Hail to the House ? Fixing Roof and Siding Damage | Total Home ...
Between the record high temperatures and damaging storms, it?s been a summer of wild weather. In addition to the usual storms we experience, super cell thunderstorms have ripped through the area, bringing extreme winds, torrential downpours, hail, tornados and flooding to areas typically not accustomed to weather run amok. For apprehensive homeowners, weather like this means the potential for storm damage to your roof or siding. Once the storms pass, any anxious owner wants to get the damage repaired? and fast!
Do It Yourself
Depending on how handy you are around the house, you might be able to repair minor damage to your roof or siding. Board, shingle or shake siding is relatively straightforward to replace. Cut out the damaged piece using a hacksaw or backsaw, pull out any remaining nails, measure a replacement piece, paint the new piece and the cut edges with primer, attach the new piece with 16d nails, and caulk the new seams with acrylic latex caulk.
Vinyl siding requires some specialized tools, including aviation snips for cutting both the damaged and replacement vinyl siding and a zip tool to unhook the siding from the house. Once the damaged section is cut out, make sure replacement lengths are 2? longer than the removed section. Attach new sections with roofing nails.
Roofs can also be repaired by the handy homeowner, but make sure you know when you need a contractor to take a look. Older roofing systems (usually 20+ years) may need replacement, not repair. Large damaged areas indicate bigger problems that likely require the expertise of professionals. If even a part of an asphalt roofing shingle is missing, the entire three-tab shingle will need to be replaced.
Gently pry up the shingle immediately above the damaged section to remove the nails passing through. Then pry up the damaged shingle until the nails can be pulled out individually. Slide the new shingle into the space, and reattach it using four nails. Anchor down the shingle above the replacement piece so it?s four nails go through the new shingle. Cracked or torn shingles need not be replaced ? using a caulk gun, apply a thick bead of roofing sealant both under and on top of the crack, and spread it with a putty knife.
Call a Professional
Some storm repair jobs are too big for even the handiest of homeowners. Once the damage has been done, it?s time to make sure you bring in the right folks to restore your home. Make sure you do your homework ? you want storm repair contractors that are familiar with your home?s materials, have a strong track record and aren?t connected to inferior, shoddy workmanship. Recovering from storm damage is never easy, so make sure you select the best contractor for the job. If you plan to tackle the job yourself, make sure you have the right tools, work safely and are aware of what the weather will be for the next 24 hours, since most caulks and sealants require 24 hours to cure.
Have you experienced siding damage from hail or severe thunderstorms?
Source: http://www.thiresource.com/2011/09/03/hail-to-the-house-%E2%80%93-fixing-roof-and-siding-damage/
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