Invest in Your Roof
Your home is a major investment, one that you need to protect at all costs. But when it comes to some components, like the roof, it can be expensive to replace. So, instead of replacing the roof when there is damage, is residential roof repair possible?
Yes, sometimes, a roof repair is possible and still maintains the integrity of the roof and protection of your home. What kind of roof damage can residential roof repair be sufficient? A roof replacement versus repair isn’t the same decision level as choosing a new color of paint or deciding to stain them.
Residential Roof Repair
A residential roof repair or replacement is a bigger decision, and more important. Without the roof, the cabinetry in your kitchen won’t matter, right? So, if you can do a residential roof repair and not have to replace the roof, you’ll save money. But if you put on a few new shingles over a damaged area or where shingles are missing, only to find the problem is much worse, you’ve wasted money and time.
But if you can spend less money and time and do a residential roof repair instead of spending $10,000 or more on a new roof, isn’t it worth it to protect your major investment? Here are some various factors to consider when deciding if residential roof repair is sufficient of if you need a roof replacement:
- The Roof Age: A roof is built to be durable and protect your home against the elements and weather. Unfortunately, nothing will last forever. The lifespan of any roofing material will determine if a residential roof repair is sufficient or if replacement is the better option. How often do roofs need to be replaced?
- For instance, a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof has a maximum lifespan of 20 years, and an architectural asphalt roof 30 years. Once a roof has reached this lifespan, residential roof repair is not recommended. They have started wearing down and deteriorating, showing their age.
- The Roof Condition: The next factor to consider is the roof’s condition and the extent of the damage. If the roof has a deteriorated appearance or significant physical damage, like a tree limb has fallen through the roof, then a residential roof repair isn’t going to be sufficient. A basic rule of thumb is when the damage affects 30% or more of the roof, replacement is needed.
- What Area: Not only is how much of the area is affected, but what part of the roof is damaged. If its just one isolated area, residential roof repair will keep your home protected. If the damage is in the middle of the roof, like over the living room or a bedroom, replacement is the better choice.
- Time Frame: If you’re considering selling your home soon, replacing the roof is an investment that can increase the value of your home. If you’re needing to relocate quickly for a job or other personal reasons, a residential roof repair can be sufficient.
How much value will a new roof add to my house?
The overall structure and protection aren’t the only reasons why roof repair is important. The appearance and value of your home are important too. From the foundation to the studs to the roof, if any of it appears old and worn, disintegrating, or neglected, it looks bad and loses value too.
A little residential roof repair can go a long way in making your home look the value that you may have it listed to sell. Replacing a few shingles and a power wash can do wonders for a roof that is less than 5 years old.
A new roof can give you an ROI up to 68%, depending on the condition of the old roof and the quality of roofing materials used. Now, you won’t get 100% ROI, but the resale value can be increased by $10,000 or more and is one of the best renovation projects you can do for a healthy ROI.
How much should roof repair cost?
An average roof repair can cost between $400 and $1700 in the Cincinnati area, based on the type of damage and the type of roofing material needed. The materials typically cost between $200 and $500 with labor by the hour between $50/per hour and $80/per hour when using a professional residential roof repair contractor.
How long does it take to repair a roof?
Again, depending on the amount and type of damage to the roof and what materials are needed, a residential roof repair can vary. Between a couple of hours up to a full day, with a waiting period for specific roofing materials like slate or other types of tiles. Asphalt shingles are usually ready and waiting at big box home improvement stores and roofing suppliers.
It is recommended to only use experienced roofing contractors. While searching for a contractor, advise them what type of roofing material you have and if they know “How to fix my roof correctly with that type of roofing material?”
Why is that important? Because not every roofing contractor has experience in working with metal roofing, ceramic tile, roofing, slate roofing, or other non-asphalt shingle residential roofing repairs. If they don’t have experience and knowledge in the type of roofing materials you have, they could do more damage than help.
What materials are needed to repair a roof?
To make residential roof repairs done correctly and safely, the following materials and supplies are needed:
- Ladder, Scaffold, or Lift
- Fall Protection like safety harnesses
- Toe Boards for roof slopes
- Chalk Line
- Crowbar
- Flat Head Shovel
- Hammer or Nail Gun
- Roofing Nails
- Roofing Adhesive
- Roofing Materials like shingles, tiles, metal panels, etc.
A Common Concern and Question
Will insurance cover roof repair? You pay for it every month, so you want to get your money’s worth, right? Residential roof repairs are questionable in the insurance industry. In most cases, yes, if the roof damage was from an unexpected source like a tree falling, it will pay towards the repair, maybe all the repair costs. If the repair is needed as basic homeowner maintenance, no, your residential roof repair claim will likely be denied.
Regardless of what you decide to do, we can help you do it! Give us a call at 513-563-9988 today to get started.