Roofing
Home Improvement

Roofing: Are You Covered?

 

Having a roof over your head may be something you take for granted – but have you considered whether you’re prepared to fix that roof should something go wrong? Roofing problems are all-too-common. To maintain consistent quality, they need to be checked twice a year in the spring and fall, and it’s typical to expect that a roof will need to be replaced once every 20-50 years depending on the kind of damage it has undergone. So, what are the most common roofing problems that home owners run into? And how can they ensure they’re protected from expensive repair and replacement costs? And is installing a new roof the most convenient option in the long run? Let’s find out more.

The Most Common Roofing Problems

There’s a wide range of problems a homeowner might run into when it comes to their roof. First, it’s important to remember that some problems are as simple (and unfortunate) as poor or faulty installation. If a roof isn’t installed correctly or with care the first time around, it can lead to dramatic issues later in a roof’s life-cycle. A professional should always be hired to inspect a roof and determine whether there were installation problems that can be fixed.

Second, a roof sees a lot of weather. Between wind, rain, heavy snow, and damaging ice, a roof must hold up to a lot of moisture. If moisture manages to get under the layers of shingles or roofing, it can cause leaks, mold, and more. Many times, this is unavoidable. Roofs go extended periods of time between replacement, and most homeowners don’t bother to get them inspected twice a year. Eventually, some moisture will damage at least part of your roof. On the other hand, sometimes the weather or the natural world around your home takes an unexpected toll on your roof. For example, if a tree falls and the branch grates against the surface or breaks part of the roofing, the problem is immediate. The same goes for if a larger form of severe weather hits – like a tornado or a hurricane.

Third, a roof is meant to keep critters and insects outside of your home. However, that doesn’t mean the roof itself isn’t subject to the damage these natural beings can cause. Birds build nests, and termites can eat holes through wooden shingles. Finally, sometimes a roof just gets old. The older a roof gets, the more likely that the roof membrane will shrink, or the tiles will blister or split. Erosion can occur, as well.

What are Roof Repair Costs, and How Can You Avoid Them?

A small repair on a roof might cost as little as $150-$400. However, replacing a roof or repairing larger areas of damage can cost anywhere upwards of $5,000-$12,000. Yikes! That’s a lot of money that most people don’t have bouncing around to fix their roof; and, unlike other home repairs, in the case of a damaged roof, it’s almost always necessary to fix the problem immediately. After all, we all need a roof over our heads – the saying exists for a reason. However, there are some ways to proactively protect yourself against the excessive cost of roof repair and replacement.

First, you can have your roof regularly inspected to ensure that it’s in the best condition possible. Paying a few hundred dollars here and there is much more manageable than realizing you’ve had an ongoing, unattended problem and paying thousands of dollars to completely replace or repair your home’s roof. Additionally, having regular roof inspections can save you from a slew of other home repair disasters. For example, if the roof inspection finds a leak in the attic, you’ll be able to take care of any mold damage before it spreads as well as the leaky roof. You can always contact a Mold Damage Restoration Company to come out and get this removed to prevent any further mold issues cropping up in the not too distant future.

Second, you can sign up with a home warranty with roof coverage like Advanced or America’s 1st. Before you look at home warranty policies that cover roof repair or replacement, it’s wise to have your roof inspected and patched up if necessary to avoid any “preexisting conditions” that might not be covered by your home warranty policy. However, having a solid home warranty contract for less than $100 a month can cover larger expenses such as leaky roofs, or damage caused by intense weather. Your policy will likely also cover additional components of your home – helping you offset those repair and replacement costs, as well.

You should especially consider a home warranty if your roof is “considerable risk.” For example, if you live in an area with notoriously bad winters (heavy snowfall, negative temperatures), or you live in a humid climate that encourages the growth of mold and moss, your roof is at risk. In these cases, having a home warranty that protects your roof (which you know could very well be damaged based on where you live), can offer you a more affordable option than the inevitable roof replacement you may face down the line.

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