You believe that your homeowner’s insurance will cover any damages to your property, including roof damage. However, a roof collapse due to wear and tear is not covered. Instead, they’ll consider it a maintenance issue if the damage could have been prevented.
Roof and gutter repair is an essential part of caring for your home and stopping problems from popping up. More specifically, a well-functioning roof will keep water off of your head. A cleaned-out gutter will redirect any excess water to other parts of your property.
Here’s what you should know about roof repairs and when to call for roofing services.
Importance of Roof Maintenance
First of all, the best way to know if you need roof and gutter repair is through regular maintenance.
At the bare minimum, you should get an annual roof inspection to learn more about your roof’s current condition and any problem areas. Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, and your roofer should also take a look at it when they do your roof.
Failure to maintain your roof can result in anything from water damage to a pest invasion. You won’t know if a squirrel has burrowed underneath your shingles and gotten into your attic or crawl space. It’s also possible that water has been building up over days or weeks, causing serious damage to the interior of your home.
Most importantly, regular maintenance and repairs will help you avoid the need for a full roof replacement. Ideally, your roof should last at least twenty years if it has asphalt shingles. Slate or tile roofs can last more than 50 years.
When is Roof and Gutter Repair Needed?
Since roof maintenance may happen only once a year, it’s equally important to watch for signs of roof damage that can happen between those visits. These signs of damage or leaks can help you know when to call in a repairman. You shouldn’t wait until the roof caves in to know there’s an issue.
Take a walk outside of your home and look for any shingles that are missing, warped, or broken. Blisters may appear on shingles that have moisture trapped between the layers.
As for your gutters, make sure to keep them cleaned out so nothing can impede the flow of water.
On the inside of your home, keep an eye out for any dark stains on your ceiling or walls. These could be due to water getting in through your roof. Check your house for mold and mildew caused by excessive moisture.
What to Expect From Roof Restoration
The goal of roof restoration is to extend the lifespan of your roof rather than replacing it with new materials. This way, you can save money and also avoid the trouble of renovations.
One of the first things your roofer will do during a restoration is clean it with a high-powered spray blaster. This will help to clear off any debris as well as algae or moss.
Next, they’ll assess your roof for damages and repair them all. This may involve replacing broken or missing shingles or tiles. They’ll then repaint your roof if necessary to give it a new look.
Your service provider should only suggest a roof replacement if the damage to your current roof is too extensive. It’s also possible that the materials used beforehand are outdated and put your home at risk.
Types of Roof Materials and Considerations
What kind of roof you have will dictate the kinds of problems you’ll face and its lifespan.
For example, rolled roofing is one of the most affordable options on the market. It’s a long roll of mineral and asphalt-impregnated material topped with mineral granules. You can expect it to last you about eight years before you need a replacement.
In contrast, synthetic slate shingles mimic the appearance of natural slate but are a lighter option for your home. While these cost significantly more than rolled roofing, they can last for up to 50 years.
Somewhere in the middle is asphalt composite shingles, which last upwards of 30 years. This is the most popular roofing material in North America due to its lighter weight and durability.
The most expensive options include either clay or ceramic tile. Clay is the more affordable of the two, with as much as $18 per square foot. Meanwhile, ceramic will run you as much as 30 per square foot.
Why You Need a Professional
Cleaning your gutters is a necessity for homeowners. If they get clogged up, then that excess water can back up onto your roof. As for gutter repair, your homeowners’ insurance should cover any damage caused by wind or falling objects.
The last thing you want to do is try to repair your roof on your own. Even if it’s something like a leak, you never know how far down the water damage may go. It’s possible that all it takes for the roof to collapse is your body weight.
Instead, rely on a professional roof repair service to handle your roof and gutter problems. They have the tools and experience to fix them. If they can’t save your roof, they can always set you up with a replacement.
Before you call up a local roofer, try to identify your needs. If you’re expecting a big job, then try to find a roofing company that can handle it.
Look into their credentials as well as online reviews. Try to avoid freelance roofers who don’t offer a warranty or have personal injury insurance.
A Roofing Service You Can Trust
Roof and gutter repair should not be left to amateurs. There are too many risks involved, and homeowners could easily cause more damage than there was to begin with. Instead, an expert can assess the state of your roof and help you make an educated decision on how to address it.
Landmark Roofing has multiple years of experience repairing both residential and commercial roofs. Our services also include siding, windows, gutter repair, and more. Get a free estimate today and contact us with any questions.
