Roof damage is a common problem that homeowners and business owners experience. Roof punctures are a specific type of damage that can occur based on specific weather issues or if you have people walking on your roof. Once your roof is punctured, it will need to be repaired with precision in order to prevent future problems.
Common Causes Of Roof Punctures
There are many ways that your roof can be damaged since it is consistently exposed to weather and external factors. Below are the common causes of roof punctures.
Foot Traffic
Whether you are installing holiday lighting, having roof repairs, cleaning windows, or other work, foot traffic can lead to damage to a roof. Roof punctures from foot traffic are common when some of your roofing materials are weak.
Falling Trees
Homes that are surrounded by large trees are more prone to roof damage. Dead branches or ones that are blown off during a storm can cause roof punctures. Fallen trees can lead to roof collapse and be an expensive replacement for homeowners.
Infestations
Different insects and rodents can lead to holes in your roof. Even small holes can cause leaks and mold growth in your home. The larger the infestation, the higher the risk of leaks or total roof collapse.
Hail Damage
In climates with severe weather like hail, large-sized hail can cause punctures to the roof. Even small hail pieces can lead to weakened shingles over time.
Roof Repair Or Roof Replacement
The extent of the roof damage will determine if homeowners should consider roof repair or replacement. Most damage to a roof from normal wear and tear will require the repair of a few materials. If repairs are not made frequently when damage occurs, a storm or walking on your roof could result in a total roof replacement.
If you suspect damage has been done to your roof, you will need to start with a roof inspection. A roofing contractor will identify the roof puncture or other damage, and then assess the structure to determine if repair or replacement is needed. When it comes to repairing roof punctures, there are a few steps that need to be followed.
Remove Damaged Shingles Or Tile
The first step is to remove the damaged roofing materials. This will give you a cleaner slate to work with and provide a clearer picture of the extent of the damage. Shingles and tiles will need to be removed carefully, so as not to damage the other surrounding materials.
Replace Damage Wood
Once shingles or tiles have been removed, roofing contractors will be able to see how far the roof puncture goes. The damaged wood will need to be cut out with a saw and replaced with new wood. The cuts will need to be made without damaging the rafter.
Damaged wood will need to be replaced with new plywood, framing wood, and insulation. Some repairs will need to be done from below, in the attic, to ensure that nails and brackets are placed correctly.
Apply Tar Paper
Roofing cement or tar paper helps to seal any small gaps in a roof. They are typically placed around chimneys, in roofing slopes, and when new materials are added to an existing roof. The tar paper will need to extend underneath the existing tiles or shingles as well as covering the puncture hole.
Attach New Roof Materials
Once everything is secured in place, the roofing materials will be applied. Working from the bottom to the top, contractors will apply the shingles using roofing nails and roofing cement to seal around the nails.
Preventing Future Roof Punctures
While not all roof damage can be prevented, there are some precautions that homeowners can take to help extend the life of a roof. Avoiding roof punctures may not be possible depending on your climate, but doing your best to stay on top of maintenance will save your home from disaster.
Some ways to prevent future roof punctures include:
- Trim surrounding trees frequently
- Choose a durable or puncture-resistant roofing material
- Have frequent roof inspections to stay on top of repairs
- Limit how often you walk on the roof
- Secure satellite dishes and solar panels properly
- Create a puncture-resistant walkway to access your roof
- Only work with roofing professionals
Roof Repairs From Premier Roofing & Restoration
Our Idaho roofing professionals know how to keep your home safe from weather and pest infestation. Roof punctures can seem like the end of the world, but when you work with the right company, they can easily be repaired. Premier Roofing And Restoration offers roof repairs, roof replacement, and gutter cleaning to help all homeowners have the optimal roof. Reach out to our team to schedule a roof inspection and improve your roofing materials.