As a fundamental part of your home, the roof is responsible for protecting the interior from weather elements, like moisture, heat and hail, and keeping the living space well-insulated and comfortable. Since the condition of the roof affects how well it will perform throughout the seasons, it is critical that you keep it in its tip-top shape. Otherwise, you may face extensive roof-related problems, leading to structural complications, health hazards and expensive repairs down the line.
Most exterior improvement tasks are best left to professionals. If you choose to tackle repairs on your own, you will likely encounter several critical issues and leave larger, more costly damage. Here, reputable roofing contractor Shine Construction Inc. discusses common roofing problems and delves deeper into the risks of do-it-yourself roof repair.
Common Roofing Problems
- Leaks. Roof leaks are the most common roofing problems that plague most residential homeowners. Leaks normally occur near the chimney, gutters and flashing points. To check for leaks, go to the attic and look for dark-colored stains and mold. It is crucial that you let a certified roofer inspect and seal your roof to avoid extensive water-related damage.
- Damaged Flashing. Flashing is a thin strip of metal that protects vulnerable areas on the roof, such as skylights, vents and valleys. If the flashing material develops cracks or becomes loose, roofing fixtures will most likely sustain damage due to water and moisture.
- Clogged Downspouts. If your roof is relatively old and ceramic-coated granules from your asphalt shingles are collecting in your downspouts, then it is a telltale sign that your shingles are in need of replacement.
- Stagnant Water. Leaves, twigs, animal droppings and other debris clog up gutters. If your gutters are not regularly cleaned, the piles of debris will catch water and collect moisture, resulting in standing water in your gutters. According to your local roofing contractor, this can cause overflows, damage your siding, flood your basement and erode the surrounding soil.
- Melting Ice. A roof that frequently receives ice and snow will develop problems if left unkempt. Ice does not run off quickly since it melts at a slower rate. Sometimes, this can cause the water to pool and stand on the roof, eventually leading to problems with leaks, mold, and rot. When the water that gets underneath freezes, it expands and pushes against the shingles, allowing more water in.
The Risks of Do-It-Yourself Roof Repair
Do-it-yourself chores are a common trend nowadays, especially since homeowners want to cut back on their day-to-day expenses. While it is not an awful idea, not all exterior improvements should be done by yourself, particularly when it comes to the roof. Here are the reasons why industry experts advise against do-it-yourself roof repairs.
- Safety Concerns. As with all roof-related chores, the safety of the people involved comes first, especially since roofing can be extremely dangerous most of the time. For one, climbing up onto the roof while carrying strapping, heavy-duty tools with you can put your physical safety and well-being at risk. If you accidentally trip or fall from the ladder and hurt yourself, the costs may be higher than if you were to hire a qualified roofer in the first place. When you fall off the roof, the impact of the landing may be strong enough to shatter bones, and the medical costs will undoubtedly revoke any savings you may have made by choosing to fix the roof on your own.
- Subpar Workmanship. Since most roof repair services are complicated, it is important to have the proper knowledge, set of skills and tools to do the work correctly. Only a trained, certified, and experienced roofing professional can guarantee consistent, efficient and top-quality results. On the other hand, when you handle repairs and restoration on your own, you may miss out on a thing or two or totally scrimp on quality workmanship, resulting in an overall costly affair. Furthermore, improper repairs can compromise the structural integrity of your roofing system and affect its performance, efficiency, durability and lifespan.
- Voided Warranty. The warranty of your roof is a crucial investment and should be considered an important financial asset. Your residential roofing warranties are likely to cover every aspect from manufacturing defects to labor errors, but not negligence on the homeowner’s part. Also, keep in mind that most manufacturing or roofing companies will void your warranty if anyone other than a certified roofer performs much-needed maintenance work on your roof. By choosing the do-it-yourself alternative, you risk voiding your warranty, which means you will be responsible for any payments to needed roof repair or replacement.
- Low-Quality Materials. For a typical homeowner with little to no experience in roof-related work, it is fairly easy to select the wrong materials for repair and replacement. Most people have to source items from the local hardware store, which means they will not be assisted by a knowledgeable professional in the process. While do-it-yourself repairs cost lower, it is difficult to assure the long-term quality and value of your work. On the flip side, experienced roofing companies have direct access to high-quality and up-to-date materials and are trained in the latest installation techniques. They also know how to properly match roof colors and designs. Avoid all the hassle by letting your local roofer inspect, diagnose and patch up the problems of your roof.
How Much Do Professional Roof Repairs Typically Cost?
For minor repairs, most homeowners normally spend $150 to $400, while moderate repairs cost anywhere between $400 and $1,200. If the roof is in dire need of a major repair, it can cost $1,200 to $3,500. Going over this price range is possible, but a full-on roof replacement is often the best bet at that point.
A roof leak is the most common problem to repair. It requires sealing the leak, replacing the shingles, and sealing the roof. If only a small area is affected and a few shingles need to be repaired, it will likely be on the low end or somewhere around $150.
A moderate repair requires the fixing or sealing of fixtures on the roof, replacing shingles, and replacing metal flashing around these components. For example, damage to flashing in a valley requires the removal of shingles around it, fixing or replacing the flashing, replacing the affected shingles, and sealing the roof. Depending on the slope of the roof, how long the valley is, and the number of shingles that need replacement, the service can range anywhere from $500 to $1,500.
An extensive repair generally involves repairing the material under the outer layer of the roof, addressing rotted wood in other parts of the house, such as exterior walls and replacing all shingles on the roof.
Let Shine Construction Inc. Help Achieve Your Dream Exterior
You can count on Shine Construction Inc. for high-quality exterior improvement solutions. Our services include roof replacement, roof repair, siding installation, window replacement, roof snow removal, deck building and more. Our certified team is committed to delivering industry-leading products and outstanding customer service in order to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of our customers in Massachusetts. To set up an appointment or request a free, no-obligation quote, call us at (508) 276-6644 today. You can also fill out our contact form to reach us.