Author: Nyrie

We are about to enter the rainy season here in Los Angeles County–which means, don’t forget your umbrella and keep an eye on your roof! If your roof is brand new, then you most likely don’t need to worry about roof leaks. But if your roof has lived up to its lifespan and is entering its next decade, then you better be prepared for roof leaks.

One way of combatting leaks in Los Angeles is the old and gold bucket-under-the-leak technique, but it’s just a temporary solution. To completely eliminate the leaks, you first need to understand and determine the cause, the source. So, if you want a leak-free roof for years to come, then keep reading to find out the 5 most common sources of roof leaks.

Source #1: Damaged Shingles

If you have an old roof in the Los Angeles area, then you first need to check your shingles. Throughout time, asphalt shingles can become weary and get dislocated. If the shingles are lifting and not properly covering your roof, then water can easily pass through the wood underneath and result in leaks in your ceiling.

Source #2: Cracked Flashing

Besides old roofing material causing leaks, another point of concern on a roof can be the roof flashing. Flashing are the pieces of metal at the joint of your roof. Flashing creates a water-resistant layer, but if it’s old and damaged, it loses its water resistance and allows water to enter your house.
The only way you can fix this is by replacing the old flashing with new ones. The good news is you may not have to replace the entire roof, but instead, simply locate which flashing is causing leaks, and replace that piece and the surrounding area.

Source #3: Skylights

Some homeowners absolutely love having skylights. Skylights add a special detail to the house. But during rainy and snowy days, your skylight can turn into a primary source of leaks, if it wasn’t installed properly. The good news is that if your skylight is the cause of the leak, then you can spot it really quickly and fix just that area without needing a full reroof.

Source #4: Clogged Gutters

Gutters help to get the water off your roof, and if they aren’t performing that function correctly, then rainwater will stay on the roof and inevitably cause leaks. Especially during the fall season when leaves are always falling, gutters get clogged with very easily. We recommend cleaning out your roofing gutters at least once a year before the fall and winter seasons to make sure they are prepared to work correctly when the rainy season arrives. 

Source #5: Broken Chimney

The chimney is basically a big hole on your roof and a perfect place for water to pool. If that water stays there for too long, then it can seep into your house. If you see leaks on your ceiling or walls, then keep in mind that chimneys can cause it too, so check them as well.

Now that you know where to look, your task becomes easier. You don’t have to inspect the whole roof to find the leak spot, look at the common places first. And if you need a licensed roofing contractor in Los Angeles to fix a leak issue, then give Roof Repair Specialist a call today!

If you are thinking of buying a house or you are already in the process, then keep reading because you might save a good deal of money and nerves with this information. You’ve probably already read a hundred times that you shouldn’t make a large real estate purchase without a house inspection. That is 100% true, but what you also need to know is that most home inspection services don’t include the roof, and we all know that roofing can be expensive and time consuming. Continue reading “What is the Purpose of a Roof Inspection?”

Rains, snowstorms, winds, and other heavy weather conditions can damage your roof – sometimes very little, sometimes to a great extent. If you live in areas where storms are very common, then you are familiar with all the risks that they bring, including very serious roof damages. Roofs are not doorknobs that you can fix whenever you have time. The roof is the biggest form of protection on your house, so any problem big or small requires immediate attention.

Continue reading “Tips to Assess and Repair Roof Storm Damage”

Roof repairs in California are a necessity that needs to be taken care of at one point or another. Roof repairs take time and money. The money part is usually the most worrying for many homeowners, which is justified because depending on the scope of the problem, roof repairs can cost a lot. No one wants to be surprised by a huge bill at the end of the repair. That is why it’s a good idea to have an estimate first, and then schedule the job with the contractor. But how do you ask for an estimate? How are estimates created? Should you even care? If you have any of these questions, then keep reading.

Continue reading “Do I Need a Roof Repair Estimate?”

Unlike many other house-related tasks, roofing is more complicated and time-consuming. It is not like changing a lightbulb where you can attempt it many times. Roofing work needs to be very accurate, because it’s going to protect your home for 20 to 30 years. If you are a homeowner, chances are low that you know a lot about roofing procedure and materials; yet if you’ve committed to it, you will need to make decisions about the timeline, materials, workforce and many other small things that will come up in the process.

