Need roof repairs but not sure where to start? This guide will help you identify common roof issues, find reliable roofers, and understand the roof repairs process. Read on to learn what to expect and how to keep your roof in top shape.
Key Take Aways
- Early Warning Signs of Roof Damage: Look around the yard for missing shingles or downed tree branches. If you can safely access the attic, check the roof decking for water stains. Your roof may appear dirty, this is algae and can cause issues.
- How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor: Make sure the roofing contractor is licensed. Many Roof Product Manufacturers will also have a Certification Program that vets out roofers. Always check the Customer Reviews.
- Roof Inspections: Regularly having a roofing company inspect your roof for damage is recommended.
- Roof Maintenance: Roof leaks usually don’t start out of nowhere. Roof penetrations, flashing, and shingle sealing should be regularly maintained.
Recognizing the need for roof repairs
Identifying issues early on can prevent larger, more costly issues. Spotting signs like leaks, missing shingles, water stains, or even roof components in the yard are all indicators that you may need to consider having your roof inspected. Accessing a roof can be dangerous, if you have a drone you can do a preliminary inspection however you should always call a professional, trusted roofing contractor to perform an inspection and assess any damages or maintenance issues that your home may have. They can help you determine the best course of action on your roof.
Deciding between roof repair or replacement depends on the damage extent, roof age, and costs. Regular inspections help catch issues early, avoiding extensive repairs or replacements.
Common Signs of Roof Damage
Most people don’t look up when walking around their house, take time to walk around and look for signs of water stains on your ceiling and walls. Generally, these water stains will occur on the upper level of your home. If you notice any stain, it is a good indicator that you may have a roof leak. If you can safely see the roof check for signs of visible roof damage. Torn or missing shingles, blown-off flashing, and ridge cap shingles are generally more receptive to wind damage than field shingles. If you notice any of these, contact a professional immediately to temporarily repair the issues until a more permanent roof repair can be made.
Southern Maryland can be prone to severe weather like hail storms and thunderstorms, that can severely damage your roof. Even if you do not see signs of damage from the ground the wind and hail could greatly reduce the life of your roof and cause issues that may lead to leaking.
Routine Roof Inspections
Routine roof inspection can be vital in catching minor issues before they turn into more expensive repairs or even full roof replacements. The can reveal unsealed, damaged, or even missing shingles. Roof Penetrations are also a major contributor to roof leaks. The roof sealant used on these penetrations such as roof jacks, pipe collars, apron, and chimney flashings is only designed to last approximately 5 years. Ensuring these penetrations are sealed is relatively inexpensive, but could save thousands of dollars worth of unnecessary interior damage.
Roofing Contractors will generally charge a small fee or offer free inspections. They will evaluate the conditions of your roof, check the wear and tear, roof penetrations, roof damage, and provide you with a details report. Promptly making the suggested repairs is important to maintaining your roof’s integrity and performance.
Finding a Reliabe Roofing Contractor
Choosing the right roofing contractor helps to ensure high-quality repairs and to avoid scams. Professionals offer services like inspections, repairs, installations, emergency services, and roof replacements. Getting multiple quotes from different contractors helps compare services and costs, aiding in an informed decision.
If available, gather documentation like previous roof inspection reports and damage photos before contacting a roofing professional. This will help them identify newer issues and be able to contract the condition of your roof to evaluate the proper course of action.
The best way to find a good roofing contractor is through a referral. However, if none are available, a Google Search will help you find the best roofer near you. Some factors to consider when selecting a roofing contractor:
- Licensed: Maryland does not have a specific “Roofer License” however the Maryland Home Improvement Commission does issue licenses to all Contractors. Be sure to check their website to ensure that the Contractor is in good standing.
- Insured: Roofing is one of the more dangerous trades out there. While most roofers are professionals, accidents do happen. Check to make sure that they have a minimum of $1,000,000.00 in General Liability Insurance as well as Workman’s Compensation Insurance. A bonus would be if the roofing contractor has an umbrella insurance policy but isn’t necessary.
- Roofing Certification:
- Reviews: Check your roofers online reviews. Angi’s, Home Advisor, Google, GuildQuality are all good sources to check out what customers are saying about their roofing experience.
Avoid Scams
According to the Better Business Bureau, roofing is one of the most complained about industries. Be sure to vet out the roofing contractor before signing anything. Some common scams are:
- Asking for a Large Deposit: In the State of Maryland the most any contractor can request as a deposit i 1/3 of the total price. This is generally used to cover the material cost prior to the job starting. If a roofing contractor asks for a deposit larger than that, be aware.
- Insisting on filing an insurance claim: Contractors are not legally allowed to act on your behalf in regard to an insurance claim. If there is damage to your home, the best course of action is to get an estimate for the repairs, choose a contractor, and start the repair process. Once you have done those things, you should notify your insurance company of the suspected damages. Having a trusted contractor and a true cost for the repairs will help expedite the insurance claims process.
- Offering to pay your deductible: If you do decide to go the insurance restoration route the deductible is the portion that you are required to pay. One of the most common roof scams is for them to offer to waive your deductible. This is not only against the law, but also a red flag that the roofing company may be trying to scam you.
- Vague Contracts: Most homeowners in southern Maryland don’t have much experience in roofing. The average homeowner has 1.2 roofs replaced in their lifetime. When it comes to having your roof repaired or replaced make sure the contract has the materials listed, the area of work, estimated completion date as well as the total amount of the work to be performed.
Roof Repair Process
Understanding the roof repair process can help homeowners prepare and make sure that the work is done correctly. While every repair is unique, here is the most common process for when a roofer makes repairs.
