Roof repair is very crucial for sustaining the health of your new roof. Some homeowners overlook the possibility of a roof repair because their roof is comparatively new. This is a very wrong notion. If the weather of the place is as extreme as that of Tampa, Florida, one should always be on the lookout to prolong the life of your roof.
Detecting roof leaks – Indications
Roof leaks are always detected when certain significant signs appear at various parts of your house. The first sign always appears on the ceilings as damp spots. This dampness soon develops into dark patches. Further, water trails appear along the interior and exterior walls, which later turn into bubbles and blisters. Another indication is a damp smell in your attic and mold growth in the corners. Mold growth can be detected on furniture and carpets also. It is a sure sign that the interior atmosphere is humid. A serious roof leak in Tampa, Florida is often the cause of this phenomenon.
Roof repair tips
The shingles are likely to curl or buckle in the extreme heat of Tampa, Florida. Water is likely to seep in through the gaps. If a storm blows away the shingles or flying debris breaks the tiles the same thing can happen. The curled shingles should be straightened and fixed using sealants. During the summer season, the shingles are likely to be stiff and brittle. If you try to straighten then they may break. So using a flame gun to soften them before working on them is a good approach.
2. Valleys
Rainstorms are frequent in Tampa, Florida which causes heavy flow offs along the valleys on the roof. Heavy water flow may dislocate the shingles along the valleys which give enough space for water to flow. The dislocated shingles along the valleys should be straightened and nailed into place.
3. Flashings
Flashings are installed at the bases of rooftop structures like chimneys, vents, and skylights. This structure is made of metal sheets affixed around the joints of roof tap installations with roofing cement or other sealants to cover the gaps around their housings. The roofing cement will develop cracks, or the metal sheets will corrode, forming holes. There will be ample space for water to enter through these.
If a crack is visible on the roofing cement around the flashing, it should be looked into immediately. It is better to remove the portion altogether before reapplying roofing cement or the sealant. If you do not clean this portion well, the second application may not stay for long. If the metal sheets have deteriorated, it is better to replace them.

4. Gutters
Gutters are fixed along the perimeter of the roof to facilitate free and uninhibited water flow from the roof. If the gutters and downspouts are clogged they will overflow, and the water enters the roof through the fascia and soffits. Cleaning the gutters and downspouts is a simple DIY job. The homeowner should find time to unclog these structures at regular intervals.

5. Step flashings
These flashings occur where there is a hip or dormer on the roof. This type of flashing is used for blocking water from entering through space under these structures. If there is damage here, water oozes in through the gaps. Like the other flashings, step flashing also has metal sheets held in place by sealants. If the metal sheets are damaged, replace them, and clean the cracked sealant strip before reapplying it.
6. Exposed nail heads
Nail heads are usually hidden under the shingles of the above row. However, when the wind is strong, it may lift the shingles short of blowing them away. It will loosen and expose the nail heads. Water is likely to go down through the exposed nails. This problem is easy enough to solve as what is needed is only to drive the nails fully into the shingles. The homeowner can do it himself.
7. Water pooling on the roof
If debris accumulates on the roof, water will loiter on and around the spot to form pools. These pools will slowly let water in through the gaps in between the shingles. Cleaning the roof should be done frequently. Doing so would reduce the chances of water seeping down to your roof’s interior.

8. Algal growth on the roof
Bald shingles usually retain moisture. If the roof has overhanging vegetation, it will provide enough shade for algae and lichens to grow. The bio-growth on the roof will spoil the texture of the shingles and also makes the roof unsightly. To remove the bio-growth as soon as they appear on the roof and treat your roof with anti-algal washes are the two common strategies adopted as a remedy to this problem.

9. Frequent roof inspection
Make it a point to inspect your roof after every spell of bad weather. The homeowner himself can do the routine inspection. During summer, if you feel that the heat is severe, check the exterior of your shingle roof. It can be done from below using binoculars. This way, you can detect any curling or warping of the shingles. You should replace these shingles without delay.
11. Use of adequate safety measures
The last but in no way the least of the roof repairing tips is the use of ample safety measures. Working on a roof high above the ground should be taken seriously, and make sure to follow every safety precaution. Doing so will make your roof repair hassle-free. If you would like to set up a free roofing estimate then give us a call at (727)916-3151 or fill out our form here.