It is inevitable. At some point in the lifetime of your roof, you would be faced with a roof repair decision. You may have to decide between addressing a minor roof issue or wait for it to fester. Cost is a big deciding factor for most people when it is time for a repair.
Repairing your roof is a major project, but a stitch in time can save nine. If you detect in time and opt for immediate repair, you can save yourself a lot more down the line. In this article, we shall cover everything you need to know about repairing your roof.
The Hidden Reason For A Roof Repair
Most likely, you are a fixer. If you notice structural damage or defect in your home, you swing into action before it becomes even worse. If this is true, then, you surely understand the obvious reason for a roof repair. But there is more to roof repair than fixing broken things.
When you fix your roof in time, you are essentially enhancing its durability. If your roof is always in top condition, it would take longer for it to need replacements. Many roofs would have lasted longer if they were properly maintained. Living everything to chance isn’t a winning strategy when it comes to your roof.
This is why it is always better to actively check for problems on your roof and fix them in time instead of ignoring and paying for a roof replacement. Luckily, there are problem points where you are most likely to detect need for roof repairs.
Problem Points Where You May Need A Roof Repair
The roof itself is the most obvious problem area that may need a roof repair. However, there is more to roof repair than meets the eye. Things from chimneys to seams may cause a compromise on your roof. In fact, there are so many things that could go wrong.
Below are the most common parts of the roof where an expert may pick on a problem on time. The list is not exhaustive, but you will get a good idea of what it means to inspect a roof. Here they are:
- Chimney
- Flashing
- Ridge Vents, or other venting fixtures
- Roof Tiles, or even Sheets
- Seams
- Skylights
- Underlayment, or membrane
- Valleys
- Broken roof tiles, missing mortar
Visible Signs You Need A Roof Repair
Let’s say you didn’t call a professional to regularly check your roof. What are the visible signs that something is wrong and your roof needs a repair? Here are some of the signs to look out for. As you would see, not all of them are severe. However, none should be overlooked. Usually, damages deteriorate further when left unattended.
Roof Leaks
This is what comes to mind for most people. Naturally, it is also the most common reason for roof repair. When you notice your roof leaking, this does not mean there is some huge hole somewhere in the roof.
Most times, it is some channels forged in between loose seams and nails, slowly wearing and allowing water to seep through. Because of how gradual this process is, it may take a while to note it.
Severe Weather Damage
Elements from winds and storms to snow and hail may cause some damages on your roof. There may be times when your roof tiles get hit hard and change position. Sometimes, they may be completely blown off. Either way, this may lead to serious damages.
Damaged Roof Valley
Can you see those gutter-like parts of your roof? Those are the roof valleys. They are meant to help channel water and precipitation off the roof. If your roof valley gets damaged, it may lead to some leaks on your roof. The good thing is that it can be detected in time if you have a regular professional roof inspection in place.
Damaged Chimney
If you have a chimney installed on your roof, it is important to have it inspected regularly. If your roof was installed by a professional roofer and the proper kind of seal and flashing were used, this would help keep water out.
However, seals wear over time and flashings corrode and crack. Even when done right, damages are bound to occur, no matter how minor they are. Sometimes, more serious issues like cracked cement or a leaky crown may come up. So, make sure you have your chimney and flashing checked regularly.
Skylights Leak
Skylights are beautiful additions on your roof. They help bring in more light and may add some more sophistication to your house. However, if the skylights get damaged, things can get ugly and complicated fast. If you are lucky, the issue may be just some crack in the seals. Corrosion of the flashing may be more serious.
Aging Roof
As your roof tiles, it starts to give in to the harsh elements. Things like water and snow build up may weaken a few roof tiles. In this case, you may have to replace those. You may start noticing other signs like sagging, mould build up, cracking, among others. Depending on the situation and the size of it, this may or may not be serious.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Roof Repair
All roof repairs are not equal. There are many factors that may contribute to how much you would be investing in repairing your roof. Below are some of the most important factors:
Roof Material
The biggest factor that usually influence the cost of roof repair is the type of roof material used on the building. This price may vary widely, because of the cost of labour and materials.
For example, while a 100 square feet of roof tiles might cost you a few hundreds of dollars, metal roofs would go for over a thousand dollars. Synthetic composite products are even more expensive to repair.
Scope Of Repair
Naturally, the scope of the roof repair influences how much it costs. It would cost more to repair a 5 square portion of the roof than a square. Also, if a roof has complex designs, it would take more time and resources to repair it. This would increase the cost of repair.
Roof Pitch
When repairing a roof, its pitch may contribute to how complex the job is. Since the moderate pitched roofs are easiest to repair, they are also the cheapest. As for both the high pitched and flat roofs, the complexity of their repairs attract a higher cost.
Water Damage
One of the great benefits of regular roof inspections is that a qualified professional will be able to spot a roof damage in time. In cases, where the water already damaged the home structure, it would cost more to repair the damage. In extreme cases or when left unattended to, this may lead to a total roof replacement.
Roof Repair Permits
Depending on where you live, there may be some roof repair permits to pay for. In this case, there may be a flat price or value-based price, which would depend on the size or value of your home. Usually, the roof repair company would help you process it and add the cost to the repair cost.
Rooftop Elements
Anything from chimneys to skylights and flashings may significantly increase the cost of your roof repair. A damage to one or more of them may add up quickly. You may expect to pay a couple hundreds of dollars to fix a flashing, for example. Even if there are no damages to any of these, working around them alone complicates the task and may increase the labour cost.
Choosing The Right Professional Roof Repairer
As you can see, a lot goes into repairing your roof. To make sure your roof are in safe hands, only deal with the right professional roof repairer. Before settling for your preferred roof repairer, make sure:
- They are experienced.
- They are an expert at the problem you want to solve
- They are established
- They have the proper licenses
- They are insured
- They have positive feedbacks from past clients
- They provide a clear and professional quote
Getting a professional that ticks these boxes may cost you extra, but it is better to invest more in the repair than get a sloppy job you may need to correct later. For more than 15 years now Roof Makeover Specialist has been providing high-end roof repair Melbourne services. For a free quote call and get in touch.