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5 Roofing Problems and Solutions

Most homeowners would rather put money into a kitchen or a bathroom—or a new home theater, for that matter—than invest in basic infrastructure. This is understandable, and there’s no denying that some renovations and repairs are more exciting than others. A new outdoor deck seems like a lot more fun than foundation repair or basement waterproofing—but being a responsible homeowner means being able to prioritize. Ignore basic issues in favor of other projects, and it could be very costly in the long run.

Roofing is a perfect example. America’s roofs are frequently neglected and left in disrepair while other areas of the home are improved. It may be possibly to get away with this approach for a while, but eventually it turns into much bigger headache.

It’s also worth pointing out that strengthening and repairing your roof does have aesthetic benefits. We’ve all seen houses with dilapidated roofing, and no matter how immaculate the rest of the property looks, the shabby roofs casts a shadow over everything. A new or repaired roof is one of the best things you can do in terms of curb appeal.

With that in mind, let’s take a loot at seven common roofing problems and solutions.

Problem #1: Moisture enters through the flashing

Poor quality or poorly installed flashing (the material you see around pipes and vents that come up through the roof) is the reason behind many a leaky roof. The solution is to determine whether any of this flashing can be repaired or reinstalled, and if not, to replace it completely.

Problem #2: The soffit of the roof is warped or damaged

The soffit is the underside of roof’s overhang. This area is frequently damaged by inclement weather, faulty gutters, and small animals seeking shelter. Moisture enters into racks between the soffit and the fascia, leading to rot—this in turn attracts animals and insects. Proper soffit repair is necessary to solve this problem. This may involve removing rotted soffit and/or fascia, replacing it with superior materials, and addressing any contributing factors such as faulty gutters

Problem #3: The gutters aren’t working

Many homeowners don’t realize just how important functioning gutters are to the integrity of the roof. When gutters don’t work properly, the water collects and pools on the edges of the roof. This can easily lead to rotting and leaking over time. Proper gutter function is of course achieved by regular gutter cleaning. In many cases, however, the gutters themselves are faulty and need to be professional repaired or replaced.

Problem #4: Shingles are missing and/or damaged

The shingles on your roof are a vital structural component, and when they’re damaged, raised or missing, the wood beneath them is exposed to the elements—sometimes directly. This leads to rotting, structural weakness and the problems. Damaged shingles can be the result of faulty workmanship, inferior quality, or aging and neglect. Either way, putting a roof repair specialist on the case is the most effective long-term solution.

Problem #5: The fascia is damaged

Often closely connected to damaged soffit and faulty gutters, the fascia of the roof is the horizontal piece that defines the edge of the rafters. The gutters are often attached to the fascia, which explains why faulty gutters often damage the fascia. The solution here is not only to repair the existing damage by removing and replacing compromised sections of the fascia, but to identify and address the underlying causes of the damage.

Taking care of what matters

If there’s one thing that homeowners, maintenance experts, real estate agents and property investors all agree on, it’s the importance of quality roofing. This is especially true in place like New Jersey, where heavy rains, blizzards and extreme temperatures are regular occurrences throughout the year. We’ve discussed a few of the most common roofing problems and solutions out there, but a seasoned expert will be able to identify any problem in the book, from decreased uplift resistance to workmanship flaws that reduce the long term lifespan of the roof.

There’s no getting around the need for well-built roofing. That’s why having a qualified roofing specialist on your contact list is invaluable. You need an expert who’s going to tell it like is, advise you in a totally ethical way, and lay out your options clearly. When it comes down to the actual roof repair work, a specialist like this will deliver results of the highest possible standard, and back everything up in writing. Good roofing is about protection, and any specialist you choose should always make you feel safe and secure in your investment.