A roofing system is a big investment for property owners, and represents a big portion of construction costs.
It’s a roofing contractor’s job to help the owner protect their investment. They should provide professional, careful maintenance on the roof on a regularly. This will make sure its properly protected.
Here are some tips that will help your roofing contractor ensure they won’t miss any essentials during services. If you’re a homeowner, these tips will guide you on what to expect when you hire a professional roofing company to perform routine shingle roof maintenance.
A roofer should perform 4 basic services twice per year to help a homeowner properly maintain their asphalt shingled roof. Also, you’ll want to do this after major storms. Here’s your roofing maintenance checklist:
A critical part of roof maintenance is routine cleaning and clearing of the roof and its related systems. Pay attention not only to shingles and flashing but other key elements, like eaves, troughs, down spouts, installations (such as skylights, vents, chimneys, solar panels), and ventilation.
Here’s what we recommend:
Property owners should regularly clear debris from the roof, including leaves, branches, and other items that might clutter the surface. Your roofing contractor might use a leaf blower, being sure to blow the air down the roof. This will ensure that debris won’t be blowing up and underneath the shingles. To lower the debris that accumulates, clear away vegetation and branches that hang over the roof. Hire a professional tree service to cut away difficult or hard to reach areas.
Dig out leaves and organic material from all gutters. This will ensure water drains without obstruction through to the downspouts. Homeowners could install eave protectors, metal meshed grates that prevent buildup of debris and make cleanup easier.
Be sure the downspouts are clear and unobstructed so water drains properly from the roof and away from the foundation. A homeowner should take notes of any leaks or drips that occur during or right after a rain storm. Report any issues to the contractor during inspection time.
Once cleared of debris, your roofing contractor should inspect it for any red flags that could indicate potential trouble.
They should complete this inspection twice a year – recommended in the spring and fall. This will allow them to make note of anything suspicious, as well as complete small fixes or minor repairs before they become bigger issues. Also, they’ll see if there’s any evidence the ventilation system is malfunctioning or might need maintenance or cleaning.
An experienced roofer should immediately complete any asphalt shingle roof repairs to maintain the integrity of the roof’s materials and related systems, such as drainage and ventilation. Little fixes performed properly will prevent bigger issues, or more costly repairs, over time. They could:
Replace or repair missing, broken or buckled shingles: A roofing contractor could use roofing cement or nails to repair shingles that have become cracked or loose. They could also replace any shingles that have broken free or blown away.
Replace or install valley flashing: They may also consider replacing the existing valley flashing if its become corroded, cracked or is no longer secure – which would threaten its waterproofing abilities.
Replace other flashing: Your roofer could use roofing cement and nails to replace metal flashing around chimneys, roof vents or other installations if the flashing has become loose or rotten. If they’re installing the flashing against a brick structure, it’s advisable to use copper or galvanized steel, because the lime in brick mortar could corrode aluminum materials.
Repair gutters or downspouts: Your roofing company might use gutter caulking, a gutter patching kit or roofing cement and patches to fix leaky or corroded sections of the eavestroughs or downspouts. If they are sagging, they should use a level to determine the proper pitch, then rehang them so they drain properly.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to maintain the life of your roofing system, or a roofing professional educating your customer on the benefits of regular inspection, maintenance and repair, sticking to a consistent, regular schedule is well worth the investment.
Finding out your roof is damaged and needs repairs or replacement can be stressful for a homeowner. Handling insurance claims, dealing with adjusters and ensuring you get paid for all covered damage is an intimidating process. Many property owners aren’t confident about filing a claim, process issues and what kinds of documentation they will need.
To an insurance company, your roof is the most critical feature of your property. If its damaged, it can lead to much larger damage claims. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety has stated that more than 90% of hail or high-wind claims result in a payout relative to the quality of the roof cover. Insurance companies check roofing claims with great scrutiny and expect homeowners to provide correct documentation and accurate information in order to process the claim.
