As your house ages, the need for roofing services increases as well. Keeping your roof well-maintained is essential if you want to prolong the life of your roof.
Unnoticed roof problems can catch you off guard if you’re unprepared. By regularly inspecting your roof, you can identify issues before they become more prominent and costly. Knowing what to look for will help you understand when you need to look into roof repairs, and knowing the roof repair process is essential for following the project’s progress.
If you’re a homeowner who wants to know more about roof repairs, keep reading. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Types of Roofs
If you’re installing a new roof, you might still need to become familiar with your roofing options. Today you can choose between several types of roofs that suit different needs and climates. It’s vital to ensure you’re getting the right roof for your needs, so let’s look at some of those options now.
Asphalt Shingles
This type of roof is the most popular choice homeowners make. Asphalt shingles are durable and inexpensive.
Furthermore, they’re simple to install, meaning a competent roofing company can complete the job faster. When the job requires fewer hours, the overall costs are also reduced.
Asphalt shingles come in a range of colors which adds to their popularity. Finally, this type of roof has a significantly longer lifespan than other roofing options and can last between 10 and 20 years before needing replacing.
Tiles
Tiles are an ideal option if you’re going for a particular aesthetic, such as a Spanish look. A professional roofing contractor best installs them because they can be delicate. Depending on where you live, you may choose between concrete and clay tiles.
Concrete will hold up better under harsher weather conditions, and clay tiles are incredibly durable, making them the more expensive option. Due to their weight, not all houses can support clay tiles, so ensure you evaluate your home structure before commencing.
Metal
Metal roofing is rarely seen in residential homes but is more frequently used in commercial settings. They can be made from several roofing materials, such as steel, copper, aluminum, and alloy.
Like these Butler roof panels, metal roofing is popular because it’s fireproof, lightweight, doesn’t rot, and recyclable. You want to get this type of roof installed by professionals.
Roofing Materials
Signs Your Roof Needs Repair
Knowing when you need roof repairs is crucial if you want to spend only what you have to. Ignoring signs that indicate your roof needs repairs means you’ll eventually have to replace your entire roof. Roof replacements are costly, so let’s look at the signs you need roof repairs.
Light in the Attic
Seeing light beams coming into your attic from outside can signal you need roof repairs. If the light can enter the attic, so will the rain, so fix this problem as soon as possible.
Attic Leaks
If your attic has noticeable leaks, it’s a good indicator that your roof needs repair. These leaks may be challenging to see but must be attended to if you want the problem to stay manageable.
Sagging Roof Deck
A sagging roof deck can indicate that water is getting into your roof and the moisture is retained. You want to have this seen immediately by a professional because if left unattended, this problem can lead to the roof rotting.
Presence of Moss
Moss growing on your roof may look nice but can do much damage if left to keep growing. Moss typically grows where there is moisture, so if there is a lot of moss on your roof, it can indicate a roofing problem that needs repairs.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Of course, if any of your tiles or shingles are missing or badly damaged, this is an obvious sign you need roof repairs. Thankfully this problem, if addressed early, can be fixed rather than requiring an entirely new roof.
Attic Creatures
Finally, if you notice creatures making their home in your attic, this can indicate that you have a roofing problem. Typically the animals will enter your attic through weak spots in your roof, so get your roof inspected and repaired immediately if you find creatures nesting in your attic.
The Roof Repair Process
When you need roof repairs, it helps to understand the roof repair process before it begins. This way, you can keep up with the repairs and know what stage you’re at and how much work remains.
Step 1: Professional Inspection
The first step in the roof repair process is getting it professionally inspected. This way, the inspector can correctly identify all the problems and create a repair plan.
Step 2: Contracts
Before you approve the quote you received from the roofing contractor, you want to ensure they have the required insurance. You also want to ensure they provide materials to protect your home during repairs. An official contract is essential as it details the repair work agreement between you and the roofing company.
Step 3: Making Repairs
Once the roofing contractor has identified all the leaks and has a repair plan, the repairs can begin. Some repairs, like replacing worn sealant, will be quick to fix, but others may take significantly longer, such as a sagging deck.
Step 4: Roof Replacement
If the damage is too extensive and the roof needs an entire replacement, your contractor will begin removing the old roofing material. They then prep your roof for new materials, like shingles or tiles, which includes checking for structural problems.
Step 5: Final Inspection
Finally, the roofing replacement is complete, and a final inspection can occur. This inspection occurs after the area is adequately cleaned, as roofing jobs can generate a lot of mess.
Roof Repairs: Explained
Regularly inspecting your property can mean any roofing problems can be detected and attended to early on. This is a step you should take seriously because otherwise, you may have to spend a lot of money replacing your entire roof. Furthermore, understanding the process can help you when you’re negotiating the contract and fees for your roof repairs.