You walk out to the front of your house and suddenly see something that wasn’t there before – broken roof shingles littering the ground like confetti and creating an unsightly mess. It may be a sight you had not expected, especially if it’s a sunny day with no wind to disrupt your peaceful view. As much as this is an unwelcome surprise, it’s important not to panic but take the necessary steps to resolve the issue so your and your family’s safety can remain secure. Whether you plan on tackling the repair job yourself or to find out the best roofing company in Atlanta GA, read on to learn what steps you should take when faced with visible broken roof shingles.
Inspect the Damage
As soon as you identify a broken roof shingle, you need to quickly assess the damage to determine the necessary remedy. Even if the damage seems small and innocuous, it’s always best to take swift action. If not kept in check, roof problems are notorious for quickly escalating and getting progressively more expensive. Extensive damage might require professionals, but DIY solutions often resolve minor cases. Instead of allowing a damaged shingle to impact your whole roofing system, look into solutions like replacing the shingle or resealing the broken pieces – these small precautions will help ensure a long-lasting solution.
Dealing with broken or damaged roof shingles can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage to your home. If you’re in need of reliable roofing services, consider reaching out to Helmuth Roofing. With years of experience and a commitment to quality workmanship, their team of skilled roofers can provide expert repairs and replacements to keep your roof in top condition.
Determine the Cause of the Damage
To handle visible broken roof shingles effectively, it’s important to figure out the underlying cause of the damage. Was this due to a heavy snowfall, a heavy storm, or perhaps an errant tree branch? With the correct diagnosis of why your roof has been hurt and what type of shingle was affected, you’ll be armed with the information you need to find the right next steps. From here, you can address whatever solution best suits your needs – whether that be a simple repair or needing full or partial replacement. Regardless, checking into what specifically is causing your roof damage will protect its health in the long run.
Repair or Replace the Damaged Shingles
You can temporarily patch up the damaged shingles with roof cement or tar, but this may be only a short-term solution as they could disintegrate quickly in the face of frequent inclement weather and harsh temperatures. To ensure long-term protection against damaging elements like wind, rain, and snow, you should replace a broken shingle with a new one that can better fight off deterioration due to exposure. Take time to match the shape and color of the replacement correctly to maintain your home’s aesthetic value while increasing its lifespan in tough conditions.
Repair the Cracks
It is important to act as quickly as possible to repair visible cracked or broken roof shingles. To do this, apply a good amount of sealant under and above the crack using a putty knife. The pressure applied when the sealant is spread should be sufficient to keep the crack closed and give time for it to dry properly. Once completely dried, the sealant will prevent any further damage in the shingles, keeping the roof looking its best while ensuring it can withstand weather conditions throughout the year.
Clear the Gutters
Debris, such as leaves, dirt, granules, and dust, will accumulate underneath the shingle, creating a blockage in your drainage system that can disallow rainwater from passing through smoothly. Without proper clean-up, these clogged pathways will cause the water collecting in the roof to start dripping down, causing more structural damage. Thus, being mindful of a few broken shingles can save you from costly future repairs and help increase the lifespan of your roof.
Contact a Professional
When visible broken roof shingles appear, the smartest action is to call a professional roofing service. They are well-equipped to identify any further underlying problems and offer reliable repairs at an affordable price. DIY repairs may seem tempting, but understand that faulty shingle work often leads to bigger issues, such as water leaks and long-term damage. Go with an experienced crew that has handled many roof repair projects and can efficiently care for your home’s protective layer. Professional roofers provide long-lasting solutions, so you don’t have to fret over cumbersome and costly maintenance in the future.
Home maintenance and upkeep are vital to keeping your roof in top shape. It can be easy to overlook damage, but it’s important to take care of the issue when you have visible broken roof shingles. If there are other signs you need roof repairs, such as leaking or water stains, contact a roofing specialist to perform an inspection and any necessary replacement. Ultimately, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure for your roof – taking measures to prevent wear and tear from happening in the first place is the best way to save money in the long run.