
When do I need roof repairs?
Residents in the area experience humid and warm summers, followed by cold winters with an average snowfall of 30”. And year-round, the skies are cloudy more than full sunshine, but that doesn’t mean rooftops are spared the UV rays. Cloudy skies amplify the UV rays, and that is the basis of what leads to roof repairs. In Cincinnati, OH, roof repairs are typically needed throughout the year and companies like ours can be there to provide homeowners and business owners with the services they need. Bearing that in mind, here are some answers to common questions regarding roof repair, including whether you can repair just part of a roof when you notice that damage has been done.
How do UV rays damage roofs?
For most of us, UV rays are UV rays, but in reality, down to the scientific level, there are 3 different types of UV rays:
- UVA
- UVB
- UVC
The UV rays that contribute to roof repairs are the UVA and UVB, with the UVB being the most detrimental to rooftops. UV rays cause damage in two different ways.
- Chemical: The rooftop’s exposure to UV rays breaks the asphalt molecules down, minimizing the protective properties they offer.
- Physical: The UV rays dry the natural essential oils in the shingles out, making them brittle which leads to breaks and cracking.
This results in overall UV damage that leads to minor and extensive roof repairs, even roof replacement when coupled with other weather elements. The combination of UVA and UVB rays causes the following visible and invisible problems:
- Color Fading: The color of the asphalt shingles is bleached out by these UV rays, making them unattractive and aged-looking.
- Deteriorate: UV rays damage the structural integrity of the asphalt, and the breakage and chipping can lead to leaking roof repair or replacement.
- Blistered Shingles: UV exposure will cause shingles to blister and when left unaddressed, like replacing the damaged shingles, can lead to a leaking roof.
Over time, these damages can lead to more severe issues such as leaks, mold growth, and structural damage, which will necessitate costly roof repairs or even complete roof replacement.
Can a partial roof repair be done?
Technically, yes, a partial roof repair is possible in some cases, but it isn’t the first recommendation by most roofing contractors or manufacturers of roofing materials. For instance, a single damaged shingle, replacing the damaged shingle is acceptable. Roof repair of a small hole is an acceptable solution, if there isn’t more damage under the roofing material.
There are three reasons that a generalized roof repair area isn’t acceptable:
- MATERIAL MATCHING
Even if you have leftover asphalt shingles, a simple roof repair could still show the color difference, especially the older the roof. This holds for other roofing materials too like ceramic or slate tiles, wood shakes, or shingles. Even if finding exact matching shingles or tiles is possible, there will be variations in color because they are from different batches.
- COST MORE GOING FORWARD
Initially, you’re able to save money with a section roof repair job, but going forward, at some point, a full roof replacement will be needed. That roof repaired section and the rest of the roof will have different levels of aging. Depending on the size of the roof repair, the cost of a full replacement may be a better economical choice.
- WARRANTY ISSUE
When a new roof is installed, the entire roofing job is under warranty by the roofer and the material manufacturer. However, a sectional roof repair can void the warranty for the entire roof.
How much does a roof repair cost?
This will depend on the type of roofing material, the extent and size of the damage, and the location of the damage. The roof is a critical component of your home, making sure it is in good condition and roof repairs or replacements are done properly and in a timely fashion is important.
The longer you delay getting roof repairs done, the more damage happens, and roof replacement may be the only option. Another caveat to consider is if you delay getting roof repairs done, this can put you in jeopardy of your homeowner’s insurance denying any roof claim or even leading to cancellation due to negligence.
A roof repair can start around $200 and reach up to $10,000, depending on the factors we mentioned. Most typically top out at $2,000, but after that amount, a homeowner should review their homeowner’s insurance policy for the deductible and limits. If the roof repair is as much or more than the deductible of a roof replacement, the replacement should be considered.
What are the most common roof repairs?
For asphalt shingled roofs, the most common roof repairs are repairing or replacing broken or damaged shingles, replacing missing shingles, or shingles that have missing asphalt granules. Loose or missing flashing on the roof is a common roof repair, and often homeowners can do this themselves if they’re comfortable climbing on the roof.
A ceramic or slate tile roof repair is common for cracks or holes or defective underlayment. Repairs to the chimney and gutters are common as well as the skylights or any roof protrusions like vents.
Topping It Off – Roof Repairs Aren’t Always An OptionNot every situation of roof damage is suitable for localized roof repair. If the roofing surface has 25% or more damage, or the roof is over eight to 10 years old, a full roof replacement is typically recommended by the roofing contractor and required by the insurance company. And if you find yourself in need of roof repair in Cincinnati, OH, remember that a company like ours is always available to provide you with the services you require. You can give us a call at 513-563-9988 if you’d like any more information regarding the roof repair services you might need.