Oct 12, 2022 | Blog
Roof renovation is one of the most common types of repairs that homeowners choose to tackle. Many low-income families are left wondering how they can pay for roof replacement without taking on a second mortgage or paying out of pocket.
Homeowners’ insurance rarely covers a full replacement. The good news is that many government grants are available for your new roof. These home repair assistance grants can help you with the cost of replacing your roof.
In this guide, we’ll go over some of the most common government grants for roof replacement and how to apply for them.
GRANTS TO REPLACE YOUR ROOF
If you are looking to replace your roof with a new one, you may be able to receive financial assistance based on your income level. These grants can cover the cost of materials and labor involved in replacing or repairing your existing roof.
Government programs offer these grants to low-income families and homeowners who cannot afford the cost of roof replacement.
The following are some of the most common types of government grants for roof replacement. Remember that your area median income often factors into how much of the grant amount you could receive.
If you want additional specifics on the roofing replacement grants that may be available to you, talk to a licensed roof installer in your region.
WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a significant funding source for needed roof repairs from the government.
The Department of Energy runs this initiative to assist low-income families in cutting their energy bills and making their houses safer and healthier for their residents. It is common for states to prioritize the needs of the elderly, children, and those living with disabilities.
SSI
Suppose you or a family member gets Supplemental Insurance Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. In that case, you may qualify for Weatherization Assistance, which offers federal funding for necessary home repairs such as roof replacement.
SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING REPAIR LOANS AND GRANTS
Loans and grants for repairing single-family homes are available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture under a program sometimes known as Section 504.
Homes in low-income neighborhoods with safety hazards can apply for loans and grants to make necessary repairs.
Homeowners whose annual income is less than 50% of the national average can apply for financial help. Senior citizens 62 and older who are having trouble making their repair loan payments may be eligible for free roof replacement grants.
If a homeowner is interested in applying for a government grant to replace their roof, they may visit the program’s website to discover if they live in an eligible area.
THE TRIBAL ENERGY PROGRAM
Energy.gov Tribal Energy Funding Program is another federal initiative that offers to fund roofing projects focused on energy efficiency.
ENERGY AND WEATHERIZATION
The program encourages indigenous communities to assess and expand their renewable energy resources and minimize energy consumption via efficiency and weatherization.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
This tribal lands initiative provides:
- Educational and training opportunities to support sustainable energy technologies.
- Job opportunities.
- Economic development in tribal communities.
Those curious about this government subsidy for exterior roofing work can contact the program’s support staff for further details.
THE HOUSING PRESERVATION GRANT
USDA Preservation Grants are one option among several available from the federal government for nonprofits serving low-income housing communities. Free roof replacement grants are available through this program to ensure the continued habitability of low and very low-income homeowners.
COMMUNITY GRANT
This award is only available to communities, not individual homeowners. You may learn more about these federal funding opportunities for roof repair by visiting the official website for the program. Additionally, you can inquire at the rural development office in your area.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Lower median income families seeking federal funding options for roof repair or replacement should contact their local governments to see if they have any community-based programs available.
Get in touch with your state office for assistance in learning more about the available programs and if you automatically qualify for help based on your monthly income.
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM (SFRRP)
The Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP) is managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). It provides funding for roofing repairs and other changes to make homes more accessible for people with disabilities.
Grants of up to $50,000 are available via DHCD’s SFRRPD program for families who need assistance making their houses handicapped accessible.
Two separate projects are available through SFRRP, with total funding of up to $50,000. DHCD oversees the build and handles contractor payments on the homeowner’s behalf.
The homeowner does not compensate the contractor.
ROOF REPAIR PROGRAM
Senior citizens who qualify for the Roof Repair Program might receive up to $15,000. Homeowners with a very low income can use this money for anything from minor repairs to complete replacements.
Repairs outside the home and installing gutters may also be included.
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HAIP)
The Handicapped Accessibility Improvement Program (HAIP) gives funds of up to $30,000 to people with impairments to make accessibility improvements to their houses. They have increased accessibility resulting from the elimination of barriers and risks.
LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)
Another government incentive for roof replacement homeowners might use for less extensive repairs is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Under LIHEAP guidelines, partial roof replacement or repairs are permissible, but a total replacement is considered a construction project and so ineligible for services.
WEATHERIZATION UNDER LIHEAP
Remember that weatherization is a secondary goal of LIHEAP, whose primary function is to assist with household heating and cooling costs. For this reason, it is more probable that you may receive immediate assistance with your utility bills.
IRS
Small federal subsidies are available from the IRS for roof replacement and repairs. Still, they are frequently difficult to understand and enable without the help of a local certified public accountant.
Although renovations (but not repairs) to an existing home are not tax deductible, they increase the home’s cost basis and reduce the seller’s capital gains when the property is sold.
DEDUCTIBLES
The cost of repairing or replacing your roof may qualify for the home office deduction. Replacements are considered capital upgrades, and thus depreciation occurs gradually over several years for replacements.
Maintenance costs are deductible in total for a single calendar year. Therefore, retain all roofing contractor receipts and provide them to your accountant when needed.
CONCLUSION
We hope this guide has helped you understand how grants for roof repair are available. Talk to a roofing professional if you need a new roof and are looking into eligibility criteria. They’ll be able to give you an idea of how much your project will cost and how much help you may qualify for.
Oct 10, 2022 | Blog
If you need a new roof, the options can be daunting. However, a roof installation can significantly dent your bank account, unlike other minor home repairs. However, a professional roof replacement will ensure that the work is correct and you and your belongings are protected.
Because a roofing project is a large investment, many homeowners have concerns about the cost. Thankfully, there are several options to consider if you need to finance a new roof. This way, you can have the work completed without straining your household budget.
HOW TO PAY FOR A NEW ROOF
If your next home improvement project consists of a roof replacement, sometimes you have enough time to save money to cover the entire cost. However, you have other viable options when your home needs an immediate resolution.
Depending on the circumstances and location, homeowners can explore these four easy ways to finance a new roof:
- Home Equity Loan
- Personal Loan
- Homeowners Insurance
- Roofing Company Financing
1. HOME EQUITY LOANS
Home equity loans are an excellent option for homeowners with equity invested in their property. In addition, this choice is ideal for obtaining low-interest rates from your financial institution when you need a large lump sum for major roof replacement costs.
It’s sometimes offered as a property improvement loan because the money you borrow is there to enhance the home.
2. PERSONAL LOAN
For some individuals, personal loans are a simple way to cover the costs of a new roof. Personal loan options can provide flexible interest rates and payback terms depending on your credit history and debt-to-income ratio.
However, your loan approval often depends on your credit score and may consider your outstanding mortgage balance as a factor before you can even start thinking about monthly payments.
3. INSURANCE COMPANY COVERAGE
An insurance company may cover most (if not all) of the costs for homeowners requiring roofing repairs after a severe weather storm. Therefore, before having roofing contractors get to work, you’ll need to determine if you can submit a claim through your home insurance company.
Not all roofing companies will be authorized to complete this job, so working with your insurance adjuster is essential when having a roof installed with your insurance coverage.
4. ROOFING COMPANY FINANCING
Roofing contractors understand the stress homeowners feel when they are unsure how they’ll pay to install a new roof. If you recently purchased a house and do not have enough home equity to qualify for a loan or home equity line of credit, choosing finance options through the roofing company is an alternative.
Typically, a financial lender will work with roof and restoration companies to provide flexible financing with competitive interest payments for major repairs, like installing a new roof.
Applicants with good credit may receive immediate approval, while homeowners with bad credit may be subject to a higher interest rate.
OTHER WAYS TO COVER ROOFING COSTS
Although these four ways are the most common routes that many homeowners choose when facing costs for a new roof, they may not be suitable for everyone.
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
If you do not qualify for other means of financing, obtaining an FHA Title loan could be your best option. These loans are available for low or moderate-income households facing expensive repairs that cannot be left incomplete. Although these loans come from a private lender, the Government secures the lender up to 90% of the total amount.