Continue reading “The Basics of Roofing Material Types”

Re-roofing is on the list of top 10 things homeowners hate. It takes a lot of time, energy and of course, money. As much as you hate doing it, roof replacement is important and necessary for safety, and in the long run it will save you a lot of money.

Over the years, we have learned tips and tricks that can help you save money during the roof replacement process in Los Angeles, CA. So, if you are considering re-roofing or you already settled for it, keep reading and you’ll find out some easy ways that you can save money. Continue reading “5 Tips on How to Save Money During Roof Replacement”

Continue reading “What is Roof Maintenance and Why is it Important?”

Let’s say your roof has problems, but you don’t have the skills or knowledge to identify what exactly is causing the issue. Unlike other housing related issues, roof DIY inspection and repair are tough and often dangerous to do yourself. Not all households have the necessary equipment, and not everyone can work with heights. So as much as you might want to fix roofing damages yourself, hiring a contractor is inevitable and a much safer option.

The question is, how do you make sure that the contractor you hire is a good one? You’re going to pay a lot of money, so you will expect fast and quality work in turn. In order to get that, you need to settle for the right contractor. Keep reading to see how you should choose the right roofing contractor for you.

Continue reading “How to Find the Right Roofing Contractor in Los Angeles, CA”

With fall here and winter coming soon, roof maintenance should be a top priority for homeowners in Los Angeles, CA. Ignoring simple steps like roof maintenance or gutter cleaning can lead to larger roofing issues when there is heavy rain in the winter.

Replacing a roof can be costly, but in the long run it’s more cost-efficient than doing multiple repairs. We are not saying go and change your roof after the first issue, but you should definitely keep an eye out for red flags that hint that it’s time for a replacement. So, without further ado, let’s jump in and review the three big signs that tell when it is time to replace your roof.

Sign #1: Can you recall when the roof was installed?

If you don’t remember when your roof was installed, then that is a probable sign that you should be considering a replacement soon. Roofs in Los Angeles have their expiration date, and it is usually 20 to 25 years. If you’ve had your roof longer than that, or you moved into your new home recently and don’t know the actual age of the roof, then I recommend contacting a roofer for easy roof maintenance. Having a checkup and quick maintenance will give you peace of mind for the future. Remember that the top layers of your roof don’t always depict what’s going on underneath, so without a professional inspection, you can never know the real condition of your roof.

Sign #2: Shingles are Curled, Cracked or Missing

If you have a shingle roof, there are a few easy ways to spot if the asphalt shingles have aged. If you are on the top of your roof, check out your asphalt shingles and call a licensed roofer if you notice any of these problems:

• As a shingle roof gets older, over time the shingles starts to curl, which means the edges turn upward or the middle part comes up. Either way, it’s not a good sign. Shrinking and curling is a result of weather conditions, and if left unnoticed, it might lead to leaking.
• Another easy-to-spot issue with asphalt shingles is if there is heavy granule loss. Granules are the small rocks on shingles, and if the roof is very old, the granules tend to fall off very easily and leave your roof open to damage from rain or leaves.
• If you live in a windy area, then you should be ready to tackle cracked shingles. One or two cracked shingles can be replaced fairly easily. However, if the cracks are scattered, then the task gets harder and eventually you might have to replace the whole roof.
• Missing shingles: in some cases, wind can blow off an entire section of shingles. Technically you can replace one, two, ten or twenty shingles easily. However aesthetically the new shingles won’t match the old shingles, so that’s something to keep in mind when getting a few new shingles repaired.

Sign #3: Sagging

Sagging is perhaps the most alarming sign that indicates you need a roof replacement. Sagging occurs when the roof has structural problems. It’s not an aesthetic or simple repair — sagging can cause issues in the foundation of your roof, thus making it unsafe. If you notice depression or a droop, then it’s time to call a roofing contractor in Los Angeles as soon as possible.

Keep these signs in mind, and when you notice any of these problems, contact Roof Repair Specialist in Los Angeles for a free estimate!