Nobody wants to be repairing their roof during howling gale-force winds, torrential rain, or an incoming blizzard. However, putting off the repair will only make matters worse.
Despite their robust construction, roofs age and deteriorate over time. Missing shingles and weakened flashing are early warning signs. Often, a visual inspection is all that is needed to locate and fix leaks. Contact Roof Repair Columbus GA now!
The cost of roof repair depends on the extent of the damage and how much it will cost to replace it. Generally, minor repairs are less expensive than full replacements. The cost of replacement also varies depending on your location, the current housing market, and the type of roof you want to install.
Whether or not your insurance company will cover the roof repair cost depends on the actual cash value of your property, which considers wear and tear, deterioration, and obsolescence, as well as your deductible. Generally, the more severe the damage to your roof, the more likely it is to be covered by your insurance policy.
Even small leaks should be addressed immediately to prevent the potential for more serious issues. If your home is at high risk for a roof leak, consider hiring a roofing contractor and having a full roof inspection. Look for signs of leaks like mold, mildew, and water stains inside your home, as well as cracking, rust, or rotting around the gutters. If you have a skylight, be sure to check it for leaks as well. It is recommended that you clean your gutters seasonally and trim overhanging branches yearly to reduce the risk of leaks and other damage.
A hole in the roof can lead to water and ice leaking into your house, which is not only annoying but potentially dangerous. It’s important to call a roofer as soon as you notice any damage, so that the hole can be patched quickly.
Dormers are an attractive addition to any home, but they can lead to roof leaks if not properly maintained. If you need to repair or replace your dormers, be prepared to spend about $500 to $1,000.
A leaking roof can cause damage to interior walls, ceilings and furniture. It can also lead to problems with your heating and cooling system, electrical systems and plumbing. If you’re concerned about damage to your home, contact a local roofing contractor for an estimate of the costs. Then you can decide if an insurance claim is the best option.
Time
Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home. It protects everything else inside from sun, rain, snow, and even flying bugs. If your roof is in poor condition, though, everything in the house will suffer. But it’s easy to forget about your roof until something goes wrong with it.
Repairing your roof can be a time-consuming project. Depending on the severity of the repairs, it could take anywhere from an hour to several days to complete. Usually, it takes longer to fix major problems like sagging roofs and improving ventilation. However, minor repairs like patching leaks or replacing shingles can be completed quickly.
Some of the things that affect how long it takes to complete a repair include the type of damage, the size of your roof, and the weather. For example, it’s never a good idea to do a roof repair in howling gale force winds, torrential rains, or an impending blizzard. And, if you have pets, be sure to keep them inside (they will probably be disturbed by all the hammering and strangers).
If you are doing your own roof repair, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any products that you purchase. Some materials may require specific cleansers, denatured alcohol wipedowns, or special primers. Also, be sure to schedule your repairs for a day when the weather will be optimal because some sealants must rest for 24 to 48 hours before being exposed to moisture.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider any associated travel time. If you live far from the nearest roofing company, it will likely take more time to complete a roof repair. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from several companies before choosing the right one for your needs.
Materials
As with any project, roof repair requires the use of various materials. Whether it’s the roofing membrane that serves as the foundation of the roof or the adhesives and sealants that protect it from water infiltration and weathering, each has an important role to play in a successful roof repair.
Using the right materials in roof repair will also reduce your repair costs and time. Choosing the best roofing screws will help ensure that the screw is securely fastened to the roof surface, which can prevent leaks and other problems down the road. Similarly, the best roof coatings can help keep the roof protected from moisture and heat.
A good starting point for identifying your roofing needs is to examine the condition of your roof from the ground and in the attic. Check for damp spots, mold, moss or any areas that are showing signs of damage.
If you notice any signs of damage, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to conduct a more thorough inspection. This will involve climbing onto the roof and checking the flashings (the strips of metal that are used to seal intersections on the roof, such as around chimneys and vents) and skylights.
It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect and replace your flashings, as these can become damaged due to age and exposure to the elements. In addition to preventing water infiltration, a well-functioning flashing system can help keep the home energy-efficient.
If the roof deck is soft or rotted, it will need to be replaced with plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). This can be done during a roof repair or as part of a complete roof replacement. Using OSB will improve the energy efficiency of the house and also reduce its maintenance needs.
It’s a good idea to have some tarps on hand in case you need to cover the damaged area while waiting for a licensed roofer to perform permanent repairs. These can be laid on the roof and weighted down to avoid rainwater flowing underneath it. It’s also a good idea to have a dumpster nearby to dispose of the tarps once you’re finished with them.
Insurance
Homeowners insurance can help cover the cost of repairing roof damage caused by certain covered perils, such as hail or wind. However, not all homeowners insurance policies include roof coverage, and those that do typically have a deductible. In some cases, you may be able to supplement your homeowners insurance coverage with a home warranty.
If you have homeowners insurance, you will need to file a claim when your roof becomes damaged. An insurance representative will inspect the damage and offer an estimate for repair costs. Be sure to gather all documents relevant to the claim, including receipts and before-and-after photos. Photos are particularly helpful because they can document that the damage was caused by a covered peril.
Most insurance companies won’t cover damage to a roof that results from neglect or poor maintenance. In addition, roofs over 20 years old usually have limited coverage. If you’re not sure whether your home insurance covers a specific issue, talk with your insurance agent to learn more about your options.
If the damages to your roof are severe enough, you can choose to replace your entire roof or make repairs to specific areas of the roof. Some policies also provide coverage for additional living expenses if you are forced to temporarily relocate while your home is repaired. If you have replacement coverage, your insurance company will typically reimburse you for the full cost of a new roof, including materials, dump fees, and labor.
If you have a high-end roof, it’s worth checking into options for extended warranties. These warranties can provide extra protection against future damage to your roof and extend the life of your roof.