The Federal Housing Authority does invoke specific terms and conditions with their lending, restricting this option to only necessary vital repairs to ensure the residence is livable. In addition, the roofing contractor must be a recognized authority to perform the work to qualify for this Government assistance program.
HOME EQUITY LINES OF CREDIT
Like a Home Equity loan, a line of credit is a revolving source of funds homeowners can use for significant repair costs. Their available amount will typically reflect the current equity in their home as it is secured against this value.
Although the interest rates of a HELOC is lower than some personal loans or financing options, obtaining more considerable lump sums can be challenging. This restriction can make it challenging to pay for a roof installation in advance if your available equity is not substantial enough to cover the total costs.
COMPLETE SOME TASKS YOURSELF
If you are watching your budget closely and need a new roof, you can help minimize the amount you need by completing some tasks yourself. Although the average homeowner does not have the equipment or knowledge to install roofing materials, you can trim the total bill by tackling these small tasks.
- Remove as much damaged material as possible for the contractors ahead of time
- Clean out the gutters and take away any debris that can get in the way of doing work
- Take care of the cleanup and dumping at the end of the project
Little things will add up on your contractor’s bill, so anything you can do to help make the job go quicker and less involved will help save you money. For example, the average professional roofer will charge $75 per hour for labor, making the time they spend cleaning up the worksite increase your total costs.
Alternatively, if you need more time to come up with the funds for a new roof, sometimes inexpensive patching solutions will get your home through another season. Therefore, using patch methods on some problem areas can protect your home until you can have a professional replace your roof later.
PAYING FOR YOUR NEW ROOF
It is worth researching available options when you have to find the funds for a new roof on your home. A professional roof installation is an investment in your home and should not be something that you overlook or use substandard materials or labor for the work.
Nothing should stand in the way of having a safe home with a secure roof to protect you, your family, and your belongings.
Oct 7, 2022 | Blog
Did you know that millions of tourists visit Maryland every year? As a local, you might not always think about the cultural gems that you have access to, but there are many attractions perfect for both families and individuals right in your own backyard.
Southern Maryland in particular, which includes St. Mary’s County, Charles County, Calvert County, and parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties, has many towns full of rich history and some of the best tourist attractions in the region.
From the Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac River, the biggest cities in Southern Maryland have much to offer to both residents and tourists alike. Use this article as an introductory travel guide for your next big adventure!
1. WALDORF
Waldorf is the perfect destination for a day trip. Start your day off with a guided tour at the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum, the home of Dr. Mudd, who is famous for setting the leg of John Wilkes Booth. Spend the afternoon picking produce at Shlagel Farms or catch a game at the Regency Furniture Stadium. Finish the day off with a pint at Patuxent Brewing Company.
Waldorf is also a 20-minute drive away from Charlotte Hall, MD. If you’re interested in historic sites, you can check out the old campus of the Charlotte Hall Military Academy, as well as other historic architecture.
2. BOWIE
The town of Bowie, MD, has many outdoor entertainment options in addition to historic sites and museums. Prince George’s Stadium is an entertainment destination for baseball enthusiasts everywhere. The Belair Mansion, the former home of multiple governors of Maryland, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Stable Museum associated with the mansion commemorates a long, successful racing history as one of the premier stables in mid-20th century racing. Bowie is also home to a train station museum, as well as the only museum dedicated to broadcasting in the area.
3. FORT WASHINGTON
Named after the fort located near the Potomac River, this is one of the towns on this list that you don’t want to miss. Fort Washington was originally built in the early 1800’s as a line of defense for the nation’s capital, and it served that purpose through World War II. Although the historic fort site is no longer in service, it still exists and is part of a larger system of parks that’s open to the public daily. In addition to Fort Washington Park, the town also boasts a raceway and a golf club.
