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How to Repair a Missing Roof Shingle
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on March 21st, 2012
Few home repairs are as important as repairing a missing roof shingle. The roof, after all, keeps us out of the rain and snow, and it does so by acting as a unified system of several layers. The system works best when each layer is intact.
A missing shingle allows water to penetrate the wooden layers below. Even if things have not reached the point of breaking out the buckets because it’s raining indoors, moisture that gets past the shingles will quickly start to compromise the entire system. Wood and water are never a good mixture.
A torn shingle can cause similar problems, but it may not need replacement if it is in decent shape otherwise. Instead, apply roofing cement beneath the tear, press the shingle down into the cement and apply another bead of cement on top of the tear. That may be enough to hold things together.
If the shingle is missing or too far gone, it needs to be replaced. For that job, you will need a pry bar, a hammer and a utility knife. You will also need roofing nails and, unless this is a large-scale job that needs gallons of cement, a tube of roofing cement. Finally, you need a new shingle. If you do not have shingles left over from the original roofing job, your only option is to buy a bundle of new shingles that are the closest possible match.
When shingles are first installed, roofers work from the bottom up, nailing down one course at a time until they reach the peak. As a result, replacing a shingle starts from the top down.
Begin by sliding the pry bar under the row above the missing shingle and lift that upper shingle enough to loosen it. Loosen the next row above in the same way, since nails from that row go through the layer to be replaced.
Using the pry bar, remove the nails that are holding the damaged shingle in place. If the shingle is completely gone, remove the nails that would prevent you from sliding a new shingle into place. The goal is to install the new shingle directly onto the roof’s wood sheathing.
If the edges of adjacent shingles are ragged, use the utility knife to straighten those edges. Use the same tool to cut the replacement shingle to fit.
Next, add a bit of cement to the back of the new shingle and slide the shingle into place so that it goes beneath the two rows of shingles above. While holding the upper shingles away from the replacement, nail the shingle to the sheathing. It never hurts to apply a dab of cement to each of the new nails and to add some to the back of the new shingle along its bottom edge, so that it adheres to the row below.
The upper rows of shingles that were loosened can now be nailed down in their original positions. If the original nail holes were not used, cover each of those spots with a dab of cement.
Sometimes shingles are reluctant to lay flat after they have been raised. In that case, use cement where anything is curling and place a brick on any problem area overnight.
Repairing a missing shingle is relatively straightforward, but roof work can be dangerous. Take sensible precautions and avoid working when the roof is icy or wet and when the weather is especially windy.
The Average Cost of Common Roof Repair Projects
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on September 20th, 2011
Depending on what needs to be done, the cost of roof repairs can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
The average cost of a simple roof repair in the United States is about $600, but many factors must be taken into consideration to come up with a more accurate estimate of how much any particular roof job will cost.
Shingle Replacement
The most common roof repair is the replacement of several damaged shingles to eliminate leaks. Replacing a few shingles is not as inexpensive at it may seen, however. Shingles are sold by the square, enough shingles to cover 100 square feet. These squares can cost $100 or more, and finding an exact match for a roof that has faded over time can be time consuming too.
Replacing damaged shingles also requires roofing nails, which cost about $65 per roll, and roofing cement, which often costs more than $20 a gallon.
With prices like theses, it is easy to see why contractors charge at least $250 for a small repair and often charge several hundred dollars more than that.
If a problem has existed for a while and the plywood underneath the shingles has been damaged, each sheet of plywood costs around $20 plus installation.
For roofs with several leaks, the most common way of fixing the problem is overlaying a complete layer of new shingles on top of the existing one. Taking into account the prices above, it is no surprise that contractors charge as much as $2 per square foot for new shingles installed over existing ones.
Other Roof Repairs
When a roof leaks in the valleys created where two or more different angled surfaces come together, it could be a failure of the flashing. Flashing is a piece of metal that covers inside angles so the exposed edges of the wood don’t take on water. When this fails, water can come in around the plywood and creates leaks inside the home.
The cost of replacing or resetting flashing depends on how much needs to be done. The materials are moderately priced, but the installation of them can be costly. In the case of flashing, a number of shingles have to be raised up or removed to place the new flashing, a tedious process that adds to the labor bill.
Labor usually costs between $45 and $75 per hour, depending on the region, and jobs with complicated angles or large areas that need repairing can take a full day or longer to complete. Chimneys, skylights and unusual roof lines can add to the complexity of a job and therefore cause labor costs to mount up.
In fact, leaks often develop around holes in a roof that have been cut for things like chimneys, skylights and vents.
