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For most homeowners, a damaged roof is probably the most stressful to fix. This is because there’s a certain urgency to it. It’s an emergency. We know the important role that it plays. It provides us with shelter as it protects us from the harmful elements.

In addition, we will feel its effects. Damages will lead to leaking that will cause a whole list of problems.

roof being repaired

This is why it’s good that you’re now looking for free roof repair estimates. This means that you know that it needs immediate repair. Don’t wait another day for you to get moving. It’s also good that you’re looking for estimates. This means that you’re shopping around for the best deal. You’re also here because you’re looking for free estimates. You are in the right place.

On this page:

In this article, we’ll tackle the dangers of not repairing a roof. If you’re not convinced yet, knowing these dangers will convince you to get it fixed ASAP.

We’ll also talk about the common roof problems. You can check if your issue is included in this list. Knowing these common problems will also help you prepare for them.

As mentioned, damages may lead to leaking. It can be a pain to find the source of the leak so we’ll list down the common locations of a roof leak.

It’s also a good idea to know the factors affecting roof repair cost. This will give you a better understanding that will help you choose the best quote once you’ve received the quotes. We’ll also help you prepare by telling you what to expect when asking for an estimate.

These are just some of the things that you’ll know by reading this article. Read on.

Dangers of Not Repairing a Roof

Prepare yourself for these dangers if you choose to neglect its repair needs:

  • Leaks

This is the probably the first issue you’ll experience. A lot of homeowners treat leaks as an annoyance. They’re more than that.

Leaks can lead to a lot of different problems. Here are just some of them:

  • Mold and mildew that are not only unpleasant to look at, but can cause a long list of health issues.
  • Damage to your home’s structure including its .
  • that can take down the .
  • Damage to your belongings especially those in the attic.
  • Slip and fall risk because of the slippery floor brought upon by the water from the leaking roof.

These are just some of the dangers from one danger but you can already see why it’s to be considered as an emergency.

  • A bigger repair bill

You may choose to neglect the damage if it’s just a small one. You’re thinking that it’s just a minor damage and you can save money if you leave it be. Well, the minor damage will eventually become major. One damage will multiply. In the end, you’ll end up with a bigger repair bill.

  • Higher energy bills.

In general, you need to keep warm air in and cold air out if you’re trying to warm your home. You need to keep cold air in and warm air out if you’re trying to cool your home. Your home’s HVAC and insulation systems will have to work double time. This means an inefficient use of energy which will lead to higher energy bills.

  • Pests invading your home.

Pests like rats and squirrels only need a small hole or space. Do you hear scampering in your attic? It might be because you’ve been invaded by pests that entered through the damaged roof.

These pests bring damage and illnesses with them. They’re not welcome in your home, but holes in your roofing are welcome mats to them.

  • A home that’s less attractive to potential home buyers

Are you planning on selling your home in the future? If yes, then you should be concerned about your home’s resale value. In fact, every renovation and repair you should do should be focused on increasing your home’s resale value.

If people see a damaged roof, they see an ugly and unsafe home. This lowers the value of your house significantly.

Leaks are also to be expected which will result to ugly water damage marks. Will you pay full price for a house that has a lot of water damage marks?

  • Roof collapsing

This is worst case scenario, but still a possible scenario. Damages can lead to a weakened roofing structure. It can also lead to water accumulation. If you neglect it long enough, the roofing may collapse.

All these dangers lead to one thing – lower quality of life. You’ll feel these effects both short and long terms. This is why they have to be avoided.

Common Roof Problems

You have to know the common roof problems. This can help you in so many ways. The most important thing is you can spot the problems early so you can take care of them ASAP. They won’t get bigger which will lead to bigger headaches and higher repair bill.

Here are the most common problems to watch out for:

  • Poor installation

Take a look at your roof. Does it look off? It could be because it was installed poorly. But even if you think that it looks fine, only a trained eye can really tell if it was properly installed or not.

