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Tag: Roofing

Choosing Owens Corning Shingle Colors to Give Your House Pop!

Considering a roof replacement? Perhaps its due simply for purposes of function, but you can use this opportunity to also change the roof shingle color. If your house is due for a makeover, trading up using Owens Corning shingle colors can bring all the visual impact you’re looking for.

There is, however, quite a swath of colors and palettes to pick from and knowing where to start may seem daunting. But it’s an endeavor worthwhile, as a stylish new roof alone can ramp up the curb appeal of your home. Owens Corning shingle colors will likely provide every choice you need. But first, here are a few ideas to help you select shingles that will work well with the existing features of your exterior home.

Create a Mood Board with Owens Corning Shingle Colors

Once you’ve decided to swap roof shingle colors, the first step is to start planning. A mood board (or a style board) is a great visual tool. See Owens Corning shingle colors style boards for examples. Before committing financially to the task, seeing how colors appear in a shingle and whether it will work with neighboring colors is key.

When sifting through color options, you’ll want to think about how it will lay next to the other elements of your home: the siding (think: stucco, vinyl, natural wood), and any accents (we’ll get to more of those later). You may have an idea of what you want, but it’s best to find pictures for a mood board and look at all the possibilities together.

Owens Corning, with the help of mother-daughter duo Karen and Mina of Two Chicks and a Hammer, shared a video to help you get started. These ladies suggest gathering several of your favorite items, arranging them in a collection, and consider what you like about them. Which colors from your collection blend together well? Why does each object stand out to you? What theme might it conjure?

For example: for their mood board video, Karen and Mina put together a collection of objects of the same colors shown in a sample of the Owens Corning’s Summer Harvest roof. This hodge-podge of articles included a ceramic flamingo, a verdant houseplant, a black door handle, and a blue and white patterned bowl. This color palette – bright and sharp and fun – created a statement shingle reminiscent of warm weather, cool drinks, and curled toes in the sand.

As you start your own version of a mood board, a great resource is Pinterest, where you can build a digital board and search ideas as you collect visuals. Here, it’s easy to pull together the colors that stand out to you and lay them next to each other. Then include additional images of elements of your house, which we’ll review further in the next section, and of course experiment with Owens Corning shingle colors.

Consider the Rest of Your House

About forty percent of your housing exterior is the roof. Most of the rest is composed of your siding (which may include a primary and a secondary), then your accent pieces. These may include the door, window trim, shutters, landscaping, furniture, and pavement or walkways.

The more accents you have that build the complete exterior of your house, the more you’ll benefit from laying everything in front of you to determine color compatibility. When you want professional advice call Ace Construction & Remodeling as they are expert roofing contractors with plenty of experience in choosing colors.

2021 Shingle Color of the Year

Just as the fashion industry selects its “color of the year” to set the standard for the year’s runway trends, Owens Corning shingle colors are used to choose the Shingle Color of the Year, in projecting forecasted housing trends for highest curb appeal that year. Each color selected evokes a specific mood, rendered with expressive images: In 2019, the color was “Sable Black,” advertised alongside a shining black horse, its mane blowing in the wind; in 2020, “Pacific Wave,” next to a surfer shredding foam outside the barrel of a massive wave.

For 2021? The Owens Corning shingle color of the year is “Aged Copper,” a blend combining a gorgeous, deep reddish-orange, sage green, and brown. The result reminds one of walks in the woods, a gliding canoe ride through canyons and heavy foliage. It adds color while maintaining sophistication. It’s a nod to nature in an unexpected way and works with more colors than you might expect.

With a roof shingle color, it’s a trio of featured colors in each shingle. What this means for you is a multitude of color palettes you can choose, depending on which you want to accent. If “Aged Copper” features orange, sage, and brown, you may play up the orange by selecting housing accents in a neighboring shade (a caramel, sunset orange, or rust, perhaps.) Think of terracotta pots, orange planters, or copper trim. Or, the sage green could take center stage, by matching with a sage-colored front door, porch chairs, or potted plants in a similar shade.