In addition, when a storm causes roof damage, it often damages skylights too. Because installing a skylight requires a number of shingles and flashing pieces to be removed, this one simple task can cost $450 or more.
Problems Only Worsen
Because roof damage often causes leaking onto the plywood below the shingles, homes can be experiencing structural damage from roof problems long before leaks appear. That makes it very important to tackle roof repairs as soon as possible.
The exact cost of roof repairs also varies by region, by season and from one contractor to the next, and there can be as much as a 300 percent difference from one contractor to another.
It pays for homeowners who don’t plan to do their roof repair work themselves to choose a reputable, established roofing contractor they know they can trust.
Terra Cotta provides long life while adding charm to your home
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on February 14th, 2011
Terra cotta roofing tiles are fashioned from clay and fired in special kilns to achieve a hardness that turns them into natural insulation. Terra cotta roofing tiles bring a Mediterranean look to your home. They date back to Roman times and provide excellent protection from the elements. Warmer climates where seasonal extremes are moderate favor this type of roofing. Colder regions require a better seal. Just as most Mediterranean countries enjoy benign climates, countries on this side of the world featuring warmer locales make good use of Terra cotta’s benefits.Regions of the U.S. where Terra cotta roofing tiles shine are those that see little or no snow. Terra cotta roofs tend toward moderately inclined pitches and facilitate runoff. The south and southwest are where Terra cotta roofing tiles make the biggest impact. Terra cotta roofing tiles are also good insulators having air pockets underneath that inhibit the passage of heat while helping to keep interiors relatively cool. Another advantage is that the tiles are heavy and resistant to high winds. The higher weight can also be a disadvantage for structures while Terra cotta’s higher costs suffer an additional disadvantage when compared to other roofing alternatives.
A profusion of Terra cotta roofs is a distinctive feature of many gracious destinations. California housing is a prime example of the charm Terra cotta roofing can convey. The early Spanish and Mexican missionaries used it to construct their missions and the public has made it a favorite ever since.
Caring for Terra Cotta roofing tiles
Cleaning and maintenance of Terra cotta roofing tiles play an important role in keeping roofs free of problems. Roofs should be inspected twice a year, usually in spring and fall following the harsher seasons. Maintenance should include the following:
- Sweep away leaves and twigs. Roofs of this type aren’t too steep and debris can accumulate.
- Fix cracks in the tiles. Tiles can be damaged by falling debris, earthquakes and human contact. There are special sealants that can correct this.
- Wash away accumulated dirt. A good washing with a pressure hose using hot water and mild soap can leave the roof as good as new.
- Clean unwelcome adherents thoroughly. Lichens, moss and grime can be tough to remove. A stiff-bristled brush plus hot water and mild soap will facilitate scrubbing and keep the tiles beautiful.
Relative cost of Terra Cotta roofing tiles
When compared to other roofing materials, Terra cotta is famous for its longevity. Terra cotta tiles cost more than other roofing materials but their long-lasting nature can make them a wise choice. Other roofing materials, with the exception of metal, can be subject to replacement with its attendant price tag.
Clay Roofing Advantages
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on November 22nd, 2010
Clay tile is one of the most durable and environmentally sustainable roofing options available. You can see how durable and long-lasting clay tile roofs are by looking at the Coliseum in Rome; the original clay roofing tiles are still in place over 2,000 years after being installed. The main market for tile roofs in the US is in the west; mainly California, Arizona, and Texas where Italian and Spanish architecture is prevalent. Recently there has been an increasing demand for clay tile roofs in the Northeast.
When a clay roof is designed and installed properly, it is considered permanent and is expected to last 100 years or more. Other roofing products such as asphalt or wood have to be replaced up to five times as often as clay tile. Clay tile roofs have a higher initial cost, but when you average replacement costs over the lifetime of a roof, they are actually less expensive. They also offer a safety advantage because they are virtually fireproof.
Clay roofing tiles are also energy efficient. Having clay as the material on your roof creates a thermal barrier. It lowers temperatures on the roof and prevents heat transfer into the living areas of the house in the summer. It also keeps heat from escaping in the winter. Lighter colored clay tiles reflect the sun, which keeps heat from absorbing into the interior of the house in summer. As a result of this, energy costs are reduced for both cooling and heating.
Clay tiles are one of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials. Because clay is a naturally occurring material it does not deplete natural resources such as wood. There are no harmful chemicals or preservatives used in the manufacturing of clay tiles. It is also recyclable. Removed clay tiles can be salvaged and used on other roofs, or it can be crushed for other purposed such as sub-layers for roads.
