Few things make a homeowner's heart sink more than damage to the roof. This is because roof damage can mean more than just a quick repair, particularly if water has made its way into the home to cause further issues. Not all roof damage is an emergency, though. Know when you need to schedule an emergency repair and when you have time to wait with the help of this handy guide.
Lifted Shingles
Shingles are designed to lay flat, but severe wind can occasionally lift the shingles and leave them looking ruffled. Fortunately, lifting doesn't always necessitate the need for immediate repair. You may be able to gently lay them flat again and solve the issue, at least in the short term, if the shingles are otherwise undamaged. If there are missing nails, tears, or creases in the shingle, though, then you will need to have the damaged shingles replaced before the next major storm.
Punctures
A roof puncture nearly always means that you need an immediate roof repair. Punctures are often caused by falling tree branches, but occasionally blowing debris could be the culprit. If you don't want to patch the puncture immediately, then you will need to have a roofer remove the tree branch or other item that caused the puncture so that they can apply a temporary tarp patch. The tarp will give you a few weeks to shop around for repair or roof replacement quotes.
Flashing Damage
The flashing around your chimney, by roof top vents, and in the valleys of your roof forms a seal between the shingles and the other item. Sometimes flashing can corrode, warp, or get twisted out of shape due to a storm. In most cases, the best course of action is to schedule a prompt roof repair. The good news is that flashing replacement is cost effective, and it can be done without any need to replace or repair the surrounding shingles.
General Decay
Shingle roofs can begin to decay as they age. The granules will slowly rinse off the shingle surfaces, causing the asphalt material beneath to decay even more rapidly. The roof may look worn but whole, yet moisture can seep through and around the decaying shingles. If you have any signs of water damage in your attic, such as wet insulation, mold and mildew, or water spots on the attic ceiling, then you need to plan for an immediate roof replacement. If water hasn't yet breached the decaying shingles, you have a short period of time to shop around for a roof replacement quote.
Contact a residential roofer at a company like Golden Spike Roofing for more help.
