Roof repair is an essential part of protecting your home from the elements. It is also a major home improvement project. When you have a damaged roof, you need to hire a professional to assess the condition and make recommendations.
The amount of damage your roof has suffered will affect the cost of the repair. For example, a simple repair to fix a small leak may be less expensive than re-roofing the whole house. But if the damage is extensive, the costs can be substantial. Moreover, you should know that most insurance companies will not cover the cost of your roof repair if it is the result of poor maintenance.
If the damage is minor, it is still worth having your roof assessed by a roofing expert. Inspecting your roof will reveal holes, dents, and other telltale signs. Some of these signs are obvious, such as rotting boards. However, others are less noticeable, such as a missing shingle. You might notice a leak if you have a skylight or a water tank on the roof.
To find the most cost-effective method of roof repair, you should consider the type of roofing material you have, the extent of the damage, and the location of the problem. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. The quality of the shingles will depend on their brand and manufacturer. They are the least expensive of all shingles. Other popular materials include metal and shake roofing.
Your roof’s flashing is an important component of the roof. Flashing is a small metal strip that secures around the edges of chimneys and other fixtures on the roof. If the flashing is damaged or eroded, you can expect a leak. Since your roof is primarily meant to protect your home from the elements, a leak could cause significant damage to your home.
Another important roofing component is the ridge cap. All roofs have a ridge where the slope of the roof changes. These ridges are often cracked, allowing water to seep into the roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, a ridge cap repair may cost $250 to $750.
A roof’s vents and tails can become damaged as well. These parts of the roof are meant to allow hot air and excess odors to escape the unfinished attic. If they are damaged, you might need to install a new vent or vent boot.
Aside from the actual repair, it is important to keep your roof gutters and drains clear of dirt and debris. Cleaning your gutters is an inexpensive do-it-yourself project. This will prevent accumulated debris from pooling at the edge of your roof and clogging the gutter. Similarly, if you have a water tank on the rooftop, you should close the access doors and inspect the water tank for leaks.
A roof that has been damaged by hail or a tornado might require more expensive repairs. Hail can be as destructive as a golf ball, which can easily crack the fascia or tile. Similarly, a tornado can produce a torrent of hail that can quickly clog your gutters.