Deliberate which elements you want as the “talking pieces” in your home’s overall look. Visit this website for Owens Corning shingle colors ideas and sample style boards.

Research Market Value with Owens Corning Shingle Colors

Learn how Owens Corning shingle colors might influence your home’s market value. Will it raise curb appeal? While different from market value, curb appeal does raise the likelihood of selling than those with less inviting decor. Will it make the landscaping pop? Will it further draw out its modern design? If you’re preparing to sell your house, consult a home appraiser to estimate the impact of a new roof.

Changing your roof shingle color can be an exciting makeover for your house and give your house that curb appeal pop! Take the time to consider your options, starting with inspiration from your favorite items. So put your creative hat on, put together a visual collection of some options, test it next to the other exteriors of your house, and consider what will add curb appeal to your home along with Owens Corning shingle colors. It will take some thoughtfulness, planning, and design chops, but in the end, it’s a rewarding project to take on.

Do You Have Roof Damage From Hail? Here’s What To Do

f a leaky roof is the typical nuisance for every homeowner, then hail is the irritating fly buzzing incessantly around their heads – it’s seasonal, it’s bothersome for everyone, and at times, it simply cannot be avoided. Depending on where you live, roof damage from hail is a possibility many homeowners must face.

Dense, incalculable, and at times, violent, hail can be a nightmare for anyone who relies on a functional roof. Hailstones can fall hard and fast and range from the size of a pea to that of a grapefruit. The aftermath of inclement weather as ruinous as hail can range from minor inconveniences (inability to drive) to deadly consequences (inability to safely leave the house). For example, the state of Colorado broke its own record for the largest hailstone when a whopping a 4.85-inch hailstone – nearly as large as a softball – fell in Bethune in 2019. (The previous record-holding hailstone measured at 4.5 inches.)

In 2017, the Denver metro area sustained a staggering $2.3 billion in damages from a hail event that fell that May (a number that swelled to $2.4 billion by 2020). In the same year, one study estimated that more than 10.7 million properties were damaged from hail events. For the average Coloradoan, he can expect around half of his homeowner’s insurance premiums to fall within claims for hail damage.

To add insult to [potential] injury, even the slightest impairments of roof damage from hail can result in a roof leak – not exactly music to a homeowner’s ears. It’s no wonder storm-related damage remains a common and consistent irritant to residents of hail-haunted states, particularly in the West and Midwest. The trinary of Texas, Nebraska, and Colorado are together known as “Hail Alley”. Other states often plagued by hail are South Dakota, New Mexico, Wyoming, and yes, even the “north central” region of the Midwest like Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and so forth.

That said, while you cannot stop hail from falling, there are countermeasures you can take to prevent sizable damage to your roof before a storm arrives. If hail becomes a concern, here are a few preventions to bear in mind if you’re subject to a storm, and what to do you have roof damage from hail.

Problems With Hail

Each hailstone can significantly range in size, and a hail swath (path in which it falls) can vary from half a mile to ten miles wide. In other words, while most insurance policies do offer coverage for hail damage to roof, there are some factors to keep in mind when filing a claim. Can you prove the severity of the storm and subsequent damage? Did your car sustain a few unsightly scrapes from a minor hailstorm, or has a violent storm left smashed windows and leaks in your roof? (Later in this article, we’ll get more specific with what to do when filing a claim with your insurance company.)

Preventative Measures For Roof Damage By Hail

Note the season. Dauntingly, according to the Weather Channel, hail can occur any time of year. If you do live in a hail-heavy region, hail season will depend on your location. Colorado’s hail season, for example, is mid-April to mid-September, whereas Texas’ hail season falls during springtime. It is worth researching your own area to plan as well as you can.

Hail season for Indiana is often fall and spring, but it can occur in the summer too. Hail tends to come with tornadoes or severe thunderstorms which also can cause roof damage. So, roof damage from hail can happen about half of the year. For the Indiana spring hail is mostly occurs from late March through mid-June. And in the fall, we see hail mostly in September and October.

