The roof of your home is one of the most important investments that can be made when it comes to home improvement. There are many factors that go into deciding whether a roof needs repairing or a complete replacement. In general, the roof of your home has a certain lifespan. Over time, constant exposure to weather changes and storms will take their toll. It is a good idea to inspect your roof annually to see if it requires any maintenance. Fixing smaller roof repair problems as they occur extends the life of a roof and can avoid costly roof replacement. Likewise, taking time to maintain your roof will ensure you get the maximum out of your investment.

What Are the Most Common Roofing Problems?

Water Damage – When you notice that the ceilings and walls inside of your home have dark spots this is a sign of extra moisture. The roof has become too weak to repel water during a rainstorm. This leads to leaking problems, which can damage the inside of your home.

Gutters – Sometimes a gutter that has been installed wrong will drench the roof with water, causing damage in places where the water is most prevalent. It is important that all gutters are installed with a “drip metal” to ensure water is captured appropriately.

Natural Debris – Nearby trees can lose branches, leaves and twigs, which tend to collect on top of the roof. This debris causes water to pool in certain spot because it cannot freely flow off the roof. Moss growth leads to deterioration of shingle sealant. It is important to treat your roof at least every two to three years. This will lengthen the life of your roof.

Does My Roof Need Repair or Replacement?

Homeowners that take steps to have roof repair done when minor problems crop up tend to experience fewer problems. However, there are times when a roof replacement must be done. For instance, when a severe storm does major damage to a large portion of the roof. It is best to call in a roofing expert that can properly assess the amount of work that needs to be done.

What Type of Roofing Materials Are Best?

The four most popular types of roofing material are: shingles, tile, single membrane (TPO, PVC, OR EPDM) and metal.

Determining which material is best for your home is something that can be discussed with a professional roof consultant. Each type of roofing material has their benefits. A homeowner can select materials based on affordability, style, color and durability, curb appeal, and warranties.

What is the Average Cost of a New Roof?

For most homeowners the new roof cost estimate is $7,000, to $11,000. Cost is going to depend a lot on the size of the home, type of roofing material selected, degree of difficulty during the installation process and contractor labor.

How Long Does a New Roof Last?

A quality roof replacement can last up to twenty years with regular maintenance and the manufacturers engineer their systems to last up to 30. Ask us about our maintenance program.

How Do I Choose the Best Roofing Contractor?

It is very important to choose a roofing contractor that has a proven reputation for doing high quality work. There are many inexperienced people that claim to be roofers that end up causing the homeowner more problems. A badly installed roof can cause additional damage to the home, as well as, additional expense to redo the entire roof.

Be sure to check out the roofing contractor fully by asking how long they have been in business. Also, make sure they have professional industry and manufacturer credentials. Most reliable roofing contractors have been in business for years and can produce references from other satisfied homeowners. While affordability is important, this should not be the sole determining factor in selecting a contractor.

Roof repair and roof replacement must be done carefully and requires detailed expertise during installation. A good roofer also uses top quality materials and understands how each type of roof material should be handled. A trustworthy contractor should be more than happy to answer all of your questions.