3 Roofing Problems Only a Roofer Should Fix

Like the home mechanic who does a lot of the repair work on his own car, do-it-yourself roofers can save themselves a lot of money – and potentially a major catastrophe – with ongoing maintenance and repairs of their home’s roof.

But, similar to how home mechanics can’t repair absolutely everything that goes wrong with their vehicle, homeowners who maintain and repair their own roof are well advised to not tackle every roofing problem that arises. The risk of improper repairs to crucial roofing problems is that the result can not only cause further damage to your roof, but the rest of the home too.

If you encounter any of the following problems on your roof, you should have a professional roofer make the repair.

Membrane Shrinkage

The roofing membrane underlies the shingles or tiles on your roof. It is the last line of defence between moisture and the structure of your roof and home. Over time, heat and moisture can cause your roofing membrane to shrink. When it does, it will not adequately cover the entire area of your roof, leaving parts of your roof deck and underlying supports at high risk of serious moisture damage.

Punctures

Debris carried by high winds can crash into the surface of your roof with enough force to puncture the tile, membrane and roof deck. If that happens, it leaves your home exposed to the outside elements. Ensuring that the repair effectively seals the gap property, with little or no risk of it opening again until the entire roof needs to be replaced, requires a level of expertise that most homeowners do not have.

Ice Dams

Contrary to what most homeowners think, the ice dams that form along the edge of a roof in winter really have little to do with the roof or the weather. Instead, they are an indication of a problem with your roof’s venting system and/or your home’s insulation. Professional roofers can help to eliminate the causes of ice dams.

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or not, it pays to keep an eye on your roof for potential problems and get the help you need to make sure your roof continues to protect your home.