Perform regular maintenance. Have your roof inspected regularly. Address minor issues before they exacerbate. Keep surrounding foliage trimmed. Clear gutters and drainpipes of debris and foreign objects. Remember, if a hailstorm has already arrived, it is too late to protect your property, so take all these precautions in advance. (Do not attempt to go outside during a hailstorm to prevent property damage.)

Use hail-resistant materials. Be proactive, be preemptive. Find out what the best investments are to reinforce your roof against severe storms. The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association describes which materials you might consider when installing or repairing your roof. These are materials that earn a high standard ranking by Underwriters Laboratory. This is the insurance industry’s quality grade that determines reliability, including hail-resistance. Rankings range from Class 1 (lowest quality) to Class 4 (highest quality). Learn what materials rank higher according to this standard. Talk to your roofing contractor about how best to construct a hail-resistant roof.

Repair Tips For Hail Damage on Roof

If a hailstorm does hit, knowing what to do can prevent further damage later. Here are some steps to keep subsequent property damage to a minimum.

Act quickly. Swift repairs will prevent problems from worsening if you have roof damage from hail. Inspect it as soon as possible after, not during, a hailstorm. As soon as you spot damage, you must report it to your insurer. Take pictures of any damage and keep records. Fortunately, most policies do cover hail damage on roofs. If instructed to do so in your policy, save receipts to submit for later reimbursement.

Know the signs. When your home, chances are likely you’ll know when a hailstorm has hit, but perhaps you were out of town. Following a storm – be it a severe thunderstorm, hailstorm, or snowstorm – right away, inspect your roof. Check for crater-like indentations in your roof: picture something resembling craters in the moon, or pits in an anthill. Be sure to also examine indoors for damage and know how to spot signs of a leaky roof.

Bottom line: hail damage on roofs is unavoidable, but preventative measures go a long way to protect your home. Invest in routine roof inspections and know how to quickly identify if a roof is leaking. Understand the risks that come with living in certain areas, particularly the trinary “Hail Alley” states. Create a disaster plan and have an emergency kit stocked and ready. With a bit of early investment in damage prevention, knowledge of your insurance policy, and a honed eye for signs of roof damage from hail, homeowners can equip themselves to address hail damage efficiently and effectively.

To Repair or Replace Roof – The Big Question

The number of years a roof may last depends on material and weather and can vary greatly as conditions change. So, if you’re wondering: “repair or replace roof?” then there are several things to consider.

Weather can impact the lifetime of a roof causing it to age faster than you would hope for. And that can be regular seasonal weather each year. Of course, extreme weather and/or accidents tend to cause immediate damage. At that point you will find yourself asking the big question: “Is it better to repair or replace my roof.”

As far as material goes, asphalt shingle roofs tend to last 20 to 30 years. Fiber cement and wood tiles may last a little longer. Metal roofing, which there are many types to choose from, slate, clay tiles, etc. will typically last 50 plus years – some possibly 75-100 years.

Getting near the end of the roof lifecycle will pretty much clue you in that you need to replace your roof. Or at least you will need to in the near future. So, it’s good to be saving now for that new roof. When you see a problem, you still may wrestle with the repair or replace roof question.

Repair or Replace Roof – It’s like an Old Car

In some respects, the decision is similar to replacing a car. Does it have more life, but at what cost? Will you have many repairs coming, and it would be better to go ahead and replace it at that point? You basically ask the same questions.

The old “nickel and dime” problem is what we are addressing here. If the repairs on your roof are starting to significantly add up, and your roof might not have that much life remaining, then your answer is likely that it is time to replace your roof rather than repair.

Usually when something is failing with a car it is obvious. You tend to know about it because a warning light will come on, or it will make strange noises. In some cases, you may notice the handling has changed, and you know something is not right.

However, with a roof on your house there are no warning lights. And unless water is running down to the interior of your home it can be easy to miss problems under the surface.