To make the claims process experience easier and to help you get the right settlement for your damage, take some photos of your roof and exterior property before they are damaged. Then, when you have some damage from a storm, update the photos when you need maintenance or repairs completed. Once the roof is damaged take another set of photos showing the need for repairs. Document and record the damages and any quotes, estimates or bills you get in relation to the damage. Having this info on file in one place will ensure your claims process is a smooth and easy experience.
Before you file your insurance claim completely, you’ll need an estimate from a professional roofing contractor. Most of the time you can pick the roofing company of your choosing. Your contractor should help you make your way through the sometimes complicated roof insurance claims process. Some roofing companies have adjusters on their staff that can deal with your insurance claim for you. Try to find a contractor that has a lot of experience providing roofing quotes for insurance claims. They should help through the process of getting a roof repair or replacement covered by the insurance company.
Keep in contact with your insurance agent and company. Its the best and most simple way to be aware of what’s covered or not covered in your homeowners policy.
Some policies use the age of the roof and take it into account when it gets damaged. If your roof is under 10 years old, you could be covered for the entire cost of repairing or replacing the damaged section at the time of the claim. If it’s more than 10 years old, you could be paid for the depreciated value of the damaged roof. The depreciated value takes wear and tear and age of your roof into account. This could mean the value has lowered before the damage occurred.
Some insurance policies will offer damage coverage only up to the depreciated value, no matter what the age of your roof is. Others will cover the entire cost of repairing or replacing the damaged section at the time of the claim, no matter the age of your roof. Most of the time, your insurance company will send out an adjuster to your property to inspect and verify the claim. If the damage is found to be from age, normal wear and tear, or the poor condition of your roof, it will probably be classified as normal maintenance, and won’t be covered under your policy.
The most critical thing to remember is if you think your roof has been damaged and needs repair, you shouldn’t wait for the inspection by a roofing contractor. Determine how much damage you have as soon as you can. This will help move along the process expeditiously and help you avoid more damage that might not be covered under your policy.
Roofing systems take abuse and have to be maintained. Pitched roofs are fundamentally built to shed water and keep snow from piling up.
As a result, sloped roofs that utilize asphalt shingles, tiles, or wood shakes are designed to work similar to fish scales – overlapping each other to shed the water and snow.
Flat surfaces require different coverings and this article will discuss three options for flat roofs.
Flat roofing systems aren’t built that way. With extremely low slopes (between 1/4″ to 1/2″ per foot, if installed the right way), flat roofs don’t shed water easily. Flat roofs are good systems if done right. They do have some common issues that can be prevented if they are installed by a good roofing company.
Flat roofing systems are built as a monolithic roof surface and will have times where water is pooling and standing. There are 3 main options for flat roofs including Built-Up Roofing (BUR), Modified Bitumen Roofing, and Membrane or ‘Single-Ply’ Roofing (such as EPDM).
EPDM is the latest flat roof technology (around 55 years) and BUR is the oldest (about 120 years). Modified Bitumen is between the others (+/- 60 years). Here are the pluses and minuses of each flat roofing system.
Built-up roofing (BUR) was the most commonly installed type of flat roof until single-ply roofing and modified Bitumen came along.
BUR uses tar and gravel for a watertight layer on top of the roof. Some of its biggest benefits include longevity, the thick coverage of the roof deck, and high resistance to damage.
It’s a costly choice for a residential property, and some of the odors that come with tar and gravel can be bothersome. Here are some additional pluses and minuses of built-up roofing:
Pluses
Minuses
It didn’t take long for the public to move away from the mess, heat, and odors of installing a BUR roof. But, for a long time, it was the only option. In the early 1960s, a new technology was developed – modified bitumen roofing (MBR).
It leveraged the proven performance of BUR and added roof wear layers or cap sheets that were polymer reinforced for strength and durability.
Pluses
Minuses
There are a few types of rubber/polymer membrane roofing systems – PVC, Neoprene, EPDM and several others. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is used the most, especially for residential projects.
EPDM is constructed of recycled rubber materials, making it environmentally friendly. It helps to insulate your roof and attic.
In addition to covering your roof, it will bring down utility costs and make it economically viable as well. It comes in a large variety of textures and colors.