4. OXON HILL
Oxon Hill is a suburb in the greater Washington region, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do. Among the most notable destination spots in this town is the MGM National Harbor. It’s a great place to stay to get away from it all while still staying in close distance to all the big city entertainment you love. The resort includes a theater, a casino, a hotel, and many bars and restaurants.
5. LEXINGTON PARK
Situated next to the Patuxent River and on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Lexington Park is located in one of the state’s southernmost counties. One of the town’s must-see attractions is the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. The museum is unique among other naval air museums, as much of its focus is on the research side of military aviation, as well as shedding light on how the work of the U. S. Navy at this base has impacted the residents of St. Mary’s county and the broader community.
For more things to do in the area, historic St. Mary’s City is only about a 15-minute drive away from Lexington Park. This living history museum is one of Southern Maryland’s premier tourist attractions. It memorializes the site of Maryland’s first capital (Annapolis didn’t become the capital until 1695) and educates the public on what life was like during colonial times. The grounds include reconstructions of the town center, a chapel, a tobacco plantation, a sailing vessel, and more.
6. ACCOKEEK
Located in southern Prince Georges’s County, this town’s biggest claim to fame is the National Colonial Farm in Piscataway Park. This historic reenactment farm shows visitors what the lives of 18th-century farmers in the area were like, and it also serves as a site of historic architectural and plant preservation. The 200-acre grounds of Piscataway Park also feature many hiking trails, heritage livestock, and freshwater fishing on the Potomac River.
7. ROSARYVILLE
Located along Highways 4 and 301, Rosaryville is easy to get to and hard to leave. In keeping with the outdoorsy nature of most of these Southern Maryland towns, Rosaryville is home to a nearly 1,000-acre state park. The Mount Airy Mansion—once owned by the prestigious Calvert family and which historically has played host to wedding services, births, and other parties—is now a museum that’s open to the public. While you’re in town, make time to also stop by the Maryland Veterans Cemetery and the farmer’s market.
VISIT THESE SOUTHERN MARYLAND CITIES TODAY
Next time you’re planning a vacation, consider visiting one of these cities on the southern tip of Maryland. From the western shore of the Chesapeake to the eastern edge of the Potomac, you’re sure to find just the right holiday destination for you and your family.
While Southern Maryland has some of the best vacation spots around, it also has some of the best roofing companies, and MARS Roofing is no exception. We can help you with everything from roofing and siding repair to gutter, window, and door replacements. With a 24-hour turnaround on scheduling an inspection with one of our on-staff experts, you’ll have a project plan in less time than it takes to finish your weekend trip!
Ready to get started? Fill out our contact form to schedule your free inspection, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Sep 30, 2022 | Blog
From educational experiences to nature adventures, there are so many things to do in southern Maryland for locals and tourists alike.
Below is our top 10 list — and there’s something in it for everyone.
1. VISIT HISTORIC ST. MARY’S CITY
St. Mary’s City was once recognized as the capital of the state. In 1633, England colonists set out from the Isle of Wight on the Ark and Dove, landing at the Old Point Comfort where they established their colony — St. Mary’s City.
Today, you can learn all about the history of this attraction while exploring historic ships up close, participating in colonial-style games, and learning about what farming was like during the 17th century.
Be sure there’s enough time to check out the brick chapel and archeological excavations as well.
2. TOUR THE CALVERT MARINE MUSEUM
The Calvert Marine Museum is located in Solomons, and it’s a must for anyone wanting to learn about the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay area. The museum itself is filled with plenty of engaging and interactive exhibits, including the locally renowned river otter showcase.
There’s even a Marsh Walk and on-site Wood Carving Shop.
3. EXPLORE WINERIES ALONG THE PATUXENT TRAIL
The Patuxent Trail is a pastoral roadway that’s flanked by incredible water views — and you can lazily stroll it with your choice of red or white in hand.
The wineries along this trail offer full-bodied wines rivaling that of Napa Valley or even Tuscany. All you have to do is put your walking shoes on and pick which end of the trail you’d like to start with.
We suggest making stops at Cove Point Winery, Running Hare Vineyard, and Fridays Creek Winery.