Repair My Roof Considerations

When you are trying to come to a decision of repair or replace roof, the following items may help. Ask yourself “what will it take to repair my roof?” And then weigh that with the benefits of each option, to repair or replace a roof.

If you detect leaks and water damage it doesn’t mean that roof replacement is automatic. It really comes down to the extent of water damage and roof leaks. How much wood will need to be replaced needs to be answered also, not just the shingles. This is where it is a good idea to call a professional roofing company like Ace Construction & Remodeling.

Your roofing contractor should also clue you into the aesthetics of a roof if it applies in your case. Then when you have determined the extent of roof damage and structural issues, if any, you will take into consideration the age of the roof. How much life of a roof is remaining will help you determine how much you are willing to pay for roof repair instead of replacing a roof.

It’s possible that you don’t know the age of your roof. Perhaps you purchased a house from someone who didn’t know themselves. In that case here are some clues to let you know your roof is getting closer to the end of its life. In which case you will want to start planning for a roof replacement project.

  • Shingles curling or buckling (often starts on the corners)
  • Shingles are bald
  • Shingles are missing
  • Roof sagging
  • Moss covering your roof (depending on shade, trees, and weather conditions)
  • Blistering shingles
  • Granules in the gutter (this is usually accompanied by other problems)

As we mentioned earlier the type of material can affect the longevity of your roof. And it’s not just a consideration as to when the roof is near the end. But the type of material might impact your repair or replace roof decision. Especially if it is an expensive material. It may cause you to wait as long as possible for replacement.

On the other hand, if the aesthetic impact of your roof and house makes a big difference in the appearance, curb appeal and value of your home, you may find yourself choosing to replace your roof sooner than expected.

But often the roof replacement cost is one of the most influential factors for answering the big question. So, you may need to do some research, and a little math to determine your best choice. Once again, a reputable local roofing company can help you weigh your options.

To Repair or Replace Roof: What Owens Corning Says

Owens Corning is one of the most well-known roofing material manufacturers. They suggest to repair when possible and provide the following list to help you. And of course, when you have too many of these repairs Owens Corning provides great options for roof replacement. Ace Construction & Remodeling is a preferred provider for Owens Corning roofing.

  • Replace missing shingles if possible
  • Replace damaged shingles if possible
  • Repair loose flashing and vent seals when needed

Look for other signs that shingles are failing:

  • Look for water leaks and damage
  • Look for large bald spots (usually a sign you need roof replacement)

While Owens Corning is providing information to help you, in the end they recommend that you hire a professional. Being able to identify issues is a start but having the knowledge and experience to know how serious a problem is only comes with a professional roofing company like Ace Remodeling & Construction. Now, here are a few more tips that might be relevant. And by the end of this you can answer the big “to repair or replace roof” question.

When to get a Roof Repair

  • When you find minor damage – for the most part if it is something confined to a small area it can likely be repaired.
  • If you have moderate damage – again, it may be a judgement call, so reach out to Ace Construction & Remodeling.
  • If your budget is tight – if this is the case and you are needing more and more repairs, you better start saving in a hurry for when you must replace the roof.
  • If your roof is not very old, it is best to protect that investment with a roof repair instead of replacing the roof.

And here are some “repair my roof” benefits over replacing a roof.

  • Roof repairs maintain an otherwise good roof.
  • Roof repairs are usually easy to arrange on short notice because it’s not as big of a project as an entire roof replacement.
  • Roof repairs generally save you money.

When to “bite the bullet” and Replace Roof

  • Saving money in the long run – remember the car example? Repeated repairs can end up costing you more than a new replacement roof.
  • The age is already there – so face up to it and get it done!
  • Occasionally building codes change and your roof needs an upgrade anyway.
  • Damage is overwhelming, and roof repair would only be a temporary fix, a band aid so to speak. Ask yourself, does it make sense to repair my roof, only to replace it just a couple weeks later?
  • Significant storm damage – this type of damage often eliminates the possibility of a repair and you might be left with no choice but to replace the roof. Note: Check with your homeowners’ insurance as you may have replace roof coverage.

