Replacing an old, failing, or damaged roof, instead of constantly paying for roof repair, may be well worth the expense if you plan on staying in your house for many years or plan to resell soon. There are many reasons why your roof may be leaking, with a majority of them having to do with age and wear. Still, some leaks are caused by drainage problems that can be fixed, while others need more extensive work. A broken roof is often one of the main reasons homeowners require re-roofing or roof repair. But before calling a professional roofing company, be sure to find out all about the problem, which will determine the best course of action.
Whether it’s a leak in the attic, kitchen, bathroom, or even a downspout, roof repair can be expensive, especially if several tiles need to be replaced. Tiles damaged by holes, cracks, or stains can make the job of a regular roof repair seem like a Herculean task. You can shorten the time needed for a roof repair by prepping the area around the leak with a tar and gravel surface. If this method doesn’t solve the problem, you may have to move on to a different roof patch.
The kind of roof repair most people prefer is the one that replaces a single shingle, which is easier and cheaper than doing repairs on the entire roof. To determine if it’s an appropriate choice, you’ll first have to see how extensive the leak is. A single leak that only involves a tiny hole is probably not big enough to warrant replacement unless the damage is too extensive to ignore. If, on the other hand, the leak is spreading quickly, roofing tile replacements are probably the best option.
It’s rare for a roof replacement to be cost-effective. Even with the best materials and technology, a single roof repair can add up to more than the cost of a new roof. Also, roofing jobs usually take longer than scheduled because of weather conditions and other factors. For these reasons, many homeowners avoid roof maintenance altogether and simply pay for a roof replaced whenever it needs replacing.
On the other hand, roof repairs can also help to prolong the life of your house. Asphalt shingles, for example, are vulnerable to weather damage, such as fading caused by rain and sun exposure. This allows water to seep under the shingles, which can cause the roof to become unstable and fall apart. Regular roof repairs help to prevent damage to the asphalt shingles and other roofing materials, which can also lead to premature roof failure.
Aside from protecting your home against harsh weather and other hazards, roof repair jobs can also help you address smaller issues, such as leaks. Occasionally, leaks can be removed by spraying water on them or using a high-pressure water jetting system. In other cases, however, leaky pipes can require more intense repairs, such as digging out the old pipe and replacing it with a newer one or installing a leak detection system that triggers when a leak is found. Regardless, of how large or small the leak is, however, contacting a professional roofer is the best way to get it fixed right away.
There are many reasons to hire Roof Repair for repairs, even when you decide not to have a new roof installed. One of these reasons is that sometimes, even when you replace your roof with better material, old roofing techniques can make the problem go unnoticed. Old flashings, for instance, may contain materials that are no longer used in new installations, such as old asphalt shingles. Another issue to consider is that when roofing contractors perform roof replacement projects, they are very familiar with the types of materials that work well together and which ones are better avoided. This familiarity will allow them to do a better job of installing your new roof.
Roof repairs aren’t always easy, but they don’t have to be expensive. Even if you decide against a new roof installation, you can still make roof repairs on your own. By replacing flashing, repairing other loose areas, sealing and reinforcing damaged areas, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in labor costs and make a much better roof than you originally thought possible. When you start to see the benefits, you’ll understand why so many homeowners are choosing to perform these repairs themselves instead of hiring a contractor. The results can be the same, whether you choose to tear down the existing roof or just make minor repairs on your own.