A good thing to check is the flashing. It plays an important role in sealing holes caused by penetrations. If installed incorrectly or poorly, you can expect a whole lot of problems that will be discussed later on this list. A good roofer should know the importance of flashing so if they install it incorrectly, that says a lot about their incompetence. You can expect a lot of other problems.

The same thing applies for the roof boot that’s used with vent pipes. Check the roof ridge cap as well.

When in doubt, ask a professional to inspect your roof. It’s good practice to have it checked regularly. If you recently had it installed and you’re not really confident with the result, have another contractor check.

If you’re just in the process of installation, make sure that you hire the best one that you can find in your area so you don’t have to worry about this problem.

  • Roof penetrations

Speaking of roof penetrations, they could also lead to problems. These penetrations include vent pipes, chimneys, skylights and the likes. They’re not a problem per se, but they do create holes since they’re penetrations. A good contractor will ensure that a seal is achieved but sooner or later, this seal will break. This is why you have to regularly monitor them.

  • Leaks

A roof should protect you, your family and your home from weather elements including rain and snow. This means that there’s a problem – a big problem – if you see leaks. Consider it an emergency especially when it rains hard. There could be problems with the fascia. There could be holes that you don’t see. The list of possibilities is long so you have to hire a pro to take care of it.

  • Pests

There’s a reason why they’re called pests. They’re up to no good. They can cause a lot of damage. They can enter your home through a hole and wreak havoc in your attic. If you’ve been seeing a lot of pests like raccoons, squirrels, rats and the likes on your roof, it could be because there’s a hole and they’re making your home theirs. This explains the scampering you’ve been hearing in your attic. Thank goodness they’re not ghosts, but they can do so much more damage.

  • Water buildup

A roofing structure should be designed in such a way that water should flow freely into the gutter and away from your home. If you see water building up on your roofing, then it’s a clear sign of a problem. It could be a poor design or again, poor installation. It could also be because there’s a buildup of debris that’s stopping the free flow of water.

  • Poor maintenance

Have you been maintaining your roof, the same way you’ve been maintaining your HVAC system, or maintaining your water heater? Have you been checking it out regularly? If you haven’t, then that’s a problem. There could be lurking problems already that you should check it. Contact a pro to have your roof checked ASAP.

  • Shrinkage

Do you see evidence of shrinkage? Check underneath the shingles. If you see the membrane has shrunk, then there will eventually be cracks in the shingles, if there isn’t one already.

roof being installed

  • Overhanging trees

These can also be a problem. Tree limbs can brush on your roofing and create scratches and holes. They can also strip shingles apart. Heavy rains or strong winds can make branches fall on your roof, wreaking more havoc.

Consult with a roofer if you have overhanging trees. At the very least, they should be trimmed.

These are just some of the common problems. The best thing you can do at this point is to hire a professional to have the roofing checked.

Factors Affecting Roof Repair Cost

The cost is probably the first thing that enters a homeowner’s mind whenever there’s a need for repair. How much is it going to cost them? This is a cost that you should be more than willing to pay for. We’ve already discussed the dangers. The only way for you to take out these dangers is to hire a professional.

You might be tempted to do it DIY if you feel that the cost is too high. This is not recommended because this is a job that’s best left for the pros. It’s better if you familiarize yourself with the factors that affect the cost for you to better appreciate what you’d be paying for.

  • Roof type

You’re in luck if you have a conventional gable roof. It’s less complicated and should be cheaper to repair. If you had complicated roofing installed, then you have to expect to pay more because it’s going to be more challenging to repair.

Let’s start with the pitch. If your roofing has a steep pitch, then you can expect the contractor to charge more. This is because of the additional planning and setup required to minimize the risks associated with steeper pitches.

You also have to consider the materials that were used in the initial installation and the materials to be used for the repair. Some materials are more expensive than the others.

  • Features

Does your roofing have features like skylights, chimney, vents, and the likes? If yes, a roofer may charge a higher fee because they add to the complication of the task. This is because they have to work around these features. They have to worry about causing damage to them. This adds to labor consideration.

