Common Reasons Your Roof Needs Repairs

When your roof needs repair, you want to stop the problem before it gets worse.

Especially since most people budget for home repairs and renovations, and an unexpected repair on your roof can really throw your budget out of whack.

What if we told you that preventing unexpected roof repairs was possible?

You may be able to avoid a leak from happening by taking certain, precautionary steps and keep your roof in good condition for longer.

This way you can repair or replace your roof on your terms.

In order to do this, you should educate yourself on the common reasons why roofs need to be repaired.

To help you avoid costly repairs and develop a strong preventative maintenance roofing plan, we’ve put together this list of the most common reasons for roof repair.

The 8 Most Common Reasons for Roof Repair

Leaving a leak to fester can lead to structural damage, damage to the building’s contents, and health-hazardous mold growth.

If you suspect a leaky roof or have evidence that you have one, you should act on it and call a professional roofing company like MM Dynamic to inspect it and give you an idea of what type of repair you need.

Here are some of the most common reasons your roof needs repair and what you can do to prevent it from happening:

1. Clogged Gutters

Uncleared leaves, bird nests, and airborne objects can clog your gutters, causing back-ups and leaks.

Since the purpose of your gutter is to bring water away from the roof, a clogged drain will stop that from happening.

The rain or melting snow will pool and increase your chances of water seepage.

At this point, the water can only spill out onto your lawn, or start to seep into your home. Once a leak is inside a building, it can ruin insulation and wreak havoc on the structure’s integrity.

You can spot a clogged gutter if you notice that water is not draining out of the gutter spout after rainfall. You may also notice that the gutter is sagging, or leaves and natural debris are sticking up from the gutter itself.

Not only is clogged gutter terrible for your roof, but it is also hard on the frame of your house. For example, when the gutter is full, the weight makes it pull away from the fascia, which is not good!

What to do: Perform monthly gutter checks. Look for signs of healthy drainage, or for spots where there may be sagging. If you spot a clog, remove the debris. You can then regularly clean your gutters every spring and fall, so they continue to operate efficiently.

2. Ponding Water on a Flat Roof

When water pools on a flat roof, you risk leaks.

Ponding water is water that sits on your roof for over 48 hours after rain or snow melts.

The longer the water stays on your roof, the more your chance of a leak increases.

If a professional roofing company installed your flat roof, it should have a slight slope, but water can still pond even with a slope or pitch. Ponding water can get especially worse if it is wet for a while or the draining system malfunctions.

Ponding will not only cause eventual leaks, but you may also risk the structural integrity of your building. The weight of the water can make the issue worse.

What to do: Perform regular checks of your flat roof. Call a professional roofing company that specializes in flat roofing systems. They might provide minor fixes, like roof leveling for drainage. But, the roofing professionals might suggest a more comprehensive solution, such as changing your protective coating or reworking the roof’s design.

3. Debris

If your home or building has overhanging trees or is located in a windy area, you may have a lot of debris that accumulates on your roof.

Twigs, branches, pine needles, leaves, and other debris that collect can become like a dangerous sponge that holds water.

The weight of this debris collection can cause damage to the roof underneath.

As a result of the damage, you could have water seep into the layers or under the shingles of your roof.

What to do: Ensure that you are removing any debris that gathers on your roof. Along with keeping the gutters clear, cleaning your roof is an excellent way to ensure that your roof functions at its best for longer. Suppose you are unsure about trees surrounding your home or building. In that case, your professional roofing company can assess the situation and let you know if you need to take steps to trim any trees in the vicinity.

4. Damaged Shingles or Roofing Membranes

Roofing materials are made to withstand weather and wear and tear, but they are not always perfect.

Flat roofs were commonly made of many layers of asphalt tar and gravel (called built-up roofs) until recently replaced by roofing membranes that are less expensive and have easier installation. However, these roofs can leak due to blistering or water seeping into the seams at the edge. Water becomes trapped under the membrane and damages the roof, causing leaks.
Heavy rains and high winds can cause damage to your shingled roof. After a storm, you may see missing or lifted shingles on your roof, or there may be some lying in your yard. Take this as a sure sign that your roof requires repair.

What to do: In the case of a flat roof, a roofing company should assess the roof to see how much damage has occurred.

Before it gets to this point, though, you can have your roofing company use a waterproof sealant coating on your roof to decrease the chances of membrane damage.

You should inspect your shingled roof regularly. Most shingled roofs can withstand average weather for their expected lifespan.

If you notice some shingles curling or lifting, it is time to call your roofer to check the status of your shingles. You might just need one or two nailed down to protect your roof, and doing so could save you from major repairs in the future.