Initial Estimate
During the initial inspection, the roofer will thoroughly inspect your roof. Checking the roof itself, as well as the attic space and the common areas prone to roof damage. They will provide you with a written, digital, or video summary of the damages and issues they observed on your roof.
From there, they should go over the different options you have available. It could be a minor fix, a more invasive repair, or even a roof replacement. The estimate should be detailed and explicit, notating the materials used, area of work, and cost.
They may recommend temporary repairs for things such as tarping to prevent further damage until a more permanent repair can be done to the roof.
Day of Roof Repair
Before the work starts, the roofing contractor’s office should call to confirm the date of the material delivery and installation. Roofers generally start pretty early in the morning. Make sure you let your family members know they will be there.
The roofer will prepare the work area by tarping plants and flowers, they should also move objects on the ground that could be damaged by falling debris. Then the work starts. Depending on the repair, it could take them a few hours or the entire day. Most roof repairs are completed in a single day.
Types of Repairs
There are many different types of roof repairs. In Southern Maryland, the most common type of roof is asphalt shingle. Here are a few of the most common types of repairs for shingle roofs:
Shingle Repairs
Shingle repairs are when only a few shingles would need to be repaired. These generally are performed on newer roofs as they are pliable enough to sustain a repair and the surrounding undamaged roof is in good enough condition to not be an issue shortly. It is important to note that most shingle repairs will not perfectly match in color. Shingle manufacturers at times change the quarry the granules are mined from and the dyes used to color the shingles. Your roofer will make the best attempt at matching the product and color of your shingle.
Partial Roof Repairs
These are more invasive roof repairs. They will include an entire slope or section of your roof where there is a clear stopping point. Partial roof repairs are performed on roofs that are older and cannot sustain the shingles being manipulated or when there is substantial damage to a section of your roof. This could occur if a tree limb falls on your roof, or if a storm has directional wind that only impacts one side of your home.
Roof Restore
Roof Restores are a great option for older roofs that aren’t quite ready for a full roof replacement. They will include at least one section of the roof to be replaced, the ridge vent and ridge cap, new flashings, and pipe boots. Roof Restores are the most expensive type of roof repair but should be able to extend the life of your roof by 5 years. A good rule of thumb is a roof restoration should cost no more than 40% of what a roof replacement would. If the repairs exceed 40% of the replacement cost, you may want to explore new roof options.
Cost and Warranties for roof repairs
Knowing what you should expect to pay for a roof repair and what warranty options are available will help you make an informed decision during the repair process. The most important factor in the cost associated with roof repairs is the age of the roof. If your roof is over 20 years old, it may not be beneficial to repair. The most expensive roof repair option is roof restore. Roof Restores are the most expensive type of roof repair but should be able to extend the life of your roof by 5 years. A good rule of thumb is a roof restoration should cost no more than 40% of what a roof replacement would. You may want to explore new roof options if the repairs exceed 40% of the replacement cost.
Cost Factors
There are many different factors to consider with roof repairs. A few of the most critical factors are:
- Extent of the roof repair
- Steepness of the roof
- If special equipment is needed
- If permits are required
- Material Prices
Warranty Options
Manufacturer’s warranty and extended warranty: Roof repairs generally won’t qualify for any extended manufacturer warranties as they are usually limited to complete roofing systems.
Workmanship Warranty: Most roofing contractors will offer a workmanship warranty on the roof repairs. They are usually limited to the area in which the work was performed.
Preventative Roof Maintenance
Having a roofing contractor perform annual maintenance on your roof could prevent the need for costly repairs. Most roof leaks and roof issues come from a lack of maintenance. Having your roof maintained is the best way to ensure that you get the longest life you can out of your roof. Whether you have a new roof or an aging one. It is highly recommended to maintain it regularly
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Inspecting the roof after winter is crucial to identify any damage caused by snow and ice. The ideal time to schedule roof repairs, if they are not urgent, is during fall.
Effective water management, including gutter and drain maintenance, is essential for roof longevity.
Emergency Roof Repairs
Emergency roof repairs are critical in situations where immediate action is needed to prevent further damage. Response times for emergency repairs typically range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the service provider’s availability and the urgency of the situation.
Temporary Fixes
Homeowners should immediately address any signs of roof damage, such as leaks, missing shingles, or structural damage, to prevent further issues. Temporary fixes can include using tarps to cover leaks, securing loose shingles with adhesive, or placing buckets to catch dripping water.
Summary
Maintaining a healthy roof will protect your home and ensure its longevity. By recognizing the signs of roof damage early, conducting routine inspections, and selecting reliable roofing contractors, you can address issues before they become costly repairs. Understanding the roof repair process, the types of repairs needed, and the associated costs and warranties will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my roof needs repairs?
To determine if your roof needs repairs, look for water stains on ceilings or walls, visible damage like missing shingles, and signs of moisture such as bubbling or blistering on the roof surface. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage.
How often should I have my roof inspected?
You should have your roof inspected at least once a year, or immediately after severe weather events, to catch potential issues early on. This proactive approach will help maintain your roof’s integrity and longevity.
What should I look for when selecting a roofing contractor?
When selecting a roofing contractor, prioritize those who are licensed, and insured, and come highly recommended with positive reviews. Additionally, obtain multiple quotes and evaluate their experience with similar projects to ensure quality work.
What factors influence the cost of roof repairs?
The cost of roof repairs is influenced by geographical region, roof steepness, building height, and local building permits. Additionally, thorough documentation of damage can aid in insurance claims and potentially affect overall repair costs.
