Every year, more than a million people seek out an estimate to have their roof repaired. Are you in need of a repair too?
Whether you need shingles replaced or a brand new roof, these kinds of repairs are a serious undertaking. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to diagnosing the problem and finding the right person to handle your repair.
Luckily, we’re here to simplify the process and arm you with all the knowledge you need. Read on to learn everything you need to know about roof repairs.
Most Common Roofing Issues
Whether you’ve been a homeowner for a few months or a few decades, you know that there’s a lot that can go wrong with your roof. This is one of the reasons why it’s can be so difficult to fix.
Some of the most common roofing issues you might experience as a homeowner include:
- Roof leaks (usually caused by cracks or broken shingles)
- Pooled water (little ponds or puddles of water that form on the roof)
- Holes and punctures (often caused by heavy traffic or animal activity)
- Shrinkage (roof material deteriorates, cracks, and pulls apart)
- Cracking and blistering (often caused by extreme sun/heat exposure and/or aging)
- Snow and ice damage
- Tree damage
- Mold (this can occur along with pooling or other types of water damage)
- Many of these issues happen because of a poor initial roof installation or because your roof has been poorly maintained.
When to Handle Roof Repairs Yourself
There are some repair projects you’ll almost always need a professional for. For example, you most likely do not have the tools on hand that you’ll need to repair your driveway.
This isn’t always the case with roof repairs, though.
There are a few roof repair projects that you should be able to handle on your own, including:
- Shingle replacement
- Partial reroofing
- Flashing (area located around chimneys and skylights) repair
- Clogged rain gutters
- If you have some repair or renovation experience, you’ll be able to handle these types of repairs without any problems.
Of course, there is a certain amount of risk that comes with taking on these types of repairs yourself. If you feel confident, then go for it. But, if you’re at all unsure of yourself, it’s best to call in a professional.
When to Hire a Professional
There are also plenty of other times when it’s best to hire a professional. Some specific situations for which you’ll definitely need to hire a roofing company include:
Routine Inspection
A professional should inspect your roof every six months. These inspections will help you ensure that your roof is in good shape. If there is anything wrong, a regular inspection will help you catch the problem and fix it as quickly as possible.
During a routine inspection, a roofing contractor can also let you know if there are any potential hazards (like overgrown trees) in your yard that could damage your roof.
Leaks in Your Home or Attic
If there are holes or cracks in your roof that are causing leaks in the house or attic, it’s time to call a professional.
A professional will be able to assess the damage and help you come up with a solution to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again in the future.
Pooling Water
If water starts to pool up on your roof, leaks aren’t far behind. The sooner you catch pooling, the sooner a roofer can fix the problem and prevent severe water damage.
There are many issues that cause pooling, including clogged rain gutters, compressed roof insulation, and drain blockages. Whatever the issue, a professional will identify it and help you get it fixed as soon as possible.
How to Find the Right Roof Repair Company
If you’ve decided that you need a professional’s help to repair your roof, you’ll need to do some work to make sure you hire the right roofing company. Don’t hire the first person you find online.
Listed below are some tips that will help you find a reputable, reliable repair company:
- Get local referrals. Choosing a community roofing company will help you avoid potential scams or issues with your repair. Community businesses also often have relationships with local crews and suppliers.
- Look for a manufacturer designation. This proves that the company has passed a minimum number of requirements and is factory-certified.
- Check their BBB ratings. Look them up on the Better Business Bureau’s website to see if they have a good score or have any complaints against them.
- Make sure they offer a warranty. This will cover your roof in the event that the repairs don’t last.
- Look for safety training. Make sure the people working for your repair company have passed a safety training program and maintains safe practices when on the job.
- Make sure they are properly licensed and insured. If you want to know about different types of licensing, see here for more info.
- Pay the insurance deductible. This is a necessary part of the process. Any repair company that doesn’t require you to pay an insurance deductible is committing fraud.
- Handle your own insurance claim. In most states, contractors cannot act on your behalf when it comes to negotiating insurance claims.
- Don’t Fall for pressure tactics. Avoid contractors who try to pressure you into signing a contract before you have an estimate from an insurance company.
It’s also a good idea to avoid repairmen who don’t offer you different shingle options (colors, materials, style, etc.). You should have a say in the materials they use. After all, they will affect the resale value of your home later on.
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