5. Moisture

Excess moisture can cause damage to both flat and sloped roofs.

When the weather is damp, excess moisture can seep into the roof and cause damage through fungus or mold growth.

It can even damage the structure of your building or home.

Your shingled roof can be plagued by damaging excess moisture, too. If mold or fungus grows, you could even be jeopardizing your health.

What to do: Get your roof inspected regularly. Ensure that your downspout can clear any water away from your roof. You may even need to have your downspout extended to direct water further from the roof.

6. Flashing Issues

The flashing on your roof will expand and contract with weather changes. Expansion and contraction can cause the flashing to pull away from where it meets the edges and corners of your roof.

Eventually, there will be leaks into the roof, and it can damage its structure.

What to do: Have your roof inspected regularly. An experienced roofing company will check your roof to see if the caulking or seals have pulled away and can quickly identify minor repairs before you have a significant disaster or need a new roof altogether.

7. Holes

Roofs are at risk of a leak anywhere that there is a penetration through it.

This includes nail holes for television antennas or satellites, gas lines, plumbing vents, or other flat roof units. You might even have holes from an animal or bird.

Holes of any size allow water to leak into and under the roof, so it is crucial to keep them in check.

What to do: Ask your roofing professional about ways to mitigate damage from holes in your roof. There are options such as installing flashing, field wraps, pipe boots, or rain collars. A professional roofing contractor can also seal holes that do not have a roofing or building elements passing through them. Scheduling a regular roofing inspection will increase the chance of finding holes before they become a problem.

8. Age

Your roof has a maximum lifespan and should remain relatively safe and sound throughout this duration.

Once the life of your roof is nearing or reaches its end, you will likely start to notice the disintegration of the roof and its materials.

At this point, leaving it too long can cause catastrophic damage to your structure and property.

What to do: You should always be conscious of the date when roofing contractors installed your roof. If you are unsure, call a roofing company and ask them to check on its worthiness. You can get a good idea of how much time your roof has left until it needs to be replaced.

Roof Repairs in Hudson Valley, New York

Since we have rainy and snowy weather in New York, it is vital to keep on top of maintenance for the sake of your roof.

Preventing leaks and significant repairs is possible, especially when you are aware of the most common issues that plague roofs.

Your roofing materials will deteriorate over time, and one small leak can turn into a major issue that demands a fix immediately.

However, with the help of regular roof inspections from a professional roofing company, you can prevent roofing issues and get the most out of your roof.

MM Dynamic

MM Dynamic of New York is well-equipped to take care of your roofing repair requirements so that your roof is leak-free and stays in good repair.

MM Dynamic

11 Satten Ln

Saugerties, NY

12477

(845) 466-0064

https://www.mmdynamicofny.com/

Interested in learning more about your flat roof options? ,Contact us.

Flat Roof Repair 101

Flat roofs on commercial buildings have some advantages over sloped roofs, but they are also susceptible to a few issues. A few of these problems can lead to a shortened lifespan for your flat roof if left unchecked.

Due to the design of the flat roof, they typically require more maintenance than sloped roofs.

Regular inspections by a reputable roofing company specializing in commercial flat roofs are crucial to ensuring that your roof’s structural integrity is maintained.

Knowing what signs to watch out for with your flat roof can help you determine a problem that requires repair. Read on to see some of the issues that you may encounter on your flat roof that will require repair (or even replacement).

4 Common Signs that Your Roof Requires Repair

Minor repairs are common on flat roofs because they aren’t designed for water runoff. Therefore, roof repair or maintenance can be a regular thing.

Unfortunately, this means that you can get stuck in an endless cycle of repair and damage, which costs you considerable time, energy, and money.

If you catch the problems early, then you can get ahead of your roof deteriorating. There are common signs that your roof has an issue, and experiencing more of these often may mean that your roof needs to be replaced.

1. Water Pooling

One of the most common issues in flat roofs is pooled water. Pooling water stresses your sealant and can cause cracks and leaks in your roof.

Your roof moves slightly over time, which causes dips where water can pool. Your roof has been designed to keep your building safe from weather-related issues, but water pools should be drained or cleared away as soon as possible.

Doing so will ensure that the water does not enter the layers of the roof to form deeper cracks and shorten your roof's lifespan.

If your flat roof is getting older, you can consider adding a slope to even out the flatness and cause water to drain more readily. Depending on the condition of your roof, this may be a good option.

A professional roofing company should assess your roof and determine its worthiness before you make any decisions.