  • Size

How big is the roof? This can have a direct effect on the cost. This is especially true if the damage is big as well.

A bigger roof would require more materials. This wouldn’t affect the cost as much if materials are sold per square foot. Since they’re usually sold per square (100 square feet), the size of the roof will directly affect the cost to repair the roof.

  • Permit requirement

Some roofing jobs, especially the bigger ones, will require a permit. This will also add on to the cost. In addition to the permit fee, the roofer may also charge extra if they’ll be the ones to process the permit, and some states will require that you get the work done by a licensed contractor, whereas other states are more lenient.

  • Old roof removal

Do you need to have the old roof removed? If yes, this will add to the cost. The cost can also be higher if it’s going to take a lot of time and effort to remove the roof.

Of course, hiring a professional will also add to the cost. Provided that you hire a good professional, the cost will be worth it. You just have to make sure that you’re taking advantage of the best deal. You have to ask for estimates from top contractors in your area in order to find the best deal.

What to Expect when Asking for Estimates

A lot of homeowners send in a request for estimates not knowing what to expect. This is not good. You have to know what to expect so you can manage your expectations. This will also help you choose better once you receive the estimates because you’re able to prepare for them.

Here’s what you should expect:

  • An initial estimate based on the information that you’ll give.

You’re probably expecting this already. In a perfect world, the contractors should perform a thorough inspection before giving an estimate. But since we’re all very busy, we want to create a shortlist of contractors to consider. This is why we ask for an initial estimate.

The key here is to provide as many accurate details as you can. Paint a clear picture to the contractor so they can put together a realistic estimate. However, this is just an initial estimate. You can expect the final one to be lower or higher.

  • An appointment for a complete inspection.

Before a final estimate is given, expect the roofer to schedule an appointment with you so they can do a complete inspection. Even if you provide complete and accurate details when you requested for an initial estimate, the roofer would have to see the roof first before they can give a final estimate.

This benefits both parties. This can benefit you because they’ll be able to provide an estimate that makes sense. You can’t have them commit to a low fee, only to end up with them cutting corners just so they can meet the estimate.

An inspection also allows them to spot the problems so they can propose the needed solutions.

  • An itemized quote in writing.

In the end, you should expect an itemized quote that has everything that you need to make an informed decision. In addition to the final cost, it should be broken down to show you what exactly you’re paying for.

This is very important so you don’t have to base your decision on the cost alone. A mistake that a lot of people make is they choose the roofer with the lowest quote, not realizing that someone with a higher quote has a better offer because they’re offering more and better service.

This also has to be in writing. In addition to being a requirement for homeowners insurance

claims, it’s also smart practice to keep yourself protected.

  • Options to choose from.

The contractor has to be flexible enough to work with you even if you have different needs and wants. This is why they should be able to present you with options. For example they may quote you for plywood for sheathing, but they should be able to present you with the option to use OSB if you’re operating on a budget and are looking for a more affordable option.

You can let the contractors know that you want to see options when you request for an estimate so they’ll automatically include them.

  • Questions and answers.

It’s very rare for you to receive quotes and not have any questions. In most cases, you can expect to have follow-up questions like the following:

  • What are these materials? Are they the best materials for this job?
  • How long will the repair take?
  • Does this come with a guarantee and warranty?
  • What are your payment options?
  • Is this the best rate you can give me?

You should also expect the contractors to provide clear answers to these questions.

Common Locations of a Roof Leak

water coming from ceiling

It can be a huge challenge to look for the source of the leaking. Check out these common locations of a roof leak to get started:

This is one of the most common roof leaks, if not the most common. This usually fails first because it’s not meant to last a long time especially since it’s exposed to harsh weather elements and is susceptible to corrosion and cracking.

  • Skylights

While a beautiful and functional addition, skylights can also create problems. They’re a roof penetration that’s not originally a part of the structure so it’s unnatural in the first place.

