Have you noticed a problem with your roof? Is it leaking, or is there a hole or crack that will become a big problem the next time it rains? If so, don’t necessarily believe that you can hop up on the roof and take care of the problem on your own. Even though there may be some minor repairs that you can handle, others are far more complex and will take more time and experience.
Act Before It’s Too Late
Problems with your roof will not vanish. In fact, they tend to get much worse over time, and if you neglect a problem now, you will be paying for it, quite literally, later. Waiting too long could actually necessitate a repair, or replacement, for the entire roof. Water damage could cause mold, mildew, rotted wood and more problems throughout the walls and ceilings.
Weatherproof Your Roof
The roof of your garage is susceptible to many different types of issues. Consider the fact that concrete roofs are porous and they tend to retain a substantial amount of moisture. This means they could develop problems such as cracking and scaling. The moisture can cause cracks, leaks, and corrosion. Waterproofing the entire roof, even the areas where there are not currently leak issues, is a good idea, and it is far easier than continually sealing and waterproofing different areas.
The first thing you need to do is clean the roof. A pressure washer could be very helpful in these cases. Then, you can use mortar or roofing cement to seal the large cracks. After that, add a solid prime. Once it dries, follow it up with an elastomeric sealant. This will ensure that all of the damage, large and small, has some added protection. Finally, apply the sealant to the entire roof, adding a second coat after 24 hours.
Issues with the Tiles
Look at the tiles on your garage roof. You may find that some of them are loose or crooked, and that they may have leaks. Simply repositioning the tiles doesn’t always repair those leaks, and the actual problem could be with the roofing felt instead. This is true even when you do not notice any issues with the tiles. Replacing the felting could be just the fix you need.
Be Thorough in the Search
Look at all areas of the roof when you are looking for the leak, not just the area that’s leaking. It could be other parts of the roof, such as the corners, felt, and drainage pipes that are actually causing the problem. For example, sometimes water will collect at one point of the roof and actually cause a leak in another part of the roof.
Check the Timber
One of the other things you should do is check the roofing timbers. In some cases, you might notice that the timbers are damaged or rotted, and they need a replacement. This is rare though, and most of the time, the timber will not have an issue. Instead, it is the roofing sheets that are the problem and that will need replacement.
Replace the Garage Door
When you have a leak on the roof, one of the other things that you may notice is that it affects your garage door. You may find that getting a new garage door could be a good investment when you are fixing your roof. It can help to boost the resale value of a home, and it can lower your energy costs.
At Caspersen Garage Doors, we’re ready to help you find a great door that works for your needs. We can answer all questions you have about getting a new garage door as well. Take a look at our great residential doors, or build your ideal garage door online.
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