2. Adhesion Malfunction: Blisters or Bubbles

Suppose you notice bubbling and blistering on your flat roof. In that case, it is a sure signal that the adhesive that holds down your watertight roofing materials is failing.

The bubbles that you see on the surface of the roof are filled with water or air. This can be caused by inadequate insulation, poor ventilation, or improper installation.

If you can catch the problem early, the bubbles can be repaired. However, they can pop over time, and the resulting blisters can be too large to fill with additional sealant.

When this happens, you may even get holes that are deep enough to compromise the inside of your facility.

3. Moisture and Leakage

Excessive moisture is also a major problem for flat roofs. If moisture is not taken care of quickly, it can seep into the membranes of the roof, causing mold and fungus.

Hire a professional roofing company to perform regular inspections and required repairs. This will help catch moisture leaks before they become major repairs.

4. Cracks or Tears

Finding cracks or tears in your roof is a visible sign that your flat roof needs repairs.

If you discover a crack or tear, the more quickly it is managed, the less your chance of having the underlayer of plyboard or chipboard absorbing water.

Once this happens, the roof can become unstable and unsafe to walk on. If the problem has been caught early, you may not need a complete replacement.

However, if the entire flat roof surface is covered in cracks and tears, you probably need a new roof.

If you notice cracks or tears in the seams, where two pieces of material were joined, you can be almost sure that the area under the roof is much from moisture retention.

An expert roofer will determine the depth of the damage and let you know the best course of action.

What a Roofing Professional Will Check

The issues we list here are the most commonly reported and repaired issues for flat roofs, but there are other problems your roof may have. Your roof should be checked regularly by a roofing contractor to check for damage or wear and tear on your roof.

There are visible indicators of roof damage. These are some of the things an experienced roofing company will inspect first:

Top Coat of the Flat Roof

One of the signs that you are experiencing issues with the topcoat is the sound of fluttering from the roof, especially during windy weather. The fluttering is a sign that panels are lifting, which has exposed the under materials to weather conditions.

If this happens, it means that the topcoat has become vulnerable. The top coat should be addressed immediately to help stem further damage and lead to your roof failing prematurely; you will most likely need a replacement.

Flashing

Flat, asphalt roofs shift with temperature changes. This expansion and contraction force the flashing to pull away from the roof's edges. Once it lifts up, moisture can gather, causing leaks into your building.

Once your roof's flashing deteriorates, it will need to be replaced. Check to see that the flashing is still intact, and if you are unsure, call a roofing professional to check.

Organic Growth

A common roof issue for sloped or flat roofs is organic growth. Moss, algae, and lichen can develop on your roof, and though they appear harmless, it is a sign that you have too much water and moisture on your roof.

Leaving the organic matter to grow can wreak havoc on your roof. When your roofing professional performs an inspection on the flat roof, be sure to alert the roofer to any growth you have noticed.

Repair vs. Replacement

A damaged flat roof can compromise your building and your livelihood. That is why the decision to have your roof repaired or replaced is important.

For minor repair concerns, generally, a roof repair is all that is warranted. If your roof has significant structural or water damage, a repair will only be a temporary fix.

You will end up paying more for continued repairs as a result and could even compromise your inventory and premises.

Keep in mind that the roofing material used on your building has an expiration date, and if you are beyond that or close to it, it is a good idea to replace the roof.

Roofing material technology has advanced, and you may find that there are products that are better suited to your building purpose or climate.

There is another guideline for the repair versus replacement dilemma. If a repair will cost more than 20% of the price of a new roof, and your roof is more than halfway to its expected service life end, replacing it is the most cost-effective plan.

Future repair and maintenance costs will likely exceed the price of a new roof. Eventually, you are going to need more repairs.

Call Roofing Experts

The decision to replace or repair your roof is ultimately yours. However, a good roofing company will be upfront and honest about your repair choices.

Call an expert like MM Dynamic to inspect your roof and determine the best course of action. With their recommendation, you will have a better idea of the state of your flat roof.

If your roof is relatively new, you want to ensure that you get the most life out of it. With regular maintenance checks by a roofing professional, you can keep it functioning at its best for as long as possible.

Interested in learning more about your flat roof options? Contact us.

MM Dynamic

11 Satten Ln

Saugerties, NY

12477

(845) 466-0064

https://www.mmdynamicofny.com/

Small Business Owners: When You Should Repair Your Roof vs. Replace It

When you are a small business owner, you understand the importance of appearances when keeping your business or building looking great.

You also understand how important it is that your property is safe and sound.

One of the crucial things to the upkeep of your property is ensuring that your roof is maintained. As a small business owner, having water damage or even structural damage can be disastrous to your livelihood.

