No one wants to go into debt to pay for their roof repairs. That is why many money-savvy homeowners choose to budget and save for these repairs well in advance. When roofing problems occur, you want to have funds available to make the repairs promptly. Postponing roof repairs can result in additional damage to your home, including issues like water damage, wood rot, and mold growth.
Budgeting For Various Roof Repairs
By understanding roofing repair costs and how to properly budget for these future expenses, you can better manage costs and keep your home safe and structurally sound.
Roof Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common roofing problems and one of the most damaging. Roof leaks can occur for a wide range of reasons, such as old age, penetrations from fallen tree limbs, or holes made by small pests. If not repaired promptly, a small roof leak can soak through the roofing materials, into your attic, and eventually down through your ceilings and walls. The damage can be substantial. The solution for a roof leak will depend on its cause. Broken or missing shingles, cracks in roof sealant, and normal wear and tear can all contribute to a leak.
Depending on the location and extent of the damage, you can expect to spend between $150 to $400 for a minor roof leak. If you have allowed the damage to extend past the original leak source, you may be looking at moderate roof repairs which could bring your expense up to $1,000 or more. It is best to budget for the higher end of repairs to be safe and allow yourself some wiggle room in case the damage is more extensive than you first thought. Remember that a roof leak will often cost less if you have it promptly repaired instead of waiting until the problem worsens.
Vent Problems
Vents can succumb to damage, resulting in the need for repair or replacement. If you have plastic roof vents, you may find that their housings have cracked, allowing moisture and air to enter through the gaps. If you have metal vents, the seams may break causing similar problems. In some cases, the fix is as easy as replacing missing nails along the edge of the base and replacing the caulk that helps create a seal. However, if a vent is cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced. Roof vent replacement averages between $150 and $250 for labor, and between $10 and $500 for the unit itself.
Flashing Problems
Metal flashing is installed in the area where shingles meet other surfaces, such as chimneys and walls. Installing flashing properly is no easy feat and requires a skilled hand. When flashing is improperly installed or if roofing cement is used as a cheaper alternative, leaks can develop. Repairing or replacing the flashing is necessary to prevent any further damage. The cost of flashing repair can range from $200 to $500 on average, depending on the location of the flashing and the amount of materials needed.
Damaged Shingles
Missing or damaged shingles may seem like a small problem but can actually have major consequences. Over time, it is normal to see shingles crack, break, or curl due to harsh weather conditions and natural aging. Unfortunately, damaged shingles can allow water to seep underneath and into the underlying layers of materials. When this happens, wood rot can develop along with mold and mildew growth. Broken or missing shingles should be promptly replaced to keep damage to a minimum. The average cost to replace a square foot of asphalt shingles ranges from $45 to $75 per hour. Of course, costs can vary based on the type of shingles used and the number that need replacing.
Blow-Offs
A brief windstorm is all it takes for the wind to lift and carry your shingles and flashing away. Even roofs that have been properly installed can suffer from blow-offs. This can also occur if seams are not properly cured or are too soon exposed to rain and wind. When heavy winds arrive, the air can make its way under the shingles, lifting them and causing the materials to loosen or fall off the roof. The cost of replacing shingles depends on the amount of material lost. On average, you should budget for between $100 and $200 per 100 square feet.
Factors That Influence Roof Repair Pricing
There are many factors that can influence roofing repair costs. One of the biggest factors that can greatly impact prices is the type of roof. Some roofing materials cost more than others and the amount of skill it takes to work with certain materials requires more expensive professionals to install them. For example, asphalt is one of the most affordable roofing materials, while slate is one of the most expensive. The difference between these repairs can be hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Permit Pricing
Another cost to be aware of and put in your budget is the price of permits. Depending on where you live, you may be required to obtain a permit before any roof repairs can be completed. The cost of a permit can vary greatly depending on where you live, but you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 on average.
Extent Of Damage To The Roof
The extent of the roofing damage is also a major factor in the cost of roofing repairs. If your roof is simply missing a couple shingles, the price of repair will likely be low. However, if the damage is severe, covers a large portion of the roof, or has affected the underlying materials, you can expect to pay more for roofing repairs. Damage found on the chimney and skylight may also add to roofing repair costs.
Contact A Professional Roof Repair Contractor
Whether your roof has recently suffered damage or you simply want to prepare for the future, budgeting for roofing repair costs is always a wise idea. If you are not sure how much to budget, consult with a professional Northern Virginia roof repair contractor. For more information about roof repair costs, contact Beyond Exteriors.