It doesn’t help that it’s designed in such a way that the top part catches the flowing water. Water can pool there and can find its way into your home. The window part can crack as well. Even condensation will lead to leaking.

Just like the skylights, a chimney is an unnatural part of the roof that penetrates the structure. A good roofer can create an effective seal to prevent leaking, but that seal will eventually break.

Potential issues are inefficient caulking and cracked or corroded flashing.

  • Exposed shingles

The shingles should have granules that provide it with texture that also serves as protection. These granules will eventually wear off. This will lead to the shingles being exposed. Missing shingles will inherently also lead to leaks.

  • Corroded tiles

The tiles or shingles can get corroded because water can get through them in between the slits.

  • Valleys

The valleys, because of how they’re shaped at an angle, can pool water especially during a hard rain. Debris can also pile up here.

There are other sources of leaks. A trained professional can help spot them for you.

Roof Leak Repair Cost

The cost can vary greatly. This is because there are a lot of possible issues – both minor and major. It really depends on what you’re dealing with.

The cost can be anywhere from $150 to $3000. Minor repairs can cost anywhere from $150 to $400, while major ones can cost anywhere from $1000 to $3000. Major repairs can cost more than that but at that rate, it makes better sense to just replace the whole roof.

These numbers are based on an average-sized home, so it can be lower for small-sized homes and higher for a bigger home.

Average Cost to Repair Roof

If we’re going to base it on national averages, you can expect to pay close to $800 to repair a roof leak. That’s about right considering that moderate repairs cost around $400 to $1000.

Tips to Save on RV Roof Repair

A lot of RV owners are aghast when they see their RV roof repair bill. Yes, it can get pretty expensive. In fact, a lot of owners end up just buying a new one because it made better sense.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Maintenance is the key. The roof is exposed to a lot of harsh weather elements and it gets abused a lot. Here are some important things to do:

  • Check regularly for leaks. Pay particular attention to the seams. In addition to the side seams, check the penetrations like the vents and the skylight. This should be done at least once a year. Do it more if you use your RV regularly.
  • Fix the leaks no matter how small they are. If you see a crack in the seal, take care of it ASAP.
  • Reseal the roofing every 10 years. If you use it often, reseal every 5 years or so.

Should Your Repair Roof Flashing?

This is an important part of your roof. It’s often made with aluminum although some roofers prefer galvanized steel or even PVC. It may seem like a simple addition but it plays an important role of keeping water out of your home. It helps create a seal on the penetrations like vents, chimney, skylights and the likes.

It’s not meant to last forever. It will get brittle. It will get cracked. It will lose it seal. It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when. When it happens, you’ll be asking how much it costs to repair.

Honestly, it makes better sense to just replace it. The cost difference is insignificant especially if you’re using galvanized steel or aluminum. Install a new one and get a brand new seal.

Flat Roof Replacement Cost Calculator

flat roof

More and more homeowners are choosing this type of roofing for a lot of positive reasons. This has been the trend for several years now.

It’s not perfect, though. No roofing type is. This is why it will require a replacement eventually. This is especially true if you’ve been neglecting its maintenance and repair needs.

Here are the factors to be considered to determine the cost:

  • Size of the roof
  • Penetrations and installations
  • Pitch or slope
  • Materials
  • Labor
  • Insulation
  • Removal of old roof

You can expect to pay around $10 per square foot to replace a flat roof. For a more specific number, ask for an itemized quote from roofers.

Mobile Home Roof Repair Tips

Damages are often caused by exposure to the weather elements, pests, debris, incorrect installation, old age and more. Here are some tips to help you with this repair task:

water damaged ceiling

  • Know how to spot signs that it needs repair. Here are some signs to watch out for:
  • Peeling paint and wallpaper
  • Water damages
  • Sunlight penetrating through the roof
  • Visible sags in the ceiling
  • Check the interior and exterior for signs of leaking. You need to check the interior first because the signs that you’ll spot there will help lead you to the source outside.
  • Hire a professional. This is the best way to get rid of the problem.

