Tag: roof repair

Types of Roofing Sheathing

A building’s roof protects against the elements and significantly influences its energy efficiency. It can also add to a property’s aesthetic value. Different types of Erie Roofing materials are suited to different climates and architectural styles.

Roofing

The most recognizable element of a roof is its shingles. These come in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Sheathing, the base layer of a roof, consists of elongated wooden boards fastened to the rafters.

Sheathing is a structural layer installed between a home’s exterior cladding and its framing. It serves many functions, including providing a base for roofing materials and protecting the frame from moisture infiltration. The sheathing material you choose can directly impact the structure of your home and how it will perform over time. In addition, sheathing has an impact on insulation and energy efficiency, so it’s important to consider your options carefully when choosing a type of sheathing board.

Traditional plank sheathing is made from solid wood and features interlocking edges that fit together tightly to form a sturdy, durable surface. It is often used in older homes or for specific architectural styles that require a more classic look. Plank sheathing is typically more expensive than plywood or OSB, but it can add a beautiful aesthetic to any home. It’s also more labor-intensive to install, requiring more skilled carpenters to lay it out and nail it.

Plywood is a popular choice for roof sheathing, as it offers several key advantages. It’s strong enough to support the weight of roofing materials and resists warping under pressure or temperature changes. It also has a uniform surface that helps ensure a consistent base for the application of shingles and other roofing materials. Plywood is available in larger sheet sizes, making it easier to install and reducing labor costs. It’s also more resistant to moisture than other types of sheathing, making it a good choice for humid climates.

Oriented strand board, or OSB, is a common choice for wall sheathing in modern construction. It’s made from compressed wood strands bonded with adhesives, creating a strong and affordable option for new home construction. It’s also available in a variety of pre-cut panel sizes to reduce installation time. OSB is less expensive than plywood and has a lower environmental impact.

Although sheathing boards are a crucial component of any home, they can be easily damaged by harsh weather conditions or incorrect installation. If your sheathing is compromised, it’s important to contact a professional roofing contractor right away to avoid further damage and costly repairs. Signs of deteriorating sheathing include water stains on the ceiling or walls, sagging between rafters or joists, and fungal growth.

Sheet Sheathing

Sheathing is the fundamental base layer of your roof, providing structural support for shingles. It’s important to understand the different types of sheathing and how they perform, as this will help you make a smart decision when it comes time for a new roof or roof replacement. This guide will cover the basics of sheathing, including types, materials, and installation essentials.

Historically, property builders would run wooden boards perpendicular to the rafters and trusses. However, this system is not up to today’s building codes and will eventually result in gaps between the board that can be blown open by strong winds. For this reason, modern construction utilizes solid sheets of sheathing to create a stronger base for the roof. This sheathing is typically either 1/2’’ CDX plywood or 7/16’’ OSB (oriented strand board), and it can be purchased in 4×8 foot sheets. It’s crucial to use 3-inch nails when applying the sheathing in order to ensure a sturdy, secure hold.

Both plywood and OSB are popular choices for sheathing in wood-framed homes due to their uniformity and strength. They are also easier to install than traditional plank sheathing and provide a more stable foundation for the roof. Although these engineered wood products are common in residential construction, there are a variety of alternative options for specific projects and conditions. Exterior gypsum board and concrete sheathing are commonly used for nonstructural walls, while glass mat sheathing is a strong, moisture-resistant option for shear wall applications.

Plywood is ideal for garages, hobby rooms, and other indoor environments that require a durable surface. It’s also a better choice for damp basements, bathrooms, and other humid conditions where moisture damage is a concern. Gypsum board sheathing is a good alternative for nonstructural shear walls and is ideal for areas where fire resistance is a priority.

Glass mat sheathing has a gypsum core with an outer shell made of fiberglass, which makes it resistant to moisture and mold. It’s an excellent choice for shear walls, as well as for high-speed windy locations. It’s also becoming a common choice for green, eco-friendly buildings as it is a recyclable product.

Plywood

Plywood is a favorite among builders for constructing roof sheathing. It offers a wide range of advantages when used in roofing construction, including its durability and resistance to weathering. It is also lightweight, making it easier for roofs to support heavy loads and high winds. Plywood can be found in a variety of grades, each suited for specific uses. The differences between each grade can impact both the cost and durability of the material.

