Roof repair is a $20bn industry. And with today’s more erratic weather patterns, more roofs are getting damaged by weather conditions. Roof repairs can range from minor fixes to major ones.
Your roof is one of the more expensive parts of your home, and it’s something you expect to last. Replacing or repairing a roof can be an expensive investment. However, with proper care, your roof should withstand the duration of your time at home.
Texas is known as a state full of storms and also accompanied by strong winds. Strong winds can damage all types of roofs, so when the storm subsides, you should go upstairs to inspect your roof. If you’re worried your roof might be damaged by the harsh Texas weather, but you don’t know what to look for, see more issues before the next hurricane comes.
Whether any components are displaced as well as cracked, chipped, or broken components and to repair the damage as quickly as possible. First, it’s a good idea to take a look at your roof after the storm. Check for wind damage, loose shingles, or loose debris on the roof such as logs, tree branches, and so on. If you can get up on the roof and see the shingles up close, do it. Otherwise, you can do a visual scan of the stairs or the ground. If you suspect storm damage, call a professional to have it thoroughly inspected.
But what exactly does damaged roofing repair entail? And what are its immediate next steps?
If you’re wondering how to repair a damaged roof, then here are five immediate next steps you should take.
1. Storm Damaged Roofing
The first step of any roof repair is a full inspection by a professional, even if there isn’t any obvious damage.
There may be structural weakening. Left untreated, this could cause bigger problems down the line.
Once your roof has been inspected as necessary, it will need to dry out before being re-roofed or replaced. This means that water must be removed from the structure. The best way to do this is through an effective dehumidifier system.
After the roof has dried out, debris needs to be cleaned up. If not done properly, this can lead to further issues in the future.
Yet, suppose you notice signs of water intrusion on your home’s exterior walls. That could be a sign that your roof is leaking. So it’s worth getting checked out.
2. Leaking Roof
Once you have inspected and confirmed that your roof needs some work done, then decide how much time you want to spend fixing it.
It might just be enough for you to get a new roof installed. Or maybe you’ll opt for a cheaper option like repairing only the leaky areas.
Water damage repair involves removing all wet materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, floorboards, etc. Once these items have been taken away, they need to be thoroughly cleaned. To ensure that no mold grows, you need to use anti-mold products.
Suppose you don’t know where the leak is coming from or whether it’s one small area. Then you might not even need to go through all these steps.
But if you’re dealing with many leaks, then you’ll need to start by repairing them.
3. Sagging Roof
Sagging roofs aren’t as common as they once were. Yet, when they happen, they usually need more than patchwork solutions. For instance, sagged ceilings can make rooms feel smaller.
If you have a roof that is starting to sag or has already started to sag, it’s time for an inspection and repair. The first step in repairing your damaged roof is to determine the extent of the damage.
If there are no leaks present, then you may be able to simply replace shingles with new ones. However, if water is leaking through the roof, this will require some serious repairs.
The immediate step is to call a professional to take a look. Once they identify the problem, professionals recommend ways to solve it. These include things like adding support beams or installing a new joist.
4. End of Life Replacement
If your roof is over 25 years old, chances are it’s time for a new one. Why not use this to your advantage and equip yourself with solar panels simultaneously, saving you money!
Make sure to hire a professional and seek advice first before making any decisions. It might even be that the original tile is now considered unsafe. So make sure you get it right the first time.
5. Cracked Tile
Cracks in tiles are often caused by extreme temperatures. But sometimes, cracks occur due to poor construction practices. In either case, they require expert attention.
You shouldn’t try to fix cracked roofs on your own, but also shouldn’t be left alone. A cracked tile can lead to serious issues in the long run.
The tiles themselves can become loose and fall off. Or worse still, they can crack further into the structure itself.
So you shouldn’t rush into replacing your entire roof. But, you should consider a replacement if you see cracks forming and need a roofer.
What Other Steps Should I Consider?
These are just 5 of the immediate steps that need taking. But of course, they aren’t the only 5. There are some other factors at play that could influence the next steps, including:
Solar Panel Installation
While re-roofing, you might wish to consider installing solar panels on your roof (or even solar tiling). This will save you lots of cash and help reduce energy bills too.
Attic Conversion
If you’ve got lots of space, it could also be a great time to get that attic conversion done, especially if you’re going to install a skylight or make any structural modifications.
This way, you won’t have to worry about having an extra room to store stuff. Or, you can add an extra bedroom and recoup your expenses in the resale value of your home!
Roof Repair Costs
The cost of repairs depends on several factors. Some of which include how much work needs doing, what kind of material is used, and so forth.
In short, there are plenty of reasons why you may want to replace your roof. And while most people would agree that it makes sense to do so, it doesn’t mean that everyone does.
Roof Replacement vs. Roof Repair
When it comes to choosing between roof replacement and roof repair, both have their pros and cons. For the most part, a repair will suffice.
But if your damaged roofing is older and the same tiles aren’t available, it’s worth getting a replacement.
That way, you can ensure that everything else remains intact. And, if you do decide to upgrade your roof to something different, it could be the best choice you make!