It’s important to hire the right contractor too, or you may soon find yourself experiencing these signs, that show that the contractor did a poor job on your home.

What Causes a Sagging Roof?

Here’s the thing about a sagging roof. It’s usually too late already when you first notice it. An untrained eye wouldn’t notice a minor sag so when you do see it, it’s usually major already.

Again, this is why we really recommend that you regularly hire a professional for regular checkups and maintenance. They can spot a sag before it begins to happen. This is because they know what causes a sagging roof. Here are the most common causes:

  • Structural issues

The roof is a complicated structure. This is why it’s recommended that you have it installed by a professional. If there’s a structural issue, it can result to sagging.

This is why we recommend that you fix all issues ASAP. Even the most minor of leaks can cause structural issues.

  • Pooling snow or water

Your roofing can only take on so much weight. This is why it’s designed in such a way that water should flow freely to the gutter. This is also why snow should also be considered when framing and choosing roofing.

Pooling water can be because of several issues. It can be because of poor framing so there’s already a sag where the water pools. It can also be because of poor designs. But usually, it’s because of debris that has piled up.

  • Damaged foundation

This is probably the worst case scenario. This can be an issue if you live in an area where the soil is unstable.

This is a very serious issue that you need to solve ASAP. The whole structure can collapse if you don’t do something about it.

Cost of Slate Roof Repair

In most cases, this type of repair is either:

  • Replacement of individual tiles.
  • Replacement of flashing and similar fasteners.

The first is the more common of the two and fortunately, the most affordable. The slate roof comes in individual tiles and each tile will eventually get damaged. Repairing each slate is usually out of the question. The more logical option is to replace them. The cost to do so can range from $40 to $200.

The second one is more expensive because it requires more expertise. Replacing flashing will cost you hundreds of dollars which should be money well spent provided that you hire a good professional. It can go as high as tens of thousands of dollars depending on how bad the problem is. Of course, the size and complexity of the roof is another consideration.

Cost to Repair a Tile Roof

A tile roof is supposed to outlast you. However, this is not to say that it will be at 100% the whole time. There will be damages that would require repair. Thankfully because of how it’s designed, you don’t have to replace the roof in most cases.

The cost to repair a tile roof usually starts at $400+. If it’s just the flashing that needs to be replaced, it’s going to cost lower than that. However if it’s the underlayment, the cost will start at around $60 per square.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair Hail Damage

Hail damage can be expensive to repair. Repairing a square that’s been damage can cost around $550. This means that the total cost can be around $4,500 for most homes.

Luckily if you have homeowner’s insurance, it will cover for the cost of repair.

Roof Truss Replacement Cost

You need to remove and dispose of the damaged trusses first. You need to set aside around $4.5 per square foot to remove the old trusses. Expect to pay around a couple of hundred dollars to dispose of them.

Once ready, the cost to install new trusses is more or less $7.5 per square foot.

Replacing Roof Vent Pipe Flashing

Replacing this flashing can cost around $200 each. It can be lower or higher based on a lot of variables.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair Roof Shingles

Expect the repair cost to be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to up to a thousand dollars.

Cost of Concrete Tile Roof Repair

The cost can vary greatly for this roof type. The cost usually starts at $300. It’s better to just ask for quotes.

Should You Replace or Repair a Roof?

This is a valid question. Repairing a roof can be more affordable in the short term but in some cases, replacing it can prove to be more cost-efficient in the long term.

It really depends on the damages. Generally speaking, minor damages require minor repair while major damages require major repair. Major repairs can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars and repairs can require a lot of man hours. In this case, it might be more logical to just repair the roof. This way, you’ll get a brand new roof instead of an old roof with a lot of repairs.

The best way to determine if you should replace or repair a roof is to contact a professional. Their trained eyes can help determine if a replacement is necessary or if repairs will do.

Whatever the case may be, use the form on this site so you can get in touch with the best roofers in your area so you can get free roof repair estimates.

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