Plywood sheathing is made of layers of thin sheets of wood, or veneers, glued together. These layers are positioned at opposing wood-grain angles to each other, providing exceptional strength and stability. This layered design makes it more resistant to warping and other defects caused by natural wood movements. It is also treated with waterproof adhesives to resist moisture damage. This enhanced durability makes it an excellent choice for areas with high humidity or saltwater exposure.

In contrast, oriented strand board (OSB) is manufactured by binding strands of wood chips together. This material is less expensive than plywood, but it is prone to moisture damage and deformation over time. Its inferiority to plywood in this regard has led some builders to avoid using it in sheathing, preferring the more sturdy material of plywood instead.

The quality of a piece of plywood can vary greatly depending on the type of wood that is used and how it is treated. For example, Baltic birch plywood is known for its strength and durability due to its thick veneers and high number of plies. It is often used in construction applications that will leave the edges exposed, such as cabinetry and furniture.

Different types of plywood cores are also available to suit different needs. Veneer cores are the most common, and this is what most home improvement stores sell. They are suitable for most home building projects. Other types of cores include hardwood veneer plywood, which can be a good choice for high-end projects that demand the highest quality. Aircraft plywood is crafted to precise aerospace industry standards, striking a delicate balance between strength and weight.

Metal

The roofing material you choose will have a profound impact on the cost, aesthetics, performance, maintenance and durability of your home. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, composite and concrete tiles are all viable roofing options, but when you’re looking for something unique and long-lasting, metal is the way to go.

Metal roofing has long been a popular choice for industrial buildings, but it’s become an increasingly desirable residential option as well. With its durable construction and vast color and style choices, it’s a popular alternative to traditional asphalt shingle roofs. In addition to its long lifespan, metal is a fire-resistant material that adds structural integrity to your home and can help reduce cooling costs.

There are many different types of metal used for roofing, but steel and aluminum remain the most common. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but both are highly effective at resisting corrosion and preventing water leaks. Steel is a strong and affordable material, while aluminum offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum is also great for coastal homes because it can withstand sea salt spray without rusting.

Both steel and aluminum can be purchased with a mill finish or in a wide range of paint colors. If you choose a mill finish, your metal will oxidize naturally for a raw metal look that’s easy to maintain, while painted panels offer a 40- or 50-year paint warranty. If you’re concerned about rust, consider choosing galvanized or Galvalume steel—both are coated with a zinc and aluminum alloy to defy rust.

Another type of metal roof is a stone-coated one, which combines the timeless beauty of tile with the longevity of metal. These roofs are more expensive than other types of metal roofing but are known for their energy efficiency and resistance to moss, mold, hail and wind damage.

What You Need to Know About Roof Replacement

When water suddenly starts dripping through a ceiling, it is a sign that the roof needs to be replaced. Getting a new roof is an investment that will add value to your home and help protect your belongings.

Roof Replacement

Several programs exist to assist homeowners with the cost of roofing repairs and replacement. Homeowners can also borrow personal loans, but should be careful not to spend more than they can afford to repay.

Whether to repair or replace a roof is a big decision for any homeowner. The right choice can help increase the value of a home and save on energy costs. However, the cost of a new roof can be high, making it important to consider all the options before committing to a project. There are a number of elements that determine the overall cost, including location, weather, and the size of the roof.

The age of the roof is one of the most significant factors that can influence whether to repair or replace it. A new roof is typically more expensive than repairs, but it can also offer a longer lifespan than an old one. It’s also worth considering the extent of any damage, as repairs may not be enough to fix leaks or other problems in some cases.

Another factor is the choice of materials, which can affect the price of reroofing. Some materials, such as slate or copper, are much more expensive than basic asphalt shingles, but they may add value to the home. Similarly, the shape and facets of the roof can also influence costs. For example, a dutch roof may require more structural work than a gable or hipped roof.

Other costs to keep in mind include labor and permits. The cost of a new roof can vary by region, so it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices. In addition, homeowners should consider the impact of taxes and fees. In some cases, these can be significantly higher than the cost of the new roof itself.

While the cost of a new roof isn’t tax-deductible for most homeowners, it can be depreciated over the course of 27.5 years. This can be beneficial for homeowners who use their home for business purposes. It’s also possible to get a tax credit for certain energy-efficient roof options.

If a homeowner cannot afford to pay for the cost of a new roof in cash, they can apply for a personal loan or credit card. However, homeowners should be careful to limit their borrowing to avoid damaging their credit score. Additionally, they should never put a debt on more than 30 percent of their total available credit.

