If your roof isn’t in tip-top shape, everything else in your house is on borrowed time. But before you can set to work repairing your roof, you have to know what you’re dealing with.

Start by going into the attic and taking pictures. Then examine shingles and gutters and check flashing around chimneys and dormers.

Shingles

Shingles are the outer layer of your roof. They protect your home from sun, rain, snow, and hail. Damaged or missing shingles should be replaced promptly. This prevents water leaks and other problems. It is also a good idea to secure loose shingles so they do not lift in the future.

Repairing shingle roofs is relatively simple and easy to do. You can usually find shingles at a local roofing supply store that will match your existing shingles. Before beginning any repairs, however, it is important to ensure that you have the proper tools for the job and are taking the proper safety precautions. It is also recommended that you consult with a professional if you do not feel comfortable performing the repair yourself.

First, locate the source of the leak. Often this can be done by examining the water stains on your ceiling or walls. Once you have determined where the leak is coming from, it is necessary to remove some of the shingles above the area to access the damaged shingle. This can be done with a pry bar, crowbar, or claw of a hammer. Be careful not to cause further damage to the surrounding shingles by pulling up too many of them.

Once you have removed the old shingle, it is necessary to replace the nail that was exposed. It is recommended that you use a shingle sealant on all exposed nails to keep them from being corroded in the future.

After replacing the nail and laying down a shingle sealant, it is important to inspect the repaired area for any areas where the sealant was broken or not applied properly. It is a good idea to inspect the entire roof for other areas that may need attention. Keeping the roof free from debris will help prevent moisture build-up, which can damage shingles. Also, regular cleaning of the shingles using a soft-bristle broom will prevent moss and algae from growing on your roof.

It is also a good idea to use the remaining shingle sealant to cover any cracks or holes in the roof that are not related to your repair project. This will keep water from getting into your home and causing further damage.

Flashing

Flashing is a thin strip of metal that helps waterproof the edges and protrusions on your roof. It is often hidden from view but it is a critical element in keeping your home safe from water damage, mold and mildew. While it is possible to repair a leaky roof with sealant, flashing provides a more comprehensive and permanent solution.

There are many different types of flashing, each designed for a specific purpose. Some examples include chimney flashing, skylight flashing and ridge vent flashing. Leaks are commonly found at these points, as well as at the valley between two intersecting roof planes.

Base flashing is a strip of metal installed along the bottom edge of headwalls that slope against your roof. It is typically a continuous length of L-shaped metal that runs around the entire roof penetration and may be made from copper, aluminum or galvanized steel.

Wall flashing is a series of pieces fitted in an ascending “step” shape to a roof wall. It is most commonly found where there is an interruption in the wall, such as a window or point of structural support. It is also used to flash around chimneys and dormer walls.

Counter flashing is a piece of metal that rests against a roof penetration and protects it from water infiltration. The upper edge of the flashing is attached to the roof and the lower edge is not attached to the roof at all, allowing the flashing to expand and contract without damaging the roof surface or shingles.

This type of flashing fits snugly around round pipes that pass through your roof. It is typically made of a sheet of copper or a stainless-steel material that will not rust, a rubber compression fitting that slips over the pipe and shingle covering on top of it. It is installed above kickout flashing and is designed to redirect any water that runs past the end of your step or continuous flashing towards the gutter.

Installing ridge vents, like this one at this Fort Worth, TX home is an important way to ensure that your attic and roof are properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up and promote proper air circulation and prevent the formation of ice dams in winter. Ridge vents are generally installed during a complete roof installation, but can be added to an existing roof as part of a repair project.

Gutters

Gutter systems protect the walls, foundation and roof by directing rainwater away from the house. They are a vital part of any roof and must be properly maintained to perform their function. Clogged gutters are one of the main causes of leaky roofs and other issues that require costly roof repair.

Gutter cleaning is a necessary homeowner task that should be performed at least twice per year. Using a ladder, homeowners can remove leaves, twigs and other debris that can clog the gutter. Inspecting the gutters for sags, loose sections or holes is also recommended. Depending on the size of your home and the amount of debris that accumulates, it may be easier to hire professional roofers to clean and inspect your gutter system.

Gutters are essentially shallow troughs fixed beneath the edge of a roof to shrug off rainwater and carry it away from the structure. If the gutters become clogged with debris, it can lead to standing water and rot around window sills, as well as mold growth in the attic and mildew around the exterior of the house. Gutter issues like these can result in expensive structural damage to the roof, walls and foundation of a home.

Most gutters are made from either aluminum or galvanized steel. The type that you choose depends on the style of your home and your budget. Aluminum is less expensive and more durable than steel, but it is susceptible to corrosion. If you opt for galvanized steel, be sure to paint it every few years to prevent rusting.

If your gutters develop holes or rusty spots, you can patch them by covering them with roof and gutter repair tape. First, wire-brush the damaged area to remove dirt and loose rust, then clean it thoroughly with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. If the metal isn’t rusted through, you can skip the screen patch and simply cover the hole with roof cement.

For more serious holes, use a piece of scrap wire screening that’s at least 1 inch larger all the way around than the damaged section of the gutter. Cut a 3-in. section from a roll of 6-in. x 10-ft. aluminum flashing at the home center and use tin snips to cut it into two 3-in. pieces for a custom slip joint. Then bend the new section over the gutter lip and secure with sheet-metal screws. Spread a thin coat of roof cement over the patch and let it dry.

Soffit

Soffits may not be the most glamorous parts of your roof, but they’re vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your home. Understanding the construction, significance, styles, and maintenance of your soffits empowers you to spot potential problems before they escalate into serious damage or costly repairs.

The soffit is the underside of your roof overhang, constructed from wood or metal, and it keeps moisture out to prevent mold and mildew in attics and basements. It also helps your attic stay cool by keeping hot air from escaping through the soffit vents, and it protects your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from the foundation and eaves.

Fascia is the board that runs along the edge of your roofline and connects to the soffit. It’s designed to help maintain the beauty of your house and to protect it from moisture damage by guiding rainwater away from the eaves and down the gutter system. It also supports gutter installations and adds to curb appeal.

Whether the fascia and soffit are made of wood or aluminum, they both need to be properly maintained to ensure your roof stays watertight. Inspecting soffits and fascia regularly can identify a number of potential issues, including:

Moisture damage – This could lead to rot or mold in attics or basements. Pest infestation – Birds, insects, and rodents can nest in damaged or weakened areas of the soffit. Mold and mildew – These can be caused by inadequate ventilation or poor drainage in the attic space. Peeling paint – This can indicate moisture accumulation or even a leak in the roof or gutter systems.

Fortunately, most soffits and fascia can be repaired or replaced by a skilled do-it-yourselfer. However, if you suspect extensive damage or are unsure of how to proceed, it’s best to seek professional help. Roofing contractors and carpenters are adept at working with the materials that comprise these important elements of your roof, and they can repair or replace them while preserving their structural integrity and enhancing the look of your home.