Pluses
Minuses
Remember to maintain your flat roofs, repair them if it needs repairs, and get them inspected every 5 years or so!
Your roof plays a huge role in protecting your property and everything inside that you own. Anytime the roof’s structure is in trouble, you need to take action right away to fix the issue.
If you don’t fix a damaged roof, it can lead to big problems and expensive repairs down the road. This article will discuss the things you should consider before installing a shingle roof.
Some people like to keep the costs down by doing part or all of the job themselves.
Most of the time, it’s safer to hire professional, experienced roofing contractors because they have valuable knowledge and experience as well as training in the appropriate materials to use, proper installation, safety procedures, building code requirements, and waste disposal.
Here are some tips for hiring the right contractor:
Most cities and local governments will require permits for roofing work. Most roofing contractors will do the basic work for obtaining these permits, but you should know what the costs and time frames for permits are beforehand.
This way you can add these expenses to your budget and the additional time to the project’s schedule — the sooner you know these time frames and costs, the better.
Some roofing contractors might propose you leave your old roof in place and consider installing a shingle roof on top of it. It will save money but you should avoid this.
When an old roof is removed, the roofing contractor can inspect the decking and other areas for any possible structural damage that may exist. You could be creating a more costly repair by adding a new roof without removing the old one.
There are a lot of roofing materials to pick from, like wooden shakes, clay, metal, and slate.
Asphalt shingles are a happy medium for many property owners because they come in lots of shapes and colors, they’re the most affordable, the easiest to install, and usually last for 15-20 years.
Schedule your roof repair or replacement during a time when weather in your area is most favorable. Most roofing projects will be completed in a week to a few days if the weather is permitting.
Some roofers give discounts if you schedule the project during their slow season, so make plans ahead of time with your scheduling and you could save yourself a lot of money.
Tile roofing is most commonly installed on Southwest and Mediterranean-style homes. These aesthetically pleasing tiles are generally made of clay, concrete, or slate.
However, the benefits of a tile roof are more than just good looks; choosing the right tile can help improve the house's value and help when you sell your house.
Familiarize yourself with the selling points that make them such popular roofing options. Weigh those strengths against key factors to decide whether or not your home can benefit from a tile roof. You
(See our tile innovations post)
Clay, concrete, and slate roofs are extremely resistant to fire and resist rot, bugs, and most other pests. Most tile roofing will hold up to extreme heat and cold, making it great for use in almost any climate. Usually, the underlayment needs to be replaced every 20 years. This is how underlayment is replaced.
Clay tiles are especially resistant to corrosion from the salty air, which makes them an excellent choice for properties located in coastal areas.
Many kinds of roofing tiles can also brag of superior impact resistance, which makes them a superior option in areas that experience severe storms with hail or high winds.
Most tile roofs are found in the warmer regions of our country, but they can be utilized in colder areas, too.
When you’re installing a clay or concrete tile roof in a region with a colder climate, however, you should require materials designed to handle the expansion that occurs with freezing and thawing cycles.
Quite frankly, people are the biggest threat to tile roofs. The tiles are not typically designed to handle foot traffic and are prone to be being broken or chipped when people walk on them and are careless.
This is why it's important to hire an experienced, professional roofing contractor to do any repairs or maintenance on or around a tile roof – including cleaning gutters, maintaining chimney and other protrusion flashing, and routine regular inspections.
A roof made of concrete, clay, or slate could be the last roof you will ever need on your home. Clay or slate tiles can last as long as 100 years, while most concrete tile comes with a 50-year warranty.
Slate is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials of all, with a lifespan of 100 to 150 years or more.
Concrete and clay tiles usually feature natural earth tones, a sand-cast or unglazed finish, and a classic curved shape.
However, their design isn’t limited to just these Southwestern and Mediterranean benchmarks. Their casting allows for a lot of different style options which will suit just about any type of architectural taste.
Both concrete and clay tiles come in a large array of colors and can have glazed or unglazed finishes. The most common shapes are flat, fluted, and interlocking which can be used in a wide variety of home designs.