Materials

The roofing materials that are used in a roof replacement can make a substantial difference in the total cost. Some factors that affect this choice are outside the homeowner’s control, including geography and weather conditions. However, a home owner can choose alternative materials to save on costs or add value to the house. For example, many homeowners prefer the look of a wood shingle or shake roof that is made from cedar, pine, or spruce. Some of these types of roofing are more expensive than basic asphalt shingles, but they can last up to 50 years.

Another material option is metal, which is usually manufactured from galvanized steel or aluminum. This material is also durable and can be fabricated to resemble traditional asphalt shingles or even stone or clay tiles. Some homeowners may want to use a standing seam metal roof for its durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. It is possible for a metal roof to last up to 75 years.

Other roofing materials include terra-cotta, ceramic tile, wood shingles, synthetic wood, and slate. Some of these materials are available in a wide range of colors and styles, so homeowners can select the type that best suits their aesthetic preferences. Some of these roofing materials are extremely heavy, which can put additional strain on the trusses and rafters of the house. This can cause structural problems that may not be immediately apparent.

A new roof can also require the installation of ice and water barriers, which are placed at the lower edges of the roof. These barriers prevent ice from melting and water from pooling under the shingles and damaging the structure of the roof. These barriers can also help reduce the amount of air pollution that enters the home from the outdoors.

The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles, which are inexpensive and easy to install. They come in a variety of shades and styles, from basic three-tab shingles to 30- or 50-year premium architectural shingles. Homeowners who want a longer-lasting and more attractive roof should consider clay or slate tile roofs, which can have a lifespan of up to 150 years. However, these tiles can be quite heavy and may cause the roof to shift from its original position.

Installation

A roof replacement involves removing the old roofing materials and installing new ones. In most cases, this is a much larger project than simply doing roof repair work. This is because a full replacement typically requires the removal of the entire existing roof and often includes other work that is necessary to protect your home from the elements. This is why a professional should be hired to complete this type of large-scale work.

Once the contractor begins, the process will start with a thorough inspection of the existing roofing structure. Then, the underlying framework will be repaired if needed to ensure that your roof will remain sturdy and structurally sound. Some contractors will also check for areas where moisture may seep into your home, especially near penetrations and in the gaps around chimneys or other openings on the roof.

The next step is to install the underlayment, a layer of water-resistant material that covers the roof deck and helps keep moisture out of your home. Felt paper or tar paper is then stapled to the underlayment for additional moisture protection. Lastly, the shingles or other chosen roofing materials will be installed on top of the sheathing and water-resistant barrier. In some areas, flashing will be needed to protect eaves, valleys, roof edges and along chimneys or wood stove pipes, as well as in other leak-prone areas. Roofing cement will also be used to seal the edges and in other areas where the roofing components meet together.

As the roofing material is installed, the contractor will likely trim any overhanging branches and other obstructions that could damage your new roof during storms or high winds. In addition to maximizing the lifespan of your new roof, this will also help with preventing potential problems like mold growth and temperature fluctuations.

A permit is often required for roof replacement projects to ensure that the work complies with local building codes and regulations. However, the requirements for permits vary from locale to locale. In some places, a permit is only necessary if the work exceeds certain monetary or square footage limits. In other cases, a permit will be required for any construction that affects the structural integrity of a home or property.

Warranty

A quality roof warranty offers a safety net against unforeseen costs and issues that could jeopardize the overall functionality of your home’s roofing system. However, it’s essential for homeowners to understand the nuances of top-rated warranties in order to ensure they select coverage that precisely aligns with their requirements and preferences.

Essentially, there are two types of roof warranties: manufacturer and contractor. The former covers material defects, while the latter covers workmanship. Most manufacturers offer extended warranties for a longer period of time than their standard warranties, and they also require that the work be performed by contractors who are certified by the manufacturer to install the materials.

Additionally, many manufacturers produce impact-resistant roofing materials. These are designed to resist damage from high-speed flying debris, which could otherwise cause serious structural problems for your home. Adding this type of protection to your roof can be a good idea if you live in an area prone to hail storms.

Many top-rated roofing contractors offer a workmanship warranty, which guarantees that the installation of your new roof is done correctly. This is typically a separate warranty from the manufacturer’s warranty, and its duration can vary by New York roofing contractor. Some of these warranties are valid for lifetime, while others may be voided if the contractor is not regularly inspected and maintained by the homeowner.

It’s also important to read the fine print of your roofing warranty to make sure you understand exactly what it does and does not cover. For instance, some warranties are voided if the roof is not properly maintained, such as having it inspected and cleaned by a professional on a regular basis. Also, some warranties are pro-rated, which means that the coverage will diminish over time.