Another advantage of clay tiles is appearance. They bring character and warmth to the appearance of a building and enhance curb appeal. There are a large variety of colors, glazes and finishes available. Two methods are used for achieving color on clay tiles. One is to mix the color in with the clay itself, which provides a slight variation in color from tile to tile. Another method is to apply a surface glaze, which will result in more uniform-looking color. There are also methods to artificially age the tiles so they can blend in to restoration projects or historic buildings.
Overall, clay tile is a good choice if you are considering environmental issues, energy costs, safety or appearance. It will not deplete natural resources or take up space in landfills. It is a natural product with lower costs when calculated over the lifetime of the roof.
Homeowner Duties: Three Important Projects
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on October 28th, 2010
A great deal of responsibility comes with the title of being a homeowner. Following are three home improvement projects that should be at the top of your list:
1. Have ample dining space in your home.
A recent article offered tips on ways to bring dining back to the kitchen. Even if your home does not allow you to have a separate dining room, there are still several ways to incorporate an area to gather with your family and friends during meals. Peninsulas and free standing islands are great places to incorporate bar stools for a casual seating environment. If your kitchen has a nook or a bay window, a booth may be the best way to use the space. A savvy kitchen remodeling contractor will help you come up with the best solution for your space.
2. Install replacement windows.
If the windows in your home are old, you could be losing money every day. Outdated windows allow your air conditioning and heat to easily escape, causing your heating and air bills to be much higher than necessary. Replacement windows are much more energy efficient. And, if you are planning on selling your home in the near future, new windows will be a huge selling point for potential buyers.
3. Take care of necessary roof repairs, or have the entire roof replaced.
The roof is an extremely important home detail, yet many homeowners often neglect to take care of it properly. A roof is what protects your family and your home from the elements, so regular roof repair is an essential duty of homeowners. Promptly take care of leaks, warping or damage. Also, educate yourself about the roof replacement process. Most roofs typically last around 30 years, so make sure that yours is in peak condition.
Mid-Atlantic Roofs Take All Sorts of Weather Abuse
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on August 19th, 2010
Residents in the Mid-Atlantic area know how all about the bipolar weather. In 2009 and 2010, the region suffered one of the worst snowstorms in decades, and the overall snowfall in most of the region was over 3 feet. However, not four months later, the Mid-Atlantic States started to feel the onset of one of the hottest summers in quite a while. Not only did the summer bring heat – it brought some violent thunderstorms through the area as well. Some of the Mid-Atlantic areas that are affected by the constantly changing weather include Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and the District of Columbia.
The severity of the weather did a lot of damage to the area. Not only did the heavy snowfall basically shut down the region for days, the snow on top of homes and businesses caused damage to buildings and their roofs. That amount of snowfall can damage not only the roof, but also the foundation of the building. Once that is compromised, the price of repair just skyrocketed.
Once the dog days of summer hit, so did the thunderstorms. One precaution that should be taken before the stormy months is to have your gutters cleared of debris. A few storms have also been very violent, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands of people in the DC metro area, as well as elsewhere in the Mid-Atlantic. The staggering amounts of rainfall and even hail can cause small cracks and abrasions to occur in a building’s roof. If the problem is not properly fixed, or goes unnoticed for months, serious damage can take place on the roof and also to the foundation of the home. After such storms, it is important to take a look at your roof to check for loose shingles and visible signs of wear. Caught early, the roof can be protected very cheaply. Otherwise, the costs could pile up very quickly.
Average Cost of a Shingle Repair Job
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on October 19th, 2009
Sometimes you don’t need a new roof, but you do need some repairs. Shingles get torn off or damaged from rain an wind. Ice or even high heat and beating sunshine can damage roofs. Letting your roof go without maintenance is dangerous for your home, but it’s also dangerous for your wallet. Ignore repairs long enough, and you’ll need a full roof replacement much sooner that you would otherwise.
The average cost of shingle repair job is around $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage. Shingles are sold by the square, which is 100 square feet. Shingles generally cost between $100 and $300 per square. Of course you’ll want to use the same shingles you already have, so the more expensive your roof, the more expensive the repair will be.
With a shingle repair, you’re paying for the materials as well as the labor cost. The greater the area that needs repair, the higher the cost will be. In general, you’re looking at an average repair cost of $1,500, give or take a few hundred dollars. Different contractors can have very different prices, so it’s best to shop around to find the best price. Be sure to get estimates from a handful of companies before you decide on one.