Some tiles are made to look like wood shakes, for use in craftsman, rustic, and log homes. Others are designed to mimic traditional European properties.
Natural slate tiles are used often as the roofing system of choice for victorian, colonial, and Tudor architecture. They also look great on sleek, modern, contemporary homes.
Slate tiles give the distinct appearance of natural stone and have a lot of advantages that clay and concrete tiles have, including durability and long lifespans.
They’re very popular in northern Europe and are often found in victorian and Tudor-style homes in the US.
Tile roofs are one of the most expensive upfronts for both materials and labor. Slate, as an example, can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per square (which is a 10-foot-by-10-foot section of roofing) installed and a tile roofing contractor that has experience working with the high-end material may also require more.
However, over their long lifespan, concrete, clay, and slate tiles will offset their initial cost. Because of a high thermal mass, tiles do a great job of regulating the temperature of your property, thus helping you lower heating and cooling expenses.
The durability and longevity of clay, concrete, and slate also mean that you save a lot of money by not having to replace your roof multiple times over the lifespan of your home.
As an added benefit in today's eco-friendly world, all of the materials used are environmentally friendly, easily recycled.
However, like any great roofing system, there are drawbacks and problems. For example, the trim tiles fall off after a while.
Before hiring a roof replacement contractor, the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) recommends checking that its crew members are licensed and insured. Ask the roofer to produce a copy of their proof of insurance.
The contractor may also need to pull permits depending on the city you live in, which can add several hundred dollars onto the estimate. As an example, a permit to replace a roof on a 1,350-square-foot home can cost between $150 and $500.
| Roof Size | House Size | Average Roof Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq.ft. | 667 sq.ft. | $3,500 - $9,000 |
| 1,200 sq.ft. | 800 sq.ft. | $4,200 - $10,800 |
| 1,350 sq.ft. | 900 sq.ft. | $4,725 - $12,150 |
| 1,500 sq.ft. | 1,000 sq.ft. | $5,250 - $13,500 |
| 2,000 sq.ft. | 1,333 sq.ft. | $7,000 - $18,000 |
| 2,200 sq.ft. | 1,467 sq.ft. | $7,700 - $19,800 |
| 3,750 sq.ft. | 2,500 sq.ft. | $13,125 - $33,750 |
| 4,500 sq.ft. | 3,000 sq.ft. | $15,750 - $40,500 |
The roof replacement contractor should also be familiar with local building codes, which might include the kinds of shingles or tiles allowed in a particular neighborhood or regulations regarding the underlayment.
Get multiple quotes and don’t be swayed by just the price. An estimate that's too low could be a sign the company isn't operating legally. Check their online reviews. The bottom line is to make sure the contractor has a good reputation.
Most roofers guarantee the work they do, usually for between five and 10 years for their workmanship. This will typically cover leakage or total failure, but won’t cover general wear and tear or damage from storms. Some companies offer 25-year warranties, but those typically apply to specific high-end roof products and require certain installation procedures.
Replacing a roof is one of the biggest and most costly projects a homeowner can take on.
Roofing companies look at a lot of variables to determine the price of a new roof, including its size, pitch, accessibility, and cost of materials. Because of this, prices for a new roof can vary drastically.
The national average range for replacing a roof is between $7,000 and $24,000, with most people paying around $14,000 for replacing 2,000 sq. ft. of architectural shingles on a 2-story home. The project’s low cost is $3,500 for 1,000 sq. ft. of asphalt shingles on a single-story home.
The highest cost can be up to $44,000 for installing 2,000 sq. ft. of slate shingles on a 2-story home with deck reinforcement. This is of 2022
Calls to contractors show that prices can vary from $5,500 to $12,000 to tear off and replace a roof with basic shingles in 2018. Prices can also vary greatly depending on where you live.
Water damage can also factor into the final expense of a roofing project. Usually, you won’t find water damage until after the roofer has removed the roofing materials and the deck is exposed.
If there’s significant water damage, it can change the project from a roof repair to a roof replacement.