Finally, be aware that most manufacturers’ warranties do not cover damage caused by natural events such as heavy snowfall, lightning or hail. Unless it is specified in your manufacturer’s warranty, you will need to add on an additional insurance policy for these types of claims. While these are not common, they do occur, and it’s best to be prepared.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Materials

The roof is a major part of the building envelope. It provides protection against rain, snow, sunlight, and extremes of temperature.

Roofing

It may be constructed from a variety of materials. Typical modern Roofing are metals, such as galvanized steel or standing seam. Wood roofs, such as cedar (popular in Cape Cod cottages and Craftsman-style houses) or redwood, have a natural look but can deteriorate quickly in wet climates.

The roof is one of the most important parts of a building. It protects the structure from various weather conditions and is a key factor in determining the health and longevity of the construction. It is therefore crucial to choose the right roofing materials for the job. Not only does this ensure that the structure will be durable and long-lasting, but it also helps protect the occupants of the building from heat, cold and moisture damage.

The type of roofing material to use depends on the climate in your area. For example, a roof that will be exposed to a lot of rainfall will need to be built from a waterproof material like slate or clay tiles. Similarly, a roof that is in an area with high humidity levels or frequent storms will need to have a sloping roof so that rainwater and snow can easily drain away.

Lastly, it’s worth considering the insulation of your roofing system. A well-insulated roof will help prevent overheating and reduce your energy costs by reducing the amount of energy required to keep your home or business warm in winter and cool in summer. A professional can recommend the best type of insulation for your home or business and install it correctly to avoid any leaks or gaps.

Finally, the monetary cost of each roofing material should be considered. In the short term, more expensive roofing materials may appear more costly than cheaper alternatives; however, they are often less likely to need replacement or repair and will last longer. Also, a durable roof that requires little maintenance can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy costs and preventing any water damage that could lead to mold or mildew.

Underlayment

The roof underlayment is a very important part of the entire roofing system. It sits right on top of the decking and works as a redundancy in case the outer layer becomes punctured or damaged. It’s also a key to ensuring your roofing will last as long as possible.

Underlayment materials are usually either felt or synthetic, and both can be used with a variety of roofing systems. Felt underlayment is what most homeowners are familiar with, and it’s been in use for years beneath asphalt shingles. Synthetic underlayments are newer and offer a few advantages over felt when it comes to working with the roof.

Felt underlayment can be made from either recycled paper or organic cotton. It’s thicker than synthetic underlayments and is often a good choice for homeowners who have a limited budget. However, it can be difficult to work with, especially during installation. It’s prone to tearing and it can be easily wrinkled, so roofers must take extra care in its placement. Felt also tends to soak up moisture, so it needs to be replaced quickly after installation.

The primary function of underlayment is to prevent moisture damage and protect the underlying subfloor from moisture and other environmental factors. It’s also designed to provide a slight buffer between the flooring material and any roughness or imperfections in the subfloor. This is particularly useful for older homes, where the floor may be constructed with boards instead of OSB or plywood sheets.

Foam underlayments are ideal for a variety of flooring types and can help to reduce noise, increase insulation, and create a barrier between the subfloor and flooring material. It’s also environmentally friendly and provides a little cushion, which is great for people who spend a lot of time on the floor.

Cork underlayment is another popular option and can be used with floating or glue-down installations. It’s soft, which helps to absorb sound, and it is naturally mold resistant. Cork is also eco-friendly and often receives green building certifications. However, it doesn’t create a moisture barrier and may need to be paired with a vapor or water barrier.

Flashing

Flashing is a thin sheet of metal that’s bent into place around a joint in your roof. It’s especially important in places where water might leak into your house, such as where a wall meets the roof, or the low points of the roof (also called valleys) where two slopes meet. It’s also crucial around roof protrusions like chimneys, skylights and vents.

Most serious roofing projects include some form of flashing. It’s a good idea to hire a professional for the job, since incorrect installation could lead to leaks and other problems. Flashing is usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel, though copper and lead are sometimes used as well.

When installing flashing, it’s critical to ensure the material can expand and contract with temperature changes. If the material is too rigid, it may crack or break when the roof expands and contracts, allowing water to leak in. Flashing is generally installed between the underlayment and the shingles, but it can be placed on top of the roof panels as well in some cases.