4. CATCH A GAME
The warm, blowing April winds only mean one thing in southern Maryland: It’s baseball season!
Watching the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs play is always a great time. They play at least 70 home games throughout the season — held at the Regency Furniture Stadium — which means you can catch a game anytime between April and September.
Bonus points if you have young children that like to read. There are several local educators in Southern Maryland that offer “Reading Bookmarks” where children can redeem points for a complimentary game ticket simply for meeting certain literary milestones.
5. ENJOY JEFFERSON PATTERSON PARK
If you’re a lover of sunsets then it’s essential that you spend some time in Jefferson Patterson Park. The park is situated right on the Patuxent River, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen.
Of course, there’s plenty of time to explore before the sun sets, which means you’ll want to visit the Native American Village Museum, hike the trails, rent kayaks or paddle boards for St. Leonard Creek, and much more.
6. GET YOUR THRILLS AT THE MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
Located in the aptly named Mechanicsville, the Maryland International Raceway is where you want to be for exciting car shows, “showdown battles,” biker fests, and anything else that has to do with loud engines and fast cars.
You can easily find the raceway’s jam-packed events schedule online to see what your options are. Just don’t forget to bring earplugs!
7. TRACE A HISTORICAL ASSASSIN’S ESCAPE ROUTE
Right after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Jon Wilkes Booth made his escape on a daring route that took him from the Ford Theatre in Washington City deep in Southern Maryland.
He wasn’t alone and the escape lasted a total of 12 days, and one of the most prominent destinations along this route is the Dr. Samuel Mudd House (now a museum). This is where he and his accomplice met Dr. Mudd, who tended to Booth’s injuries and allowed the two men to rest before continuing on.
We won’t spoil the rest of the story for you as you can get up close and personal via the local tours available through the Surratt Society.
8. ENJOY ANNMARIE SCULPTURE GARDEN AND ARTS CENTER
The Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is a 30-acre property that’s home to some breathtaking meadows, forests, and wide-open fields. There are also plenty of paved walking and bike trails that allow you to marvel at unique outdoor sculptures.
There are also notable “Look Out” exhibits that will really make you stop and think for a minute.
9. TOUR THE POINT LOOKOUT LIGHTHOUSE
One of the most scenic areas in Southern Maryland is where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This is where you’ll encounter the Point Lookout State Park, which was once a Union outpost during the Civil War.
Here you can relax and swim at the beautiful beaches, visit the Point Lookout Lighthouse, fish off the pier, and take part in one of the park’s many outdoor activities — including rock climbing, cross-country skiing, biking, hiking, and more.
There are even campsites and lodges throughout the park if you’re looking to make a weekend trip out of it!
10. LEARN ABOUT AVIATION HISTORY
The Patuxent River Naval Air Station Museum, located in Lexington Park, is a great place for the whole family. The museum is filled with historic details on the region’s naval aviation and visitors can get up close and personal with historic artifacts as well as photographs, films, memorabilia, and more.
There’s also an intrinsic focus on the future as many exhibits feature research’s ongoing efforts and research in the field of aviation research, testing, development, and evaluation. But the real star of the show is the towering naval aircraft on display as well as a realistic F-14 Tomcat flight simulator. (Yes, you can try it out for yourself!)
PLAN A STAYCATION IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND
With so many things to do in Southern Maryland, you’ll want to make a weekend out of it — or even take an entire week to enjoy it thoroughly.
Of course, while you’re taking some much-needed time off to enjoy the local attractions, we can take care of your next home improvement project!
From inspection to completion, we’ll make sure the job gets done with care and experienced craftsmanship. What’s more, most home projects can be completed in just one day — although, we would still encourage you to take some extra time off to enjoy yourself.
Get in touch with MARS Roofing when you’re ready to get started and we’ll schedule your free home inspection.
Sep 23, 2022 | Blog
If you have a roof leak, you’re not alone. A quick search on the internet will reveal that millions of people experience this problem every year. The good news is that there are several quick and easy ways to fix a leaky roof— temporarily, at least. Some common causes of roof leaks include:
- Hail damage
- Improper ventilation or insulation
- Wind damage
- Failed DIY repairs (oops!)
