Mobile Home Roof Repair Tips: We’ve Got You Covered This Winter

Common causes of roof problems

Whether you have a shingled or flat roof, these are the common problems you are likely to encounter:

1. Leaks caused by moisture from snow or rain

Winter weather frequently brings moisture-related issues. When the moisture penetrates under the ceiling, it can cause the roof to leak. This leads to mold, which can result in rot, spreading across the entire roof.

2. Debris

Water can accumulate from unwanted debris and improper drainage. The main culprits are the trees nearest your house, which drop their leaves and foliage onto your roof. The leaves build up and trap the water on your roof. Also, if you don’t regularly trim the branches of these trees surrounding your home, they can fall on the roof and cause extensive damage.

3. Small creatures

Birds, rodents, and insects can loosen shingles and create surprise leaks when you’re least expecting them. The presence of unwanted pests on your roof can loosen the sealant material under the shingle and cause harm to your roof in the long run.

4. Poor ventilation

Inadequate exterior ventilation causes irregularities in heat and moisture levels which causes roof damage. Furthermore, joints that are not sealed properly can also cause ventilation problems in the ceiling which could cost you a pretty penny down the road.

5. Cracks and other damage

Shrinkage, splitting, and blistering of roof membranes causes cracks on the upper layer. When not corrected, the breaks can make the roof more vulnerable to damage.

6. Poor installation

Improperly installed chimneys and vent pipes make roof materials like tiles less resistant to harsh environmental conditions. As a result, the material can easily blow off during windy days.

Signs of roof problems

While dripping water from the ceiling is a sure sign that your roof has a problem, there are other symptoms of roof damage you should be aware of:

•    Paint and wallpaper peeling off from the walls
•    Dark spots and water patches on the ceilings
•    Light penetrating through cracks on the roof
•    Sagging ceilings
•    Granules that are flowing from the roof

How to locate the source of roof problems

In some cases, the effects of a problematic roof can linger even after you make repairs, especially if you don’t follow appropriate mobile home repair tips. When you look at it from the inside, the problem may not match the crack or leak on the exact position from the outside of the roof. Nonetheless, finding the source of the problem can be identified by doing a bit of investigation.

Tips to consider:

• Regardless of your roof type, look for any problems both inside and outside. If your mobile home has more than one room, check all of them for any sign of damage. Afterward, use the damage to pinpoint the source. You may have to wait until winter or a rainy day to trace leaks and water patches. For cracks, you can use the moonlight.
• Once you have identified the problem from the inside and outside, go inside the attic to measure the amount of damage.
• Apart from the roof, look for other sources of pest infestation, plumbing leaks, and drips caused by air conditioning or heating units. Next, determine the damage’s extent. The size of the problem will help you determine whether to call a professional contractor or to repair the roof yourself.

Basics of mobile home roof repair

After identifying the source of the problem, mobile home roof repairs can be relatively straightforward. As they say, a stitch in time can save nine; the same goes for fixing your roof. A small leak when not fixed can cause massive damage to the house. Here are the basics for mobile home roof repair:

1. Get an inspection

Waiting to fix the roof only when you notice a problem can cost you a lot of money and result in more damage. When the repair is needed abruptly, you may be forced to dip into your savings. By doing an inspection twice a year and fixing leaks quickly, you save money and prevent more damage to the roof. It is advisable for homeowners to check their roofs during fall and spring.

2. Decide how you will handle repairs

Roof repair can be a dangerous process, especially when done during the wet season. Nonetheless, leaving your roof unrepaired can be equally hazardous to your entire house. If the repair is extensive and the roof looks unstable, then it’s best to hire the services of a roofing contractor. If you decide to repair the problem yourself, make sure you use all safety precautions, especially when positioning your ladder.

3. Take care of the problem 

If the damage to the roof is unsalvageable, then you may have to install a new roof. While there are many roofing options for mobile homes, the following are three common roof replacement options:

• Corrugated metal roofs are easy to install and affordable. Additionally, they are durable and resistant to many harsh weather conditions.
• A seamless rubber roof is made of a single piece of rubber membrane and has no seams. It’s the ideal roof for anyone who loves Do It Yourself projects.
• A seamed rubber roof requires a professional to install and can be challenging for a person with only basic roofing installation experience. However, this roof has a thicker membrane than other types which adds durability and more protection.

Don’t be left without a roof over your head

Noticing roof problems and fixing them fast can prevent damage from spreading. It also saves you repair costs and increase your mobile home’s durability. These mobile home roof repair tips can help maintain the integrity and value of your mobile home.