cleaning the area that's damaged. You should do your best to remove all of the debris, dirt, and other materials that have accumulated in a problematic place. Only by removing the extra material, will you prevent further damage and allow the repair to be successful.
Replace the Shingles
The next step is the most important. It's time to replace the damaged shingles. Take the damaged or missing shingles and replace them with new ones. Make sure to use roof cement to press the shingle and make them stay in place.
Seal the Leak
The next step is to seal the leak and solve your problem once and for all. You should apply roofing cement all around the leak - this should be done by using a trowel or a putty knife. Make sure that the entire area is covered to prevent any future roof damage.
Test Your Repair
Once you're done sealing and replacing the old shingles, it's time to test your new roof. Take a hose and spray water on your roof, as this will stimulate rain. Once you're done, check the surrounding shingles, as well the interior, exterior of your home, and back corners of your home.
If you've followed the steps, you should've fixed your leaky roof.
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Tips on Maintaining Roof Shingles
Regular maintenance is key to a shiny new roof that's going to last for a long time. If you're a devoted homeowner, and you're looking for proper roof-care tips, here are some that will surely prove useful in the future:
- Regular roof inspection: Don't wait for the repaired area to become visible. Have your roof inspected regularly by a professional roofer.
- Thorough cleaning: Besides inspection, you should devote yourself to regular cleaning. Make a trip to the hardware store, get the necessary tools, and clean your roof to prevent visible damage.
- Check for moss and algae: If your home is located in a warm area, you should check for moss and algae signs more often.
- Repair damage immediately: We can't stress this enough - don't wait for a small problem to become a major one. Once you notice that it's damaged, repair the shingle immediately.
- Hire a professional: Roof repair isn't easy, and hardware stores don't provide you with the experience that professional contractors have. Sometimes, the best option is to let the professional find roof leaks and take care of them for you.
Choose Equity Roofing
If you're looking for the best in the business, look no further than Equity Roofing!
Our top priority is our customers. We provide roofing services at affordable prices. Our professional contractors are well-versed in their field, they're friendly and ready to exceed your expectations.
No matter where you're located - Hershey or Harrisburg - we're here to help you fix your roofing problems and add value to your home.
Reach out to us by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us at +15702185683, and we'll get back to you in a jiff.