- Wear and tear
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most common methods for fixing a roof leak. We will also provide some tips for preventing future leaks and why you should rely on the professionals to fix it for good.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO FIND AND FIX A ROOF LEAK 💦
In order to both find and fix a roof leak, there are some vital tools you’ll need first. Some you may have lying around the house, and the rest you should be able to pick up at your local hardware store for pretty cheap.
- Bucket
- Camera (or smartphone)
- Flashlight
- Garden hose
- Ladder
- Replacement shingles
- Roofing caulk
- Roofing nails
- Roof patch
- Work boots or non-slip shoes
Once you have all of your supplies, grab a friend— it’s time to get to work. We never recommend working alone, and for safety reasons, you should always have a buddy. Whether they are simply holding the ladder still or are just there for support should anything happen, never go it alone.
1) ROOF LEAK SIGNS TO LOOK FOR 👀
There are some obvious (and not-so-obvious) signs of roof leaks to look for. As you do a walk around your property, check for these tell-tale signs of a potential roof leak.
MISSING OR WARPED SHINGLES
If you notice any shingles that are buckling, curling, missing, or warped, this is a sign of potential roof damage and leaks. A strong wind storm can easily blow off shingles or bend them enough to cause a gap in their seal, causing a water leak. This might be the most obvious sign of a roof leak and allows you to act even faster to get it repaired.
CRACKED OR DENTED SHINGLES
In addition to warped or missing shingles, you should also look for any cracks or dents. These can also be caused by severe weather conditions— particularly hail— and can result in water seeping through the roof and into your home.
LOSS OF SHINGLE GRANULES
Asphalt shingles have a protective top layer of granules that help protect them from the elements and constant UV rays. Hail and debris can impact your shingles, causing these granules to come off.
This leaves the underlayers of your shingles exposed to the elements, which can allow further deterioration or water leaks. You may notice granule loss as discoloration on your shingles or you might find them in your gutters and downspouts after they’ve been flushed through.
MISSING OR CRACKED FLASHING
The flashing on your roof is intended to keep any areas where the roof meets a wall or roofing penetration like chimneys and vents from leaking. Flashing is also very exposed to the elements and is often one of the first things needing to be replaced on your roof. If it gets cracked or blown off during a storm, your roof becomes almost immediately susceptible to leaks along those vulnerable spots.
LARGE BRANCHES AND DEBRIS ON THE ROOF
If you have any large branches or debris that has fallen on your roof, this can damage your shingles and cause leaks. If a branch has pierced the roof itself, it’s important to get it removed as soon as possible to prevent further structural damage.
While these are some of the most common signs of potential roof leaks, keep in mind that not all leaks will be immediately obvious. If you’re unsure whether or not your roof is leaking, it’s always best to call in a professional for an inspection.
2) CHECK YOUR HOME’S INTERIOR, TOO! 🏠
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqRr4OhFEMc
You can also notice signs of a roof leak inside your home— in the attic, upper floor rooms, or near chimneys and plumbing pipes. If you notice any of these roof leak signs inside your home, you should call a roofer right away as these leaks have either been growing for months, or are big enough to cause immediate damage to your home’s interior.
WATER STAINS ON THE CEILING OR WALLS
If you notice any water stains on your ceilings or walls, this is a sign that water has already made its way into your home and is coming from the roof. These stains will usually be darker near the edge of the stain and lighten in color as they dry. Water stains are often accompanied by peeling paint or wallpaper, which is another sign that you have a roof leak.
SAGGING CEILING TILES
Some homes don’t have a standard drywall ceiling, but rather ceiling tiles that fit together as a unique feature on the ceiling. If your ceiling tiles are sagging or beginning to fall, this is a sign of water damage and potential leaks from the roof. This is especially true if the tile is discolored or warped in any way.