And here are some of the benefits to replace a roof instead of repair it.

  • Aesthetics and curb appeal – can spruce up the look of your entire house exterior.
  • Up to date with building codes – if this is an issue.
  • Best time to fix multiple roof components (decking, joists, fascia, gutters, etc.).
  • Energy efficiency increased – sometimes this is an added benefit.
  • Peace of mind.

Hire a Professional

As with most Big decisions, having a local professional roofing contractor you can trust is the best position to be in. Ace Construction & Remodeling is professional and trusted and can help you answer the big question for your home. Repair or replace roof issues is where Ace Construction & Remodeling will come to the rescue!

Roof Leak Repair: Tips 101

A leaky roof may seem like a minor annoyance – but if left unaddressed, it could turn into a much bigger problem later. When conducting a roof leak repair properly, however, minor issues can be kept from worsening roof damage – and more expensive repairs.

Warning: These tips refer to very minor leaks only and do not replace a professional roofers advice. Also, working on a roof can be dangerous. For your safety we do not recommend this and encourage you to hire licensed and trained professionals like Ace Construction & Remodeling roofing experts.

Roof Leak Repair You Must Know

While we recommend hiring a roofing contractor for most repairs, catching issues while they’re minimal could spare you the need, and save you money. For the DIYers, here are some fundamental roof leak repair tips to help you nip a leaky roof in the bud. 

  • Know the clues. Water stains are a telltale sign of a leak; they can be in the ceiling or running down the wall. To spot water stains, look for that unmistakable bled-through appearance. If it’s above your attic, check for mold or rotting wood. Inspect your roof plumbing for torn rubber around it. Your shingles may also betray holes; even tiny ones can create a roof leak.
  • Know your roof. Material, age, and installation quality are important factors to examine. Do your research. If your roof is wooden, for instance, a latex caulk would be an appropriate sealing mechanism. However, if you have a metal roof, you should opt for a butyl-rubber caulk. Of course, if it is old and significantly worn, you may need to replace your roof altogether.
  • Know your sealant substances. There are caulks, and there are sealants: the biggest difference is elasticity. Generally, a caulk is any waterproof material that fills and re-bond gaps between building materials. It’s more rigid than sealants when dry. Sealants perform better in spaces prone to expansion and contraction. Consider how much stress your space typically endures, then determine which material is most suitable for you.  Note that using a caulk or sealant is only effective for very minor repairs, such as keeping out small leaks, pests, and drafts. Using either when a leaky roof warrants more extensive repairs could give the homeowner a false sense of security. Make sure to inspect the roof as thoroughly as possible before applying any materials.  Finally, caulks and sealants do come in different colors. Depending on how visible your roof leak repair will be, look for colors that closely match that of your roof’s.
  • Know your tools. With roof repairs, you’ll want to do the job right the first time
  • Know the safety precautions. Roof work is dangerous and falls are always a risk. Be vigilant, wear a helmet and soft boots with rubber soles, and consider using a harness for extra security. Prepare your household members for the upcoming construction project, and advise them to avoid the areas where you’ll be working. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to watch out for you.

DIY Repair Roof Leak Final Thoughts

While time-consuming with some risk involved, handling your own roof leak repair could be rewarding and cost effective for those willing to learn. But before getting started, you may still consider hiring a certified roof inspector to at least spot signs of damage that could otherwise be overlooked. Be prepared if they advise more involved repairs that exceed your own abilities. 

Whatever you decide, the homeowner who plans ahead, avoids shortcuts, and exercises safety precautions will be happier in the long run. 

At Ace Construction, we know what quality roof work looks like. Our licensed professionals are here to help. To request a quote, click here.

A Roofing Calculator: Why You Need One and How to Use It

If your roof had an issue, there once was a time when very few of us thought twice about hiring a pro to fix it. And with that, there wasn’t much need for a roofing calculator. But since the COVID-19 outbreak and its various unforeseen stallings on home projects (shrunken income, lower budgets, public health concerns), many homeowners have considered the option to save on labor costs by way of the do-it-yourself alternative for re-roofing their homes.

