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The Complete Guide to Roof Repair for Tampa Homeowners
- Larry Miller Roofing
- March 11, 2022
DISCLAIMER: This guide is for informational purposes only. Larry Miller Inc is not encouraging you to assume any roofing repair liabilities or replacements on your own as an unlicensed roofing contractor.
All About Residential Roof Repair
A roof is one of the most important structural elements of a building. Not only does it keep the building dry and protected from the elements, but it also plays an important role in the overall aesthetic of the property. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your roof is well-maintained and in good condition!
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about roof repair. We’ll talk about the average lifespan of a roof, what kind of damage you are likely to experience, and how to go about repairing your roof. So if you’re a homeowner who wants to learn more about taking care of their property, this guide is for you.
Should you Repair your damaged roof or Replace it altogether?
Knowing when to repair or replace your roof is crucial.
The average lifespan of a standard asphalt roof is 15 to 18 years. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, or if you are experiencing significant damage, it may be time to replace it. However, there are some cases where repairs may be more cost-effective than replacement. It all depends on the specific situation.
Common causes of roof damage include weather damage, general wear and tear, and improper installation.
Common Signs that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced include:
This is a common issue with older roofs. As the shingles age, they become more brittle and susceptible to damage.
If you notice any cracked, warped, or missing shingles, it’s time to call a roofer. If only a few shingles are affected, repairs can be made. However, if the damage is widespread, a full replacement may be necessary.
Dark shingles are often a sign of mold and mildew in the roof. This needs to be dealt with right away as it can cause serious damage to the structure of your roof.
If you notice any leaks and water stains on your ceiling, it’s a sign that there is water damage to your roof. This needs to be fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.
If you notice shingle fragments in your gutters, it means that the shingles are breaking down and need to be replaced. This tends to happen as the roof gets older. The fragments will look like black sandy material.
If you can see any damage in the attic, such as water stains or insulation that’s been wet, it means there is a problem with your roof. Look out for sagging rafters too.
The flashings are the metal strips that are used to seal the gaps around chimneys and vents. If they are damaged, it can cause leaks. Check to see whether they are coming away from the roof.
If you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills, it could be because you are losing a lot of heat through the attic and roof. This is often caused by a hole in the roof that needs to be repaired right away.
When you notice these issues, you should get some expert advice right away to fix problems before they get worse and you require a full roof replacement. A professional roofer will be able to tell you whether repairs can be made or not.
How Much Does Roof Repair Cost?
Regular repairs and general maintenance can keep your roof in good condition for longer. This means you don’t have to pay for a full roof replacement, but you do have to cover the cost of repairs, which can vary a lot.
It can cost anywhere between $300 and $1,100 to repair an asphalt roof on an average-sized home of 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. However, the cost is very different depending on the type of roof and the nature of the repair.
Other factors that impact the price of a roof repair include:
- Where you live
- Size of the roof
- Pitch and slope of the roof
- Number of chimneys and skylights
- Amount of flashing
- Cost of permits in your area
- Cost of repairing water damage
In some cases, it is possible to make repairs yourself. But just like any job, you can’t be exactly sure how much work it will be and how much it will cost until you have properly assessed the damage.
Always do a thorough inspection of the roof to decide whether you need to call in a professional or not.
Should You Repair Your Own Roof?
Some repairs are fairly easy to do on your own as long as you have the right tools. For example, you can replace a few missing shingles or patch a small hole in a day or two. Doing these kinds of repairs on a regular basis will help you avoid more serious roof maintenance issues in the future.
However, you must be realistic and recognize when you need professional help. Repairs on metal, wood, composite, slate, or rubber roofs are more complicated and should be left to a roofer. Equally, if the damage is extensive, you may not be equipped to fix it on your own and you should call a roofer.
Either way, you should always have the roof inspected by a professional first so they can tell you what the extent of the damage is and you can make an informed decision about whether to go ahead with the repair yourself.
How To Repair Your Own Roof
Always keep these safety tips in mind when working on your roof:
- Always have somebody else with you in case you are injured.
- They can also secure the ladder for you when you are climbing up and down from the roof.
- Wear safety gear at all times.
- Walk slowly and check your footing before you move.
- Keep tools on a belt or close by to avoid leaning and dangerous positioning.
- Choose a relatively cool morning because it gets hot on the roof.
How To Replace An Asphalt Shingle
Follow these simple steps to replace an asphalt shingle:
When Should You Hire A Roofing Contractor?
If you are unsure about whether or not to hire a roofing contractor, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does my roof have extensive damage?
- Do I have the time and resources to make the repairs myself?
- Am I comfortable working on a roof?
Usually, if more than a quarter of the total surface of the roof is damaged, you will most likely need to replace the roof, so you’ll need a contractor. If the damage goes beyond a few broken shingles and you are not confident fixing it, it’s best not to try because you may end up making it worse.
How To Keep Your Roof In Good Condition
The best way to keep your roof in good condition is by performing regular maintenance. This includes inspecting the roof for any damage and doing small repairs as needed. You can also clean the roof to remove any built-up dirt, moss, or algae. Carry out these regular maintenance tasks to prevent roof damage:
1. Inspect the roof at least twice a year
Look for any cracked, missing, or damaged shingles. Also, check for any leaks around the chimney, vents, and skylights.
2. Clean your roof regularly
Remove any dirt, moss, leaves, or branches that may have accumulated on the roof.
3. Trim tree branches
Make sure the branches of nearby trees are not touching or rubbing against your roof.
4. Check eaves and gutters
Make sure they are free of debris so that water can properly drain off the roof.
5. Install a gutter guard system
This will help keep leaves and other debris from clogging the gutters.
6. Maintain chimneys and skylights
Make sure the flashing is properly sealed and there are no cracks or leaks.
Regular maintenance will help keep your roof in good condition and avoid costly repairs down the road. If you are not comfortable doing these tasks yourself, be sure to hire a professional roofing contractor for regular maintenance. For more information on roof repair and replacement, contact our roofers today!
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