If you carry inventory in the building, a leaking roof can significant inventory losses. If you have tenants, you may be liable for costs incurred from water damage, especially if the tenant's property is damaged and insurance is holding you responsible for repairing that damage.

And on a superficial level, even your building's appearance can be compromised, deterring potential customers or tenants.

For these reasons, we can see why many small business owners in the Saugerties area hire a professional roofing company like MM Dynamic to maintain their roofs.

Hiring a professional company with years of experience to provide periodic maintenance for your roof will give you the advantage of knowing that you don't need to replace your roof when you can repair it for a fraction of the cost.

On the other hand, if your roof will require a replacement, you can plan for the expenses with prior warning.

Follow our guide below, where we share a few tips so that you too can know when your roof needs a repair versus a total replacement and why roofing maintenance can prolong your roof's life.

Repair Your Roof vs. Replace Your Roof?

In some situations, a roof that has fallen into disrepair needs some shingles replaced, or if it is a flat roof—spot repaired.

Shingles

If your roofing system uses asphalt shingles, they should last for many years, and barring catastrophic events, the structure of your roof should last as long as the building is standing.

Replacing shingles is dependent on a few things, however. You should call a professional roofing company to determine the extent of your roof damage. If there is any damage to the decking or underlayment, you will need a more extensive fix. However, when a few shingles have flown off of your roof in a windstorm, a roofing company may suggest replacing the missing shingles. If the damage is substantial, there may be no choice (and it might be less costly) to replace the roof.

When shingle replacement is an option, and you are looking at the aesthetics, keep in mind that your current roof may have faded shingles, and it could be hard to match new ones.

Flat Roof

If your building has a flat roof, your roofing repair professionals will be able to determine how extensive the damage to your roof is.

Flat roofs sometimes trap moisture or water under the membrane if they aren't sealed correctly or if small tears occur due to weather or age. Minor repairs can be fixed by roofing professionals with patches.

If the roofing professionals who have assessed your roof deem the damage too severe for mere patching, it will be more economical to have the roof replaced. You may even choose to replace it with a more efficient or water-resistant product so that you know you will be protecting your investment as best as you can.

When You Need a Roof Replacement

Patching or spot repairing your roof is a good idea when there is a minor roof issue that does not affect your roof structure and has not caused significant damage, such as moisture that has crossed over the roof's decking and made its way into your building.

There are sure signs that indicate that the damage to your roof is more significant and could not be fixed by a patching or shingle replacement.

If you suspect that your roof needs significant repair or replacement, look for shingle granules in your gutters or on the ground. Your shingles also may have started to warp or curl. Both are signs of aging, and it is likely more economical to replace your roof.

A flat roof may have blisters form on the roof's surface, which can be repaired by a professional roofing company.

Another sure sign that you need to replace your roof with a shingled or flat roof is a roof that sags. At this point, you must call a roofing company to replace the roof as it can seriously damage your building.

What Does Roofing Maintenance Do?

A roof on a commercial building can last for a long time, but a roof's lifespan depends mainly on the amount of maintenance and care it gets.

As a small business owner, when you invest as much as you have in your building and roof, you want to guarantee that it lives up to its potential lifespan.

The best way to ensure that this happens is by enlisting a professional roofing company to maintain the roof regularly. Experienced roofers are trained to spot blemishes and areas that could potentially cause roof damage down the road and can repair your roof when it is needed.

With regular maintenance from professional roofers, you can boost your building's curb appeal. When you take care of the rest of your building, a roof that is in poor repair will stick out like a sore thumb.

A well-maintained roof will show your prospective clients, current customers, tenants, or employees that you are a serious business owner and value your company's impression.

From a safety aspect, your tenants or employees will feel safe knowing that you provide a clean and healthy work environment.

Work With a Professional Roofing Company

You have invested time, energy, and money into your business, so it is worth protecting your investment with regularly scheduled checkups from a reliable roofing company.

Hiring a professional roofing company to maintain and identify minor issues in your roof can help you save money in the long run and prolong your roof's lifespan so that when your roof needs replacing, it is on your terms and not the weather's.

Take Away: When you have a roofing company check your roof from time to time, you can rest assured that they will alert you to problems before they become emergencies.

MM Dynamic is experienced in commercial and residential roof repairs and replacement and can recommend a solution for your roofing system.

MM Dynamic

11 Satten Ln

Saugerties, NY

12477

(845) 466-0064

https://www.mmdynamicofny.com/

Call MM Dynamic to schedule a roof maintenance check or to see how they can help your roof.