Another factor affecting the price is whether your home has chimneys, skylights, or other protrusions.
They will increase the cost and scope of the project, as your roofing contractor will need to work around them. The cost of repairing flashing around a chimney can range from $500 to $1000 while repairing it around the skylight can average between $500 and $1000.
You might be able to save some money by overlaying an existing roof, instead of replacing it. But doing this can lower the lifespan of the new roof and could void warranties you'd have on labor and materials.
Here are the main factors:
Roof Size
A roof’s size is the largest cost factor. Roofers charge per roofing square. A 10-by-10-foot (100 square feet) area is equal to one roofing square. So, a 3000 sq. ft roof is equal to 30 squares.
Pitch of the Roof
Another variable in pricing is the pitch of the roof or the slope. Some roofs have a high pitch, while others have a low pitch or no pitch at all — all factors which affect the cost of the roofing estimate.
A roof with a pitch of about a 7:12 ratio — the first number represents the height and the second the length — or higher isn’t walkable and will probably require more safety harnesses and equipment. A 7:12 roof, as an example, means that for every 12 inches it runs horizontally, the roof rises 7 inches vertically.
A roof of 7:12 or greater is a pretty steep roof, and roof replacement contractors will charge more to work on this type of roof. The work goes more slowly with a steep roof.
You can’t stack materials on the roof, and crew members will need to wear harnesses. Because of these difficulties and because the roofing company will pay more in insurance costs, their quote is adjusted accordingly.
| Pitch | Average Replacement Costs per Sq.Ft. (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Flat | $4.50 - $7 |
| Low Slope | $4.50 - $7 |
| Conventional Slope | $3.50 - $9 |
| Steep Slope | $5 - $12 |
Accessibility to the Roof
Can the roofer get a truck close to the house? Can they back the truck up against the house? If not, they’ll have to carry the materials to and from the trucks. That will cause more costs for the roofing contractor and will make the project more expensive. Tearing off a heavier roof can also increase labor costs.
Type of Roofing Material
It costs from $3 - $6 a square foot to remove and replace the roof or $6,00-$12,000 for 2,000 Sq.Ft.Roof.
square foot ranch-style home, with a gentle slope, on average. The cost and labor for an asphalt roof for a 1,200-square-foot house in larger markets across the country range between $4,500 and $7,000. Asphalt is the most affordable roofing option, followed by wood, metal, tile, and slate.
| Material | Cost per Sq.Ft. (Labor Included) | Cost for a 2,000 Sq.Ft. Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingle | $3 - $6 | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $3 - $8 | $6,000 - $16,000 |
| Plastic | $3 - $8 | $6,000 - $16,000 |
| Bitumen | $4 - $8 | $8,000 - $16,000 |
| Concrete Tile | $4 - $20 | $8,000 - $40,000 |
| Metal | $4 - $30 | $8,000 - $60,000 |
| Rubber | $5 - $13 | $10,000 - $26,000 |
| Architectural Shingles | $7 - $15 | $14,000 - $30,000 |
| Cedar | $8 - $12 | $16,000 - $24,000 |
| Composite | $8 - $15 | $16,000 - $30,000 |
| Clay | $10 - $25 | $20,000 - $50,000 |
| Green | $10 - $35 | $20,000 - $70,000 |
| Solar | $12 - $25 | $24,000 - $50,000 |
| Slate | $15 - $25 | $30,000 - $50,000 |
The cost per square foot for a wood shingle roof is between $8 and $12. That equates to about $16,00 to $24,00 per 2,000 square feet, which is twenty squares.
Materials for a metal roof can cost upwards of $800 per 2,000 square feet. The price can be twice as much for a metal roof compared to asphalt shingles, and as much as four or five times more for slate.
While good asphalt shingles may last 20 or more years, metal, tile, and slate may last 30 or more years, which can play a role in determining the type of roof you ultimately choose.
The material prices for roofing and construction have gone up dramatically in the last few years. We have seen it trickle across many industries including property management. Roof maintenance costs and other common home maintenance costs have gone up. This is because companies are raising their prices to adjust for inflation and rising material costs.
