Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and its condition has a direct impact on the integrity of your house. Repairing your roof at the first signs of damage goes a long way toward protecting your home.

Some of the more common roof repairs are often relatively easy fixes. Such roof issues include missing shingles, clogged or damaged gutters, and built-up leaf debris and standing snow.

Even one missing shingle can cause extensive damage to your roof in a short period of time. That missing shingle can allow water to not only seep into that section of the roof, but it is likely to spread throughout a large portion of the sheathing, and the surrounding shingles may also loosen and potentially fall off. Replacing a missing shingle requires that you remove the nails from the old shingle left in the sheathing, slide the new shingle into place and nail it in.

When gutters back up because of debris or damage, this causes the water to remain on the roof. Without an easy escape route, the water will instead migrate into any existing opening, such as under loose roofing shingles or tiles or behind siding. Unclogging or repairing gutters will resolve this issue.

A build-up of leaf debris or standing snow on the roof can quickly lead to roof decay and leaking. Debris buildup and snow, which can cause ice damming, can lead to water to remaining on the roof, and extensive snow buildup could cause roof cave-ins. The solution is to remove the debris or snow build-up as often and as soon as possible. Remove both snow and leaves with a long-handled aluminum roof rake. Such a tool is lightweight, so it won’t harm your roof. Many roof rakes can be used from a standing position at ground level.

If you are considering trying to do roof repairs yourself we suggest that you follow the following safety tips. You should wear rubber-soled boots or work shoes that have a good tread, always work in dry weather, use caution when climbing and descending ladders and make sure they are on even ground, and install toe holds for steep roofs. The latter requires that you nail pieces of wood to the roof’s decking so that you have secure places to step.

When to seek expert roofing help

If you don’t want to do roof repairs yourself or if you have more serious roof problems then you contact a local, respected, roofing professional. Examples of serious roof problems include extensive leaking and damage that requires a new roof, as well as flashing leaks around hard-to-reach areas such as chimneys, skylights, and plumbing and roof vents.

H & S Roofing & Gutter Company has been installing and repairing residential roofs since 1939. As Charlotte NC’s best and top rated roofing company, we can help you replace or repair your roof. If you have any of the signs above, please call H & S immediately at (704) 327-3610 for a free roof inspection. Our knowledgeable team will come out and inspect your roof for any signs of damage, and give you a free professional appraisal of your roof system.