Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that minor roof damage issues won’t grow into worse damage. They are often caught off guard when common minor roofing damages such as minor leaks and loose shingles that begin as small issues get progressively get worse over time. This is often because homeowners fail to notice the problem or simply neglect the matter until it is too late. If minor roof damage is allowed to remain untouched, you can expect it to get worse over time, resulting in bigger and more costly roof repair projects. Here is a look at some of the most common types of roofing damage and how they can quickly evolve into costly roof repair jobs.
Water Damage
Water damage is the most common cause of roof damage. From rain and ice to snow and sleet, moisture can seep its way into weak or vulnerable roofing materials causing hundreds to thousands of dollars in roof damages. The root of the problem is often unclear as there is rarely an obvious hole from the outside. Instead, water will often seep through loose shingles or seams and will gradually drip inside the home. If caught early, water damage can be minimized. If the issue is neglected, the water damage can spread causing even more problems.
Chimney
Fixtures on the roof, such as the chimney, can cause a wide range of roofing issues. When fixtures like chimneys are built, a hole is placed in the roof where the fixture will sit. The area around the fixture is then protected with materials, such as flashing, that help to keep water out. Over time, these materials can wear down or shift, causing water to enter the seams where the flashing meets the chimney. Along with the cost to replace these materials and fix any water damage, you may also have to endure the cost of a new chimney.
Exterior Vents
Vents and other smaller fixtures on the outside of your home can also succumb to costly damage. Similar to your chimney, the materials surrounding your exterior vents can break down over time. However, vents are more vulnerable to damage then chimneys as they are not as structurally strong. If you are experiencing a problem with vents, the underlying cause is likely the flashing or sealing and not the vent itself. By repairing these materials early on, you can avoid extensive water damage from occurring which will significantly reduce your roof repair costs.
Skylights
Skylights are another common cause of leaks. In some instances, poor installation is the cause for a leaky skylight. However, even a professionally installed skylight can leak over time. Corroded flashing is a major red flag that the seam around the skylight is vulnerable to water damage. The damage may be minimal at first but as the corrosion gets worse you can expect the damage to spread. If the skylight itself is still in good condition, roof repair contractors can just replace the materials around the skylight and fix any damage caused by moisture issues.
Ice Damming
Ice damming is a common occurrence that can lead to extensive roof damage. While you might not be able to see ice forming on the roof’s surface, you may notice the formation of icicles on the sides of the roof which indicate a problem. Ice dams generally form above overhangs and are caused by warm air leaking from the living spaces below the roof. This heat causes the snow to melt, which then flows down to the edge of the roof where it refreezes above the eaves. Ice dams prevent water from flowing off the roof, which can lead to wood rot and similar issues. By properly insulating your attic and roof, you can prevent ice dams from developing.
Shingles
Shingles usually require minor repair if the damage is secluded to a small area. However, if the underlying problem is not promptly addressed you will likely find that the damage will slowly spread over more areas of the roof. Major problems generally take many months to develop. However, certain conditions can cause damage to occur more quickly. Shingles can become damaged due to harsh winds, incorrect installation, moss buildup, ice damming, curling, cracking, staining, or from fallen tree branches. If the problematic shingles are quickly replaced, roof damage can be minimized.
Roof Valleys
Damage can also occur commonly in roof valleys. These areas are designed to help channel water down to drain pipes to keep moisture off of the roof. To prevent water from seeping into these valleys, they are usually lined with metal flashing or vinyl strips. However, when these materials become damaged due to weather or old age, roof valleys can succumb to damage. If you have several valleys that need to be repaired, you can expect it to be a costly roof repair job.
Cost Influences
Roof repair is often an expensive and time-consuming project. However, there are numerous factors that are taken into consideration before an accurate quote can be provided by roof repair contractors. First, the roof type will greatly influence the cost of the repairs. Roofs can be sloped, flat, low or high pitched, have shingles, or be made of metal. While basic asphalt shingles will typically run you about $120 per 100 square foot, the materials needed to repair a metal roof may cost you as much as $1,500 per 100 square foot. If the roof contains fixtures like skylights the price will likely go even higher.
The price of your roof repair project will also depend on the scope of the repairs. Most roof repair contractors will determine the price by the square footage of the roof that needs to be repaired. If you catch a problem early on, you can likely have your roof repaired without hurting your wallet. However, if you ignore your roof problems you may face a much bigger repair bill. To save money and minimize stress, make the decision to have your roof regularly maintained and any repairs promptly made by an experienced professional. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, contact a professional roof repair contractor.