Your roof is the unsung hero of your home.  It shields you and your family from rain, sun, sleet, hail, and the other weather elements all year round.  Your family has a snug and safe place to thrive under your roof.

Yet, often until there is a visible problem, you don’t think about your roof.  Your roof goes unnoticed and uninspected for years at a time.

Roof repairs can be a homeowner’s private nightmare.  If you are armed with the right knowledge, you can wade through these issues and be a hero yourself.  The object would be to extend the life of a very expensive possession for as long and as completely as possible.

JR Roofing Service has been Houston’s Professional Roofing company for over 10 years, and we have answered roof questions for thousands of people.  This article answers some of those questions.

The most prevalent symptom of roof problems is when a leak suddenly makes itself visible.  Whether the leak is a small drip or a steady stream, the leak demands immediate attention.  Identifying the source of the leak can be tricky, since water can travel distances along beams and rafters.  Regular inspections of the roof can help catch leaks early, preventing costly damage to your home’s interior.

When you call a professional to help you locate a leak, you will want that company to also be able to repair the inside of your home, if it was damaged by the leak.  The reason for this is you want the same contractor responsible for the repair job from start to finish so there will be no haggling between contractors if something goes wrong.

Damaged shingles are the next most common concern.  Shingles damaged by exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause shingles to crack, curl or even to go missing.   Any breach in the shingles on the roof compromise the integrity of your roof, which makes it more susceptible to leaks and the corresponding damage.  Promptly replacing any damaged shingles can extend the lifespan of your whole roof and can prevent more expensive repairs.  Your professional roofer should be able to advise you the best way to replace shingles without further damaging your roof.

Then there is flashing.  This is the thin metal strips installed around things that stick up through your roof – chimney, exhaust pipes, wind turbines and other things like that.  Improperly installed or damaged flashing can allow water to seep into your home and you might not notice it for a long time.  Regular inspections of your flashing for signs of wear and tear can be critical to not having to replace your whole roof.  Again, call a professional that has many years of stable and proven history of specialized repairs in order to safeguard your home.

The last major issue we have seen over our years of repairing roofs is inadequate ventilation.  This is often overlooked by less-than-professional installers, yet this can really impact the life of your roof.  Poor ventilation can trap heat and moisture in your attic, which can lead to premature deterioration of shingles as well as structural damage.  Installing proper ventilation, such as ridge or soffit vents can help regulate temperature and moisture levels, prolonging the life of your roof.

When faced with roof repairs, or an aging roof that will have to be replaced, promptly contact a proven and qualified professional for assistance.  As always, it’s good to get a couple of bids, but be really careful when choosing your contractor – the lowest bid is not always the best bid.  By staying proactive and interactive with your roof, you can protect your home and ensure your roof will continue to shelter you and your family for years to come.

Remember that old adage?  “A stitch in time saves nine.”  In this case, a shingle in time saves a leaky mess.

If you run into any problems like we have discussed here, and if you live anywhere in the Houston area, contact JR Roofing Service, 713-282-7024, for a professional estimate of what it will take to protect your biggest asset – your family that lives under your roof.