The Local Experts From SGI | Phoenix AZ | Property Management
Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality roof replacement, roof installation, and roof repair services to Phoenix AZ, and the surrounding Phoenix communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. If you need honest advice regarding your roofing project, give us a call.
If you’re a property owner, you can’t predict when and how severe weather will hit you. You’ll need to take steps when your roof is damaged and you’ll need to completely understand the steps to take. Severe rain, high windstorms and monsoons can all cause heavy damage to your roof.
After your roof experiences severe wether, you have to assess the damage you’ve experienced. You can then be able to discuss what happened with your insurance representative and your roof repair contractor to help you avoid hidden costs or issues. (You should do this during daylight hours, which means you might have to skip to step 2 before you inspect the damage.) Use binoculars when you’re checking the damage so you can see the details closely.
Take the area thats been damaged and figure the estimated square footage. Look to see if there are any shingles missing and note how severe the damage is. In some smaller cases, you may just have a few random shingles missing or sheered off. Make a note of the material that’s visible and exposed. Here’s what to look for – the ends of missing shingles, tar paper or exposed plywood. Notice the shade and color of the material thats exposed. If you have some shingles from when the roof was installed or last repaired, you can check the packaging for the right shingle style and color you’ll need.
If you have a little experience with repairs, try to make some temporary fixes to minimize your damage. Personal items inside your home could be damaged by water if your roof is leaking directly above a living area. Put a garbage can or bucket under any leaking water and move any valuable items away from the area so they won’t get damaged more. You may need to use a tarp to cover badly damaged areas to get them waterproofed immediately. If they’re smaller repairs that are needed you can get them shingled right away.
Call your insurance representative and check your insurance policy if it looks like there’s enough damage for a claim. If there isn’t, it may make more sense money wise to hire a roofer yourself and get any needed repairs done. If you’re involved in a large, natural disaster where big swaths of residential properties are hit by severe weather or a big storm, you may want to contact your insurance company ASAP so you can get on a good contractor’s schedule immediately. Good, reputable roofing companies will have their calendars filled up quickly after a severe storm in their area, due to demand.
If you need to hire a roofing contractor, be sure it’s a reliable, professional roofing company. Be careful not to hire any fly-by-nighters that flood these areas after a storm and rip off vulnerable, uneducated property owners. Avoid these type of contractors at all costs. These traveling contractors that chase storms around will give you poor quality workmanship and be gone as fast as they arrived, leaving you with bigger issues than you had from just the storm.
There is no such thing as a common roofing job, so any discussion about roofing expenses needs to point that out. There are many factors that will effect what a new roof cost might be including roof pitch and size, materials, damage level, accessibility and more.
Your neighbor may have totally different criteria for a new roof than yours. As an example, your roof could be more weather damaged and worn, besides the differences in pitch and size. Also, you might want to add additional features like solar shingles or dormer windows that allow more light into your attic.
The ease of access and the number of stories your property have will affect your estimate. If your property is two stories or more, your cost will be higher. Also, if the roofer has more difficulty getting to the roof, like if you have a townhouse or other type of property that attaches to another dwelling.
The pitch of your roof, whether it be steep or a mild slope will have an effect on your estimate. Likewise, if your roof has a large number of hips and valleys in its design, it will be more difficult to install. Style refers to the basic shape of your roof. If you have extra features built in to your roof design, like dormer windows, vent covers, chimneys, skylights, etc., that will make the difficulty factor rise and increase your cost.
Pricing can be affected by where you live, your geographic location, whether it be in a rural or urban location.
If you live in an area with extreme heat, heavy snowfall or high winds, your roof will need particular fortifications that will increase your costs.
There’s a lot of choices available to you regarding materials, depending on your budget and tastes. One thing to be careful of though. Be sure that , if you have chosen a breakable material, such as concrete or clay tile, you order enough material to allow for broken material during the installation process.
If your home is older, it may have some structural deterioration, which would mean an increase in your labor expenses.