Different types of flashing are used for different purposes. There are a few main categories:

Step flashing is one of the most common types of flashing, and it’s the type you’ll find around chimneys and other roof penetrations. It consists of rectangular pieces of flashing bent into an L-shape, with the base of each L secured to the brick wall and the top secured to the roof. This lining creates a watertight barrier at the point where the wall and roof meet.

Other types of flashing are available for use in various areas of the roof, including in roof valleys and around dormers. Some are long sheets of flashing that are shaped to fit the valley, with shingles covering it for a water-tight seal. Others are small flashing squares that can be bent to line a joint.

There are other types of flashing, too, such as lead and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but aluminum is typically the most popular because it’s cheap and easy to work with. It’s also relatively durable, and it doesn’t rust or develop other forms of corrosion as easily as some other metals can.

Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material for residential structures in the United States. They come in multiple styles, including traditional three-tab shingles and multilayered architectural laminated shingles. While architectural laminated shingles cost more than 3-tab shingles right out the gate, they can save homeowners money in the long run because of their durability and longevity.

When evaluating different roof materials for your home, it’s important to consider your climate. For example, the Atlanta area experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from powerful thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail to winter storms complete with snow, sleet, freezing rain, and strong winds. You want your new shingle roof to be able to stand up to these extremes.

Look for impact rated shingles, which are specifically designed to resist damage from wind-driven hail. This will help reduce your risk of costly roof repairs over time, and it can protect your home’s interior as well as its contents.

The shingles virus travels in nerve fibers, which is why shingles often appear as a band of painful blisters on one side of the body. While the blisters scab over in 7 to 10 days, some people experience persistent pain for several days after the rash appears. This is called postherpetic neuralgia, and it happens when damaged nerve fibers send confusing and exaggerated messages of pain from your skin to your brain.

While it’s rare, shingles can cause permanent scarring. This can affect a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to go outside, hold a job, or even walk. Shingles can also lead to eye infections, which may lead to blindness in severe cases.

Choosing the correct roofing shingles can make your home look more appealing, as well as protect it from potential problems. For this reason, it’s important to evaluate your options and discuss them with the roofing professionals you choose. They can help you find the best solution for your home and budget. The more prepared you are for your roof installation, the less stressful it will be. This way, you can spend more time with your family and focus on work without having to worry about repairing or replacing your roof.

What You Need to Know About Roof Repair

Roof Repair Near Me is the process of fixing damaged sections of a roof. Homeowners should regularly inspect their roof for signs of damage like water stains, shingle granules in gutters and sagging.

Roof Repair

Some roof repairs can be done by the homeowner, but homeowners are advised to leave most major repairs to professional roofers. Labor and materials make up the bulk of roof repair costs. Other factors that influence price include roofing material, roof pitch and design, and roof features.

A ridge cap is the point of a roof where the slopes change positions. This area is usually capped with triangular pieces to prevent cracking or leaks that can form underneath the shingles or tiles. It’s also important to keep your ridge cap in good condition because it helps your home resist weather elements like rain, snow, and wind. If your ridge cap gets damaged, you’ll want to have it replaced as soon as possible in order to ensure the rest of your roof is protected properly.

Ridge caps come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to match the overall look and design of your roof or building. They can also add to the value of your property and improve its curb appeal. In addition, a well-maintained ridge cap provides proper ventilation to help control the temperature and moisture levels in the attic or roof cavity, which can be helpful for maintaining the health of your building.

The cost of repairing your ridge cap will depend on how much damage it has suffered and what type of material you choose to replace it with. Generally, it costs $250 to $750 to repair a ridge cap and apply fresh mortar. You can expect to pay more if you decide to use ridge vents along with your new ridge cap.

This is a fairly easy DIY project, provided that you’re comfortable working at heights and using roofing materials. You’ll need to make sure your ladder is positioned in a safe location and that you’re wearing the appropriate safety gear before starting work. Also, make sure you have plenty of cleaning supplies on hand to remove any debris and old cement from the surface before you start removing the ridge cap shingles.

Chimney Flashing

The chimney flashing is a critical part of the roof because it protects the joint where the chimney meets the roof. If it is damaged, water can enter the joint and cause leaks and moisture damage to the chimney and roof structure. It is important to have a professional repair the flashing as soon as possible to avoid serious roofing issues and costly repairs.

