When it comes to roof repairs, a lot of damages can be done throughout the day. This includes freshwater stains or punctures made by falling branches or unpredictable weather. So, when you find water leaking from the ceiling or hear a crash from high above, it’s best to check it out first. Because you never know the full extent of the damage until it’s staring at you straight in the face. When it comes to roof repairs, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Maintaining and replacing your roof can cost you thousands of dollars, so it’s important to address any underlying issues before they worsen. If you feel like there’s a roof problem you need to fix, then do so immediately. This way, you don’t have to spend more money on replacing the entire thing.
When you fix minor issues before they turn into major ones, then you can save more money. For example, an average roof repair is said to cost about $800. If you compare that with the average $7,000 it takes to replace an entire roof, then you can definitely see an added benefit with regular maintenance. So, don’t take your roof for granted. If you hear something fall on your roof like a tree branch or notice a small leak in one area, it’s best to fix them as quickly as possible. You can fix them up by replacing the flashing or by installing new shingles.
When it comes to roof repairs, you can check them yourself or hire a professional. But in knowing when and how to fix your roof, here is a list that lets you know what to do when you experience these damages:
Damaged Flashing
The roof that covers your head and protects your house has a material called flashing that protects creases in between fixtures such as skylights or chimneys. This can also be found in venting pies under the roof material. When your roof has damaged flashing, this means that certain fixtures will be more susceptible to moisture and rain.
So the best thing to do in this situation is to remove and replace the damaged flashing with newer and better ones. But to do that, you need to lift away some surrounding materials to remove and install the new flashing. An estimated $20 is needed to fix this problem.
Worn Sealant
A sealant is paired with the flashing to cover the edges of skylights. However, if they’re very worn, cracked, or aged, it could leak. So what you need to do in this situation is buy a $6 tube of flashing sealant and apply it to the worn areas. Before using the sealant, you need to remove the surrounding materials first.
Punctures
The roof can quickly get damaged or punctured because of harsh weather conditions, falling branches, or even random animals. To repair them, you’ll need to hire a professional roofers to fix up the punctures. Expect to spend at least $300 or $1,000 on the labor and material costs. Because the steps to reframing your roof are more complicated, the professionals will have to first install a layer of sheathing, felt paper, and then shingles.
Damaged Vent Boot
To protect against moisture, this specific component seals the vents’ areas, just like flashing seals other parts of the roof. If something is leaking in your house, then a damaged vent boot could cause it. The solution for this problem is to remove and replace the vent boot, costing you $10 to $20 worth of materials. You also need to lift surrounding materials to remove and replace the vent boot.
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Shingles can be damaged by several factors such as strong weather blows, animal activities, ice dams, hail cracks, and worn surface granules. To fix them up nicely, you’ll need to spend $30 on a bundle. Afterward, replace the damaged or missing shingles with new ones. To maintain their condition, you have to remove any incoming snow to prevent ice dams and keep the gutters clean.
Corroded Vertical Slits
Vertical slits in your roofing tile are prone to corrosion and damage, especially since they’re located in a vulnerable area. When they become corroded, you need to quickly replace them as more water exposure will worsen their condition. Therefore, you need to pay $30 for a bundle and replace the corroded shingles to prevent more damage.
It’s important to fix any small issues before they become bigger in the future. With that being said, you should schedule regular check-ups and inspections for your roof to ensure a long-lasting condition. This way, you don’t have to spend so much to get a new roof. Just because your current one is currently banged up doesn’t mean that it should be replaced immediately.
