Monthly Archives: May 2014

Making the Decision to Replace or Repair a Leaking Roof

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As a homeowner, one of the most important pieces of your house is its roof. Shelter is one of our most basic needs, and a good roof keeps us out of the rain, wind and harsh weather we experience annually. Our roofs also help us stay comfortable in our homes by keeping heat in or out, as we desire.

Of course, things can happen that damage our homes’ roofs and leaks can form over time. For homeowners, it is very important to understand what types of damage necessitate a full roof replacement or if simply repairing a leaking roof will be enough. Here are some things to look for to help make a good decision.

Diagnose the Damage

Sometimes we may be able to repair a leaking roof that has seen minor damage as the result of a storm. Sometimes, falling limbs may hurt a small area of the roof, or strong winds may blow shingles off. The homeowner can usually handle these issues, but it is always a good idea to seek the advice of a trusted professional. Because your roof is such an important piece of your property, you want to make sure your do-it-yourself patching job will not hurt your home’s value.

If you notice a leaking roof as the result of more extensive damage, you will likely need more than a simple patch. If a major storm or tornado has caused damage to your roof, consult a roofing expert to help determine if you will still be able to get by with simple repairs, or if you will require a partial or full roof replacement.

When to Repair a Leaking Roof

There are several factors that must be considered when determining whether or not to replace or repair a leaking roof. The age of the home, and the roof itself are top on the list. If you have recently put on a new roof, or the home is new, the chances are better that you will only need a simple repair.

Leaking roofs are major problems, however, so you should be absolutely sure that a simple fix would be enough. When water gets in your home, you are at risk of mold, rotting wood and a host of other issues that may make your home unsafe, and even a new home or new roof is immune to major damage.

It May Be Time to Replace Your Roof

If your home is older, especially if your roof has been in place for more than a decade, you may consider replacing the roof altogether. In many cases, you will probably save money in the long run. Also consider the overall condition of your roof shingles and if you have had other problems with a leaking roof in the past.

When making the decision to replace or repair a leaking roof, a good rule of thumb is to call a roofing professional you can trust. An expert will be able to examine your unique situation and help you make the best decision.

Prepare to Avoid RV Rubber Roof Repair

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RV rubber roof repair. Say that three times fast.

If you enjoy the lifestyle that comes with loading up your RV and hitting the highway, you have probably said “RV rubber roof repair” before. Maybe you even entered the phrase into a search engine. Chances are, it wasn’t a very fun experience that led to that point. Unfortunately, for many RV’ers, the occasional RV rubber roof repair is part of owning a recreational vehicle.

The Best Repair is One You Never Have to Make

Rips and tears in a rubber roof can lead to serious water damage to your RV, especially when they are not recognized early. RV owners should conduct regular inspections of all areas of the vehicle, but especially roofs, to make sure the structure is safe from punctures that can lead to water damage.

If you own an RV, you have made a large investment in a large vehicle. Therefore, it is important to take care of it. While you will probably be unable to avoid all risks that can hurt your investment, there are some steps you can take to give your roof the best chance to live a long, healthy life above your RV.

Most rubber roofs come with a warranty that will cover you for about a decade, and the materials themselves are expected to last nearly twice as long. Of course, there are issues that can arise and put your RV roof in danger.

A simple rule of thumb is to avoid tree branches when possible, both driving and parking. Driving under a tree branch may lead to the limbs scratching the top of the RV and potentially catching and tearing the rubber material.

Furthermore, parking under tree branches can lead to trouble even when the RV is stationary. Branches fall as a result of weather, such as high winds or heavy ice and snow, and a falling branch can cause just as much damage as one that scratches the roof when the RV is in motion.

What is worse is when your RV is damaged when it is not in use, you could have bigger problems because the damage often goes unnoticed. If your RV is parked in the yard over the winter, or in the driveway during a summer thunderstorm, you may not always realize that a branch has fallen and caused potential damage. Therefore, it is vital to always check the RV and its rubber roof for needed repairs immediately after damage is suspected.

To avoid issues like falling branches, or general wear and tear that come with parking an RV outdoors for extended periods of time, consider parking it in a garage or storage center.

When Repairs Are Necessary

Obviously, there are times your RV and its rubber roof will need repairs. Luckily, there are many products available to make your RV rubber roof repair simple and easy. One of the most cost-effective and durable options is a liquid roof coating. These can be applied with a brush and roller and last for years.