MUSTY SMELL IN THE ATTIC
If your attic smells musty, it’s likely there is mold or mildew growth from a roof leak or from trapped moisture. A poorly ventilated attic can cause this, but roof leaks also can— so be sure to investigate more thoroughly.
BULGING INTERIOR WALLS
If you notice any spots or warping on your interior walls, this is a sign that water may have already made its way into your home. Check for any stains, discoloration, or bubbling paint as these can all be indicative of water damage.
HIGHER-THAN-NORMAL ENERGY BILLS
If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills with no change in your energy usage, this could be caused by a hole or crack in your roof that’s letting heat escape. Not only will this lead to higher energy bills, but it can also let water and cold air into your home, which can cause further damage.
3) SIMULATE RAIN TO FIND HIDDEN LEAKS ☔
If you’re seeing potential signs of a leak but can’t pinpoint it to patch it, you can simulate rain by running a hose on your roof and having a buddy inside the attic watch for any interior drips. This can speed up the process of fixing your leak fast but does risk causing more damage if you run the water for too long. To safely try this technique you should:
- Have a few people help.
- Use very grippy shoes or boots to ensure you don’t slip on a wet roof.
- Place the hose at the roof’s ridge and let it flow down like rain.
- Check your gutters for leaks while you’re at it by running water through them.
If your friend helping you does see a drip in the attic, you can examine that specific section of shingles more closely. Look for things like:
- Cracked or missing shingles
- Water stains or pooling water
- Rotting wood beams
- Loose or missing nails (shingles will lift easily)
- Loose flashing, vents, or plumbing boots
4) IF YOU’RE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE, MAKE THESE REPAIRS 🧰
If you’ve found the source of your leak (yes!) and feel confident making repairs yourself, here are some quick fixes you can do to patch up your roof until a professional can take a look:
- Use duct tape or heavy-duty tarps to cover small holes or cracks: Stopping the water leak in its tracks is the best way to mitigate further damage while you wait to repair or patch the hole. For smaller holes, you can buy pre-made flashing patches that are very DIY-friendly.
- For widespread damage, use a piece of plywood to cover the hole in addition to a heavy-duty tarp. Nail or screw the tarp into the plywood, but be sure not to puncture your roofing material. If you’re using multiple tarps, overlap them by at least six inches.
- Replace any damaged shingles you find: If it’s a leak caused by a faulty shingle, get rid of the nails and scrap away the old roofing cement. Then apply fresh cement to the area and nail the new shingle overtop. (If you have many damaged shingles, leave this one to a professional.)
- Reapply roofing caulk or flashing: You may see a leak coming from vents, chimneys, or window edges. In these areas, attempt to replace the caulk around the flashing. New caulk will help fill any gaps and new flashing will immediately secure that portion of your roof against leaks.
- Fix plumbing boots or roof vents: The base of your chimney or plumbing pipes come out through the roof and are covered with a rubber “boot.” Over time, these can crack and cause leaks. You can temporarily fix this by slipping a piece of metal flashing under the boot and nailing it in place (again, best done by a professional).
5) GET A PROFESSIONAL ROOF INSPECTION 🕵️
If you don’t feel confident making repairs yourself, or if the damage is widespread, your best bet is to call a professional roofing contractor. They will be able to quickly assess the situation and provide you with options for moving forward.
A quick fix for a roof leak may seem like an easy solution, but it’s important to remember that these are only temporary. The best way to fix a roof leak is to get a professional inspection and, if necessary, complete repairs as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will only cause more damage in the long run. Contact a roofing contractor today for more information.
SKIP THE DIY AND HIRE MARS RESTORATION
We love a homeowner who embraces DIY fixes and projects around the house— but when it comes to your roof, we always recommend hiring a professional. Failed repairs can not only make problems worse, but can void warranties and deny insurance claims. So why not work with a roofer who knows what they’re doing, instead?
At MARS Roofing, we can inspect, diagnose, and repair your roof before you can say, “I’ll fix it.” Trust us, working with a reputable contractor to fix your roof is worth it. Call us today!
