A damaged roof is one of the greatest fears every homeowner faces, but the truth is that most roof issues can be prevented. Even if the damage is already done, you can find a professional roofing contractor to help fix the problem. In the section below, we will discuss the causes of roof damage, the roof repair process, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Causes Roof Damage?
Every roof will experience some wear during its lifespan. In the United States, extreme weather is one of the main causes of roof issues. Areas close to the shore or those prone to hailstorms are the most affected. In these regions, locals are mostly encouraged to invest in durable roof options. For more information on roof repairs, be sure to read this guide. But first, let us look at the main causes of roof damage:
Climate Conditions
Some areas in the United States experience severe weather at different times of the year. If you are among those living in the regions that experience strong winds and roof ice dams, you should go for a more reliable roof. This roof type depends on the specific climate in the area. Some roofs, such as composite, are best suited for hot climates. Overall, roofing materials like metal, slate, and cement tiles are preferred in areas that experience extreme climate.
Poor Installation
The process of installing a roof is often technical, and it is best not to risk installing your own roof. This is especially true if you lack expert skills. Most roofs that are poorly installed do not last long. If you do not hire the right people for the job, you are surely going to incur more in repairs. This is also true when renovating or replacing your old roof.
Poor maintenance
Another common roof issue is improper maintenance. Some people will only take action once the roof is in the worst of conditions. A leaky roof, for instance, will have mold spots on the walls, and this is a sign of a serious problem. Before things get to this extent, you should schedule regular inspections. For people who live in places that experience heavy rains, it is advisable to conduct regular inspections before and after extreme weather.
Pest Issues
Some of the common types of pests that can destroy the roof are termites and ants. Others may include rats and birds. When dealing with pests, you need to take precautionary measures. This is because it is difficult to spot them until they have caused great losses.
What to Do Once You Notice a Damaged Roof
If you have identified some signs of damage on your roof, that is a clear indication that you need to take action. Where possible, you can look around the house to gauge the level of damage before calling your local roofing contractor. Typically, you want to avoid some DIY jobs if you are not a trained roofer. When calling a roofing contractor, you should explain the problem in detail and schedule an inspection right away. From there, the contractor will advise you on the way forward.
In some instances, such as roof damage from a storm, your contractor may advise you to call the insurance company. If the roofing contractor is to carry out the inspection, you can expect the following steps afterward:
Examining the Level of Damage and the Roofing Materials
After your roofing contractor has identified the cause of the roof damage, you can plan to repair it. This will often involve checking the integrity of the roofing material and developing an effective repair plan.
Discussing the Roof Repair Plan
Depending on the inspection results, your roofer will discuss with you the best actionable steps while pointing out the available repair options. Open communication and expertise are crucial to reaching the best solution.
Material Selection for Repair
Roof repair may be partial, meaning you will only purchase a few shingles or tiles, or it could require a complete roof replacement. Whichever the case, you will be required to buy the necessary materials before the repair process kicks in. At this step, your roofer may mention their roofing prices, and if you agree, you can enter into a written contract.
Repair Process Begin
After every piece of material has been availed, the roofer will begin by clearing the work area to ensure safety and convenience. They will then remove the damaged roofing material before inspecting the underlayment for any hidden issues. If more problems are uncovered, you and your roofing contractor will discuss the way forward.
Roof Replacement and Finishing
Once every damaged piece of roofing material has been removed, the new roofing materials are then fixed. Your roofing contractor will always try to match the existing roof’s color and style. The final inspection will then be scheduled to confirm the quality of the repair work and check if further finish is required.
Roof Repair Mistakes to Avoid
If you rely on your limited skills when it comes to roofing, it is easy to make mistakes. Below are the common mistakes you should avoid during the roof repair process.
- Lack of a roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty: Before signing a contract with your roofer, ensure they have documents that show their licensing and qualifications. You also need to double check their workmanship warranty to ensure it is valid.
- Failure to stick with the roofing guidelines: Your roofing contractor should be professional enough to have proper standards and procedures that will ensure the roofers on the site are accurate and precise.
- Attempting DIY repairs: Once you have hired roofers, do not interfere with them. Even if there is some part of the repairs that you can handle yourself, it is best to let them finish up the work.
Endnote
Having read all the sections above, you are now ready to schedule a roof inspection and repair service. When choosing a roofing contractor, you should pay attention to the experience level and always pick a local company that understands your state’s and local building codes and regulations.