That said, roofs are a costly investment. While it’s typically recommended that a licensed professional do the job, with the right preparations it is possible to re-roof your own home. [Warning: Attempting to re-roof a home yourself has many risks in addition to the complications that arise from doing things incorrectly. We highly recommend getting a quote from Ace Construction Roofing Company. You can discuss with them the pros and cons of trying to do this yourself, and your best options for hiring Ace.]

Either route you choose to go, consider using the measurement tool that’s a re-roofing project must: a roofing calculator. This will show you the total surface area of your roof measured in square footage, which will inform you how many shingles and nails you’ll need to purchase, and later, more importantly, how much it’s all going to cost.

When measuring your roof, note that a “square” in roofing terms equals 100 square feet. (For example, 12 squares equal 1200 square feet.) When ordering shingles, you’ll order them by the square.

DIY-ing? Roofing Calculators and other Factors to Keep in Mind

Do your homework. You will need to weigh factors like time you can invest, the realistic project timeline, and your budget. When it comes to re-roofing, mishaps are costly, and common roofing mistakes should be researched beforehand.

Other factors to keep in mind will be roofing material, number of shingles, and even the number of nails you’ll need. (Do you live in a windy area? You’ll need even more: six nails per shingle, rather than the typical five). And where do you get the materials? Many roofing 

Using a Roofing Calculator to Measure YourRoof’sSquareFootage

To access a roofing calculator, consider tools like RoofCalc or Calculator.net, both of which are free and user friendly. Remember the term “plane” from 9th grade geometry? Here, plane refers to each distinct flat surface of your roof, or “roof plane.” (For instance, a sloping shed may only have one roof plane, whereas a gable has two.)

Remember also that multiplying length by width equals area? Simply measure each plane’s square footage, then add all of them together. This sum equals the total square footage of your roof.

To calculate the square footage, measure the area of each plane. From the top of your roof, throw a rope down and mark to measure where it meets the eaves (the point where your roof either meets or “overhangs” with the house).

Of course, this sounds simple, but when you start getting “planes” that are trapezoids or pentagons, or irregular shapes with unequal sides (Remember regular and irregular polygons from Geometry class? – oh, yea, we hope you didn’t sleep through that class.) figuring the square footage can be complicated. Our suggestion…just put your mind at ease and get a quote from Ace Construction Roofing Company.

Measure The Roof Slope (also using a roofing calculator)

A roof surface may be either ‘functionally flat’ or ‘pitched.’ A roof’s pitch, or slope, measures its steepness, shown as either a ratio or the number of angular degrees a roofing plane “deviates” from horizontal level. You will need to measure this as well, especially if your roof is particularly steep.

The online roof calculators ask you for each measurement needed. The better ones will explain how to get the measurements. Be aware, if you are off on your measurements, this can significantly affect the accuracy of your calculations. And if you are ordering special shingles and come up short it can be a real problem.

Roofing C basics For a Simple Gable Roof

To calculate pitch, first measure the roof length by measuring the exterior walls (plus overhang) for the length of the house parallel to the ridge (the point where the roof starts to slope).

Then, from either ground or rooftop, toss a rope over the ridge and mark it where it meets each eave. This will measure the width. Be sure to do this for each roof section that has a horizontal ridge.

You can also determine your roof pitch by using other types of roofing calculators: a pitch gauge (available at most home improvement stores) or a smartphone app (available free through any app store).

Calculate Your Materials (how many nails you’ll need).

Roofing calculators won’t tell you this, nor the other equipment and supplies you will need. So, you’ll have even more research to do. But for the nails, once you’ve determined your number of shingles, multiply times five, the standard number of nails per shingle. (As mentioned earlier, if you live in a particularly windy region, count six per shingle.)

Having Second Thoughts?

If after reading this your head is beginning to spin with calculations, not to mention many other more serious concerns, then do yourself a favor and call Ace Construction Roofing Company. Ace roofers are experience, trusted and highly rated and are a preferred contractor with Owens Corning roofing materials.

