Roofs are an integral part of any building. They shield your home from the harsh elements and help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Roofs also offer sound insulation, fire resistance, and aesthetics. However, like any component of your home your roof is susceptible to damage. Whether it is by a major storm or from the natural aging process, you are bound to face the need for roof repair or roof replacement at one point or another. If you are weighing your options for roof repair, it is important to understand what damage has occurred and how roof repair contractors can help.
Why Routine Roof Maintenance Is Important
It is recommended that you undergo roof maintenance at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. It is also wise to have your roof inspected after major wind storms or snowstorms which can cause extensive damage to roofing materials. Roof maintenance typically includes the visual inspection of the roof and a walkthrough of the roof perimeter. Through a comprehensive roof inspection, you can expose problem areas and have them repaired by professional roof repair contractors before the issue becomes more significant and costly.
How to Spot Roof Damage
Being able to find and repair roof damage early on is critical to prevent extensive damage from occurring. However, it is not always easy to spot a leak without the help of experienced roof repair contractors. When inspecting your roof, inspect both indoor and outdoor components. A visual inspection of your roof can help you locate issues such as cracked, torn, or missing shingles, broken flashing, or clogged gutters. You will also want to be on the lookout for deteriorating materials caused by old age. This may be evident by rust, bent or sagging components, leaky seams, or crumbing roofing cement.
When inspecting the interior of your home, check for yellow, brown, or grey staining on the ceiling or walls which could indicate a leak. Peeling paint may also point to a hidden leak. Also take notice of your utility bills. If you experience a sudden surge in energy costs, it could be caused by inadequate roof ventilation. If your roof has features such as chimneys or skylights, inspect these areas thoroughly. Gaps can form around the perimeter of these components causing leaks. If your roof repair contractors locate any problems with your roofing structure, have the issues remedied as soon as possible.
What Types of Damage Require Roof Repair
While your roof may not look like it did when it was new, that does not necessarily mean it is in need of repair. So how exactly can you tell if your roof requires professional roof repair? First look at the shingles. If the shingles on your roof are cracked, curled, or missing, they are likely near the end of their lifespan and should be promptly replaced. If the shingles are dirty, dark, or wet, they may be trapping moisture. It is important to find out the underlying cause of the problem and repair any existing water damage.
Another sign that your roof needs immediate repair is the appearance of wear and tear around roof openings and objects. Vents, chimneys, pipes, and skylights are often prone to leaks. Allowing gaps to remain around these objects can leave your home vulnerable to extensive water damage. Also consider red flags inside your home. Blistering paint on the walls, staining on the ceiling, and leaks in the attic all pinpoint the need for roof repair. Do not make the mistake of waiting too long to have your roofing structure properly inspected and repaired.
What to Do When Roof Damage Is Found
Your roof repair contractors found extensive damage to your roof that needs to be repaired as soon as possible. What do you do? Start by getting a quote from your contractor. Most professional contractors can provide you with an estimate that will tell you approximately how much the repairs will cost based on both labor and materials. If the cost of the repairs is found to be more affordable than you first thought, you can choose to pay for them out of your own pocket. If not, you will need to seek funding elsewhere.
Know that your insurance policy may cover the cost of roof damage repair. However, coverage will depend on a variety of factors, such as the age of your roof, the area in which you live, and if your roof was routinely maintained. Most homeowner insurance policies will cover the cost of roof damage caused by unpreventable events, such as a fire or vandalism. Weather-related incidents such as tornadoes or hurricanes may also be covered. However, if your roof is more than 10 years old, know that you may only be reimbursed for the depreciated value of the damaged roof.
Schedule Roof Repair Services
While no homeowner wants to face a leaky ceiling or missing shingles, there will likely come a time when roof repair will become necessary. When it does, you want to have experienced and certified roof repair contractors on your side. As roof repair and replacement is a major investment, use caution when hiring a contractor. Be sure to ask for references, proof of insurance, and warranty information. You will also want to find out what manufacturers the contractor works with to ensure that you will receive quality materials for your home.
Remember that when hiring roof repair contractors, pricing is not everything. Cheap bids can drive down the market and with this type of contractor; you usually get what you pay for. Only work with contractors who are established, insured, and possess the proper qualifications for the type of roofing work that they perform. Once you have chosen a contractor, be sure to get any job details down in writing. You will also want to make sure that you are satisfied with the terms prior to starting the job. For more information about roof repair or to schedule roof repair services, contact your local roof repair contractors in Northern Virginia.