Size and dimensions. You can get a rough estimate yourself by measuring the the perimeter of your home, but a professional will climb onto your roof and get precise measurements.
The steeper the pitch of your roof, the more expensive it will be due to the additional material needed.
Its less expensive to add a layer over the top of existing shingles. But, if you already have several layers of shingles, you may have no choice other than stripping them off first, which is called a “tear-off”. If you’re installing a particularly heavy material like slat or concrete tile, in addition to the tear-off, you may need to reinforce your trusses and roof structure. You’ll need to get rid of the old material and it will add significant labor hours to your project.
There are other, less predictable factors that can add to your cost. Your roofing contractor might find that your flashing is damaged or your roof decking has deteriorated and needs repair first, which will lengthen the time for the project and add additional expenses.
Getting quotes from several reliable roofing companies is the best way to find out what your new roof will cost. You should not be charged for an estimate by a legitimate, professional roofing contractor. If you get an estimate that seems substantially lower than the others, be wary. Its likely to produce a poor installation. Get references from any company that is giving you a quote and make sure you do your due diligence on those references. Go to your homeowners insurance policy and see if your new roof can be covered under the policy.
Your business or personal belongings depend on the proper maintenance and repair of your roof. Keep in mind that a little prevention now can prevent catastrophic roof failure in the future. This will save you a lot of inconvenience and expense in the process.
You should bring in a professional roof repair contractor if you have concerns after an inspection. The roofing contractor can also help you determine the remaining estimated lifespan of your roof, the roof’s general existing condition and help you develop a maintenance plan moving forward.
You should bring in a professional commercial roof repair contractor if you think that there could be some concerns after an inspection.
The commercial roofing contractor can also help you determine the remaining estimated lifespan of your roof, the roof’s general existing condition and help you develop a maintenance plan moving forward.
Regular inspections and maintenance is the best way to avoid major roof issues and help your roof sustain extreme weather conditions.
Regular maintenance will also prolong your roof’s lifespan. This may allow you to repair your roof instead of replacing it when issues pop up, saving you a lot of money.
How often you should have your roof inspected depends on several factors like age, recent weather events, foot traffic on your roof, and any type of conditions that may have been uncovered in past inspections.
Your roof should be inspected twice per year, in the spring and fall, to ensure that it’s not being forgotten.
People tend to put off fixing small roof leaks because they have a tight budget. Or perhaps it’s the thought that it can be managed with a strategically placed bucket. Either way, delaying a repair by a roof repair contractor will likely lead to a variety of additional issues, resulting in much higher repair costs.
Regardless of the size of a roof leak, significant damage and other problems can result over time. Move quickly to fix a leak with a professional roof repair contractor. By doing so, you’ll get repairs done when they are at their least expensive point. You’ll also be avoiding other issues that can be costly as well as hazardous.
The nature of roof leaks is that they will grow over time, saturating larger areas with increasing amounts of water. Delaying a repair by your roof repair contractor can start bubbling paint and/or staining ceilings and walls if the water is carrying roofing materials such as tar with it. Repeated saturation also starts breaking down drywall materials, turning them from a solid structure to a powdery substance.
Insulation materials lose their effectiveness when damp, with an immediate result being an increase of demand on heating/cooling systems and higher energy bills. Additional costs can be incurred if cold and wet conditions keep insulation from drying out, creating the ideal environment for mildew. The combination of compromised insulation and mildew growth will require replacement of the affected materials.• Electrical issues – Water leaking down the walls can potentially lead to electrical shock and/or short out electrical circuits.
In addition to breaking down drywall, framing and beams that are constantly exposed to moisture over the long term can start rotting as well, with the result being a steady decline in structural support. Once this process of degradation starts, it is difficult to stop and will ultimately necessitate the re-building of the home’s structural support system.
The damp environment created by a roof leak not addressed by a roof repair contractor can result in the rapid build-up of mold that releases mycotoxins in high enough quantities to cause a variety of respiratory ailments including asthma, bronchitis, and other allergic reactions. These types of mold spores are particularly dangerous to people with weak respiratory and immune systems.
