What You Need to Know About Roof Repair

What You Need to Know About Roof Repair

If the roof is very damaged, it may be beyond roof repair. You might need to replace it altogether. Water stains in the attic and rooms below can indicate roof damage that needs to be repaired or replaced. Look for signs of sagging decking and rafters.

Check the ridge caps and the flashing around chimneys, vent pipes and skylights for holes. Also, inspect the counter flashing (usually metal) in these areas for damage and deterioration.

Cost

Roof repairs can be expensive, but it’s important to note that catching damage early can prevent bigger problems and reduce the total cost of repair. The type of damage and the materials used will determine the cost of the repair, but labor and location also have an impact on costs.

Asphalt shingles are the least expensive roofing material, while wood shakes and shingles tend to be more costly. They require more maintenance and are more susceptible to moisture damage.

Other factors that affect roof repair costs include the size of your home, the neighborhood, and any insurance discounts you may be eligible for. Some homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage, but this depends on your deductible and the extent of the damage.

Minor roof repairs can be relatively inexpensive, such as replacing a few missing shingles or repairing cracked flashing. However, larger issues like sagging roofs can be more expensive, requiring replacement of entire sections or even the whole roof.

Materials

You’ll need materials for your roof repair project. These include a drill with a variety of bits, a tape measure (preferably a digital model) for measuring, a roofing shovel or pry bar to rip off shingles and get them out of the way, a shingle tear-off tool, a rake and magnetic sweepers for clean-up, tarps to cover landscaping, a brush and stirring stick, caulking gun and caulk, a roll of copper flashing tape, roof patch and sealant.

The simplest method of repairing a leak in this type of roof is to slip a strip of adhesive ice-and-water barrier (available where roofing products are sold) under the soffit/main roof joint and up under the fascia board at the gutter end. This should overlap a piece of metal step flashing laid behind the gutter that’s secured to the house framing.

Time

Roof repairs can vary greatly in terms of how long it takes to complete the task, depending on the severity and complexity. However, on average it takes one to five hours to perform minor roofing repair tasks such as replacing a shingle or fixing gutters. More complicated issues, such as repairing leaks, sagging roofs or improving ventilation, can take much longer.

If you have pets, it’s important to keep them away from the work area during the entire roof replacement process. Also, consider securing any breakables in your home during the roof repair process to prevent them from getting damaged.

Insurance

Homeowners insurance generally covers damage to the roof if it meets certain conditions. Depending on the policy, this coverage might include a percentage of the repair costs or the cost of a new roof. In many cases, the insurance company will also pay to remove debris and cover the cost of tarping or covering other access points in the house while the roof is repaired.

Some homeowners insurance policies also set specific deductibles for things like hail, windstorms and hurricanes. This is common in areas that are prone to these types of natural disasters.

The other issue is that most insurance companies won’t cover gradual deterioration or wear and tear on a roof. As such, it’s important to keep records of any repairs and maintain the roof in good condition. Keeping receipts, photos and reports of inspections can help with any claims you may need to make. You should also keep in mind that insurance companies can be shady and may deny a claim for reasons other than the damage itself.