Roof Replacement Vs. Repair – Which Is Better?
Some very specific circumstances quickly qualify as a roof repair crisis. Here are four common examples: A falling branch, tree, or other wind-borne object has struck a hole in your roof. While this is certainly a disaster, it can be fixed fairly easily if you have the right tools and materials. Unfortunately, many homeowners need to realize that they could have avoided this catastrophe had they planned and consulted a professional roofer.
Fortunately, there are plenty of roof repair services out there that can help you save money on roof repairs. For example, a company like Roofing can assess your roof, your overall roof construction, and the potential areas of leakage that need to be repaired. Once you’ve identified these areas, a Roofing specialist can create a full roof repair strategy for your home and determine how much it will cost. (You’ll find this type of service online by searching for “accessible roofing,” “full roof repair,” or “roofing specialist”).
Have you noticed large, patchy cloud-like stains near the flashing of your roof? If so, these are probably signs of a water intrusion, which could lead to leaky pipes and leaking roofs. Preventative maintenance goes a long way toward preventing such damage in the future.
Have you spotted holes, discolored spots, and discolored sections of your roof that seem to be growing rapidly? These may be signs of a roof leak, which can easily lead to a leaky roof or other types of roof repair complications. As you can see, the roofing materials and techniques you employ can make a difference in whether or not your roof gets repaired. For example, metal flashings are designed to absorb moisture and prevent leaks quickly. If you are using metal flashing to patch your roof, be sure that you also apply the appropriate paint to cover the metal flashing in addition to the roof repair itself.
A small leak in your attic may not seem like much, but it can quickly grow into a very large problem. Over time, it can lead to structural damage to your house and even significant water damage. Many times, roof repairs alone will not sufficiently fix an attic leak. This is especially true if you have accumulated wet or damp materials over the years.
Another way that a roof repair specialist can help you save money is by determining whether or not a complete roof replacement is needed. Often times, a simple roof repair will be enough to address the problem, although a full replacement is probably going to be more cost effective in the long run. A complete replacement will involve removing old shingles, replacing them with newer ones, then covering the installation so that you won’t see any damage. This process requires a bit of time, but it’s often less expensive than having to replace the entire roof.
In addition to removing old shingles, a roof repair specialist might also check the chimney to make sure that it is intact and in good shape. Chimneys are especially important to inspect when there is evidence of a leak. Many times, roof repairs are simply patching up holes, rather than fixing a leak. However, this is often an expensive process, so it’s important to check your chimney regularly to ensure that it isn’t leaking. If you do need a roof repair, it’s important to schedule it for the day after your leak is repaired so that the material can dry. A roofing contractor will know exactly how long it should take to dry before you can start installing.
Finally, you should remember that the roofing industry isn’t as cut and dried as many people think. Many people simply assume that they know what a roof repair company will charge, but you’ll often find out that prices can vary greatly depending on the type of damage being repaired and the extent of work involved. For example, a small repair may be performed for $500, while a larger repair might be closer to $1000. Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be able to make better decisions about whether you need a roof replacement or roof repair. While these three methods will all fix small issues, there are other minor issues that warrant hiring a professional roofing contractor for larger problems.