Chimney flashing is a metal strip that prevents water from seeping into the roof and chimney structure. It is made of copper, galvanized sheet metal, or terne-coated stainless steel. The material that is chosen depends on the roof material, design, and climate. Copper is considered the ideal flashing because it will last for decades and looks beautiful. However, it is the most expensive option. Galvanized sheet metal is less expensive and does not corrode as quickly as copper. However, it is prone to cracking and can break easily.

Chimney flashing needs to be installed correctly and inspected regularly for signs of leaks. A leaky chimney flashing can lead to water damage to the roof, attic insulation, ceilings, walls, and property within the home. Leaking chimney flashing is almost always caused by a problem with the chimney-to-roof joint. Chimney flashing is designed to respond to expansion and contraction of the roof and chimney, so if it is not properly insulated or sealed, it can develop leaks and allow water into the house.

Replacing the chimney flashing is a difficult job that requires skilled and experienced professionals. The flashing is replaced in stages, and there are many steps involved to ensure a watertight seal. A contractor will remove the existing flashing and shingles, then install new base flashing, step flashing, and counter flashing.

Verge Repair

Roof verges are the outer edges of your roof at gable ends. Traditionally these were fixed with mortar, this stopped living things and water from infiltrating your roof space but, over time, this method is not very durable – thermal movements and the weather can cause the mortar to deteriorate. This leads to moisture ingress, damp walls and the risk of leaks.

Luckily there is a solution, we can repair the verge using our dry verge system which offers a secure and robust alternative to traditional mortar. It costs slightly more than repointing but it’s more than worth the investment – dry verge caps last much longer than masonry and are designed to withstand high-speed winds.

We can also supply and fit fringe tiles which offer a neat and tidy finish to your verge. These tiles are manufactured from clay and can be supplied in a range of colours that match your existing roof tile colour. They are also made from strong materials that protect the verge from water ingress, wind uplift and a variety of environmental damage.

If your verge is in need of repair or you want to update the look of your roof, contact the team at Hall Aspects Of Roofing on 01642 323025 and we can recommend and install the best solution for you. We have access to a wide range of Redland and Marley products so there is sure to be something perfect for your home.

Often it’s not just the roof that needs attention, the guttering may also need replacing. This is an important aspect of any roof as it can cause significant water ingress, damp and mould problems if not properly maintained. We can help with both the repair and replacement of guttering and downpipes.

Roof Valley Repair

Roof valleys are prone to leaks and deterioration from rainwater, debris, snow, and other weather. Located where two descending slopes meet, they require special waterproofing to prevent water or ice from gathering and damaging the structure of the roof.

If left untreated, a leaky roof valley will cause more serious problems for the whole roof and can be very costly to repair. For this reason, we recommend that you take a proactive approach to preventing leaks from your roof valley by carrying out a regular inspection of the area using a tall ladder or binoculars. A regular roof cleaning schedule and lopping off any overhanging tree branches is also a good idea as this will help to maintain the integrity of your roof and prolong its lifespan.

An experienced residential roofing company can provide a range of services to protect the integrity of your roof and reduce the risk of leaks. In many cases, a small amount of roof sealant can be applied to the source of a leak in the roof valley as a temporary measure, although this will only work for a limited period of time. It will be necessary to carry out a full repair, including the removal of all the shingles around the area, replacing the flashing and installing new ice and water shield underlayment and re-shingling.

Depending on the extent of the damage to your roof valley, this may be a relatively simple or complex task. Generally, your roofing contractor will start by inspecting the area and then clearing away any loose or damaged shingle debris. Next, the roofing contractor will cut a piece of sheet metal to fit the valley and then bend it to the shape of the roof and fasten it in place with roof cement.

Rafter Tail Repair

The rafter tail is the end of a wood structural truss that projects beyond the exterior walls. It is often scrolled or detailed and serves as a key support for the soffit overhang. In older construction the rafter tails are exposed, but in newer structures they are boxed in with fascia and soffit materials to protect them from water damage. As they are exposed to the elements rafter tails can experience dry rot that needs to be addressed immediately, especially when it is noticed as soft or spongy wood.

Assuming that the rotting is limited to the last few inches of the rafter tail, the repair can be a relatively easy fix. Begin by prying off the damaged section of fascia board, taking care not to damage any fascia boards that are not rotting. Pull off the soffit material to expose the rotted rafter tail and cut it off with a saw. Cut a piece of 2-by-4 or 2-by-6 pressure treated lumber to twice the length of the rafter tail for a small repair, or three times its length for larger repairs. Drill pilot holes for 3-inch wood screws through the new rafter and into the existing rafters, making sure to drive them into the ends of the joists.

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