The Most Common Roof Problems (That You Can Repair Yourself)

Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. It protects it from the elements by sealing out water, insects, debris and other undesirables. Small problems with a roof can create major consequences to your home’s interior, including mold growth and structural damage.

Here are some of the most common roofing problems, along with possible steps a homeowner can take to address them:

Deteriorating Soffit

Your home’s fascia is the flat vertical surface that extends from the roof edge. Most fascias are concealed by gutters, but others form the pleasant upside down “V” shape capping off the gable on roof faces.

Fascia can be exposed to the harshest of the elements, making them prone to warp, rot, become cracked or some combination of the three. Luckily, fascia can be replaced with the right sized board and an ample supply of nails. Ensure that the board is secured in the proper spots along rafters and that the roof’s drip edge is replaced properly to prevent water from soaking into the wood. Give the new fascia a healthy coat of paint that is waterproof and rot-resistant.

Sagging or Broken Soffit

Soffit is the flat surface in between the roof edge and the home’s walls. You can see soffit by looking up underneath the roof eaves, forming a “ceiling” surface that protects the roof from invading moisture or critters. Many soffit structures are vented so that attic spaces can circulate air, preventing moisture buildup or temperature differences.

Like fascia, soffit is prone to get the brunt of elemental wear. Replacing soffit with vinyl materials can be an inexpensive and easy project. Just be certain to use the proper type of venting and to secure the soffit tightly with nails or screws.

Gutters

Believe it or not, gutters are actually one of the most important components of a home. They divert rainfall away from the house’s foundation, preventing issues like water leaks, foundation cracks and structural shifting.

Gutters must be kept clean and free from debris to work properly. Homeowners will need to get up on a ladder at least one to two times a year to pull out muck, sticks and other substances that can clog gutters and downspouts.

Loose gutters must be resecured with new screws and possibly new hangers — the hardware that pulls the gutter tight against the fascia. Patch up any rust holes with waterproof epoxy and use sealant to ensure that there are no gaps in between gutter segments.

If your gutters are free from debris but still do not seem to drain water properly, they could be pitched at the wrong angle. Gutters must be angled downwards towards the downspout to work effectively. Ideally, the gutter must have at least a quarter-inch of height difference for every 10 feet of roof in order to drain water as intended.

Busted or Missing Shingles

Make no mistake, roof work can be dangerous. If you have the bravery, the knowledge and the proper precautions, you can sometimes climb on your own roof to repair isolated spots of damage to shingles.

Replacement shingles must be firmly nailed to the roof decking, preferably not in the exact same nail hole as the removed shingle. Any damage to the underlying felt or plywood decking must also be addressed. Remember to secure new shingles to the ones above and underneath them with asphalt mastic since the adhesive will not work the same for replaced shingles.

Keep in mind that an excess of granules in the gutters, bare spots on the roof, curled shingles or overall deterioration could be a sign that your shingle problems are not isolated to one or two areas. You will likely need a total shingle replacement to ensure that your home will be protected and that your roof will not be patched repeatedly in vain.

Always consult an expert roofing contractor if you feel out of your depth with a roofing repair or if you are worried that the problems can extend beyond what you see. Ignoring issues like leaks, dry rot or pest intrusion can create huge problems down the road. Seek out professional advice and have an experienced roofing contractor evaluate your needed repairs and perform them appropriately to maintain your home’s integrity and value.

If you are looking for a roof repair or shingle replacement, it always helps to compare contractors based on their pricing and reputation. You can receive free custom quotes from Philadelphia area roofing companies without onsite estimates by clicking here.