Roof Repair: 12 Clues to Finding Leaks

Roof Repair for Leaks are an Emergency

Roof repair is just as important if not more so than getting a new roof. But the first point we would like to make is if you already have leaks you might want to call your local roofing company. Why? Because we consider any leak to be an emergency. With that said it is always good to have the knowledge of what to look for in terms of leaks and being able to keep an eye on your roof structure.

Why Would I Need Roof Repair?

There are a number of factors that can cause the need for roof repair. Here are just a few.

  • Storms with high winds and/or hail can cause significant damage. If this happens you may need to install a tarp on your roof until your roof repair company can get there. They could be backed up with multiple storm damaged homes.
  • Extreme heat in the summer can cause issues to develop.
  • Debris from trees, or even limbs hitting or scraping the shingles.
  • Critters that reach your roof from the trees, or even across power lines.
  • Continuous neglect of your roof.
  • As your roof ages, more issues arise.
  • And of course, previously unresolved damage.

Cost of Roofing Repairs (do it yourself?)

There are a great many factors involved in the pricing of roof repairs. These include the type of roof, the amount of repair work to be done including the extent of the water damage. As well skylights can add to the cost if they are directly involved in the leak or area of damage.

You may consider trying to repair your roof yourself to save money. But unless you have the expertise of a professional roofer, or it just happens to be a simple and little fix, you definitely want to call your local roofing company. There is just no substitute for their knowledge and craftsmanship when it comes to roofing repairs.

12 Clues to Finding Leaks

Water stains extending  across ceilings, or running down walls is a clear sign of a roof leak.

  1. Note: it is possible to have a water stain in one spot only (especially if that is a low spot on the ceiling. You could have a leak in a corner, valley, or by a chimney, but the water stain on your ceiling is in the middle of your house – not anywhere near the chimney or other items. Water can travel a long way, and it may work itself to the lowest spot in your ceiling before penetrating down through the drywall.).
  2. Often you should look uphill on the roof and to the right or left of the stains for finding potential causes for leaks.
  3. Also if your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier it may hold water until it runs to another low spot where it can get through.
  4. Look for roof penetrations – water leaks are often found around these items: plumbing, roof vents, chimneys, dormers, or anything else that sticks up from the roof.
  5. Frosty Nails protruding through the roof decking (that missed the framing). In the winter time if you see nails in the attic with frost on them it could mean you have a small leak either at the nail itself, or possibly higher up.
  6. For hard to find leaks some people recommend using a garden hose to test spots. This can be an effective technique but you also could cause a significant amount of damage. Our recommendation is that you call your local roof repair company like Ace Construction & Remodeling.
  7. Inspect for Torn rubber around roof plumbing.
  8. Be aware of cracked housing on plastic roof vents, or broken seams on metal roof vents.
  9. Down near the bottom of the dormers check for missing siding, or rotting siding as this is a great place for water to penetrate and work it’s way below your shingles.
  10. Look for cracked caulk around dormer windows. Again, water can seep through and work it’s way down behind the siding and underneath your shingles.
  11. Watch out for poor flashing. Flashing that is missing, or has pulled away from the surface it was mounted to will certainly cause problems. It might be loose flashing, rusted flashing, or even just flashing that is no longer sealed properly. This is common around chimneys.
  12. Look closely for tiny holes in shingles. These can be easy to miss or you might see them and think that it is not leaking. But it can be a slow deterioration problem and can cause damage for years before you realize what is happening.

Beware of Poor Work on Roof Repairs

It is important to note that you shouldn’t depend on caulking for your repairs of holes and many roof repairs – at least not for the long term. It is common for homeowners to try to fix their own leaks. We see many of them have used regular caulk, or bathroom caulk to seal up holes of joints. It just won’t get the job done and will give you a false sense of security.

It is best to call your local roofing repair company, Ace Construction & Remodeling. Our expert roof repair contractors know what professional means when it comes to quality and a job done the right way!

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