No matter your roof type, there will come a time when some shingles need repairing. Thankfully, simply repairing a roof rather than replacing it is much less expensive, most commonly the cost is between $300 and $1,100.
Knowing when it’s time to repair your roof is crucial to avoiding the large price tag of an entire roof replacement. In this article, you’ll discover what the repair process looks like, how long it should take, and the advantages of using a professional roofing contractor. So you’ll be ready when you find a shingle in your yard.
Understanding the Roof Repair Process
Although it's unlikely that you'll be doing the roof repairs yourself, it’s helpful to know the process in order to anticipate the next steps.
Roof Inspection
We recommend you get a professional roof inspection every six months. Or, you can do it with a pair of binoculars. Broken or missing shingles are the most obvious sign your roof is in need of repair. Heavy winds and rain are usual suspects when it comes to damaged shingles.
Cracked flashing or vent booting seals are other indicators of damage. Flashings are the thin pieces of metal on the joints and valleys of your roof to create a water-resistant barrier. They protect the gaps between shingles, so if they are cracked, then water can easily get through. Vent booting does the same thing just around the vents that stick out of your roof.
Remove Old Roofing Material
In order to repair the damaged sections, you first have to remove the damaged materials. If a large section of the roof is deteriorating, it might be worth replacing it, rather than just repairing it. So you’d have to remove the shingles and the underlayment. The roofing professional you hire will be able to help you make that decision and will remove the necessary materials.
Prep For New Shingles
Before applying your new roofing materials, an inspector has to come by and check for rotted wood, missing nails, and other problems with the roof decking. Any repairs to the roof decking must be completed before moving to the next step of the roofing process.
New Roof Material Installation
It’s time to add new shingles to your roof! Whether you’re choosing the same materials or going for something different, be sure to check out the different material options that are available to you.
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Roof?
In general, the average home’s roof (3,000 square feet) can be replaced in a day. However, in extreme cases, it can take up to five days or even three weeks, depending on your home’s complexity and accessibility.
Three main factors determine how long it takes to complete a roof repair—complexity, accessibility, and time of year. Complexity refers to the number of facets that a roof has—the higher this number, the more complex the repair will be. Multiple angles, hips, valleys, and a steep pitch is more difficult and takes a lot longer to replace than a simple roof with only two or four roof facets.
If your home has rows of bushes, a fence, and no paved surface near the access point to the roof, then it isn’t easily accessible for the repair professional. This will cause a longer project timeline. Finally, as fall and winter roll around, so do shorter days and earlier sunsets. Roofers don’t work in the dark, so when the days are shorter the project could take an extra day or two. This is why you see so many roofing operations ramping up in March.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
It might seem enticing to simply head up a ladder and replace those few shingles yourself. However, in order to ensure your safety and the proper completion of the project, we recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor.
Here are five reasons why hiring a professional is beneficial:
1. Professional experience: Roofing is a technical process with lots of little elements that are key to a successful project. Contractors with experience understand this and can effortlessly handle any complication that may arise. 2. Safety: Any tiny mishap as you DIY a repair can result in serious injuries. Professional roofing service experts have formal training on safety procedures that reduce the risk of falling off. 3. Save time: Professionals understand the steps necessary for a successful repair. Doing the installation correctly the first time can save you time and money. 4. Warranties: A correctly installed roof can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance and repair. Many roofing materials have warranties if their products don’t live up to the expectation, but oftentimes that warranty is only valid if professionals install it. 5. Convenience: Knowing your roof has been fixed correctly and efficiently certainly puts one's mind at ease.
Use the HOVER App to Visualize Your New Roof Design
Getting accurate measurements of your roof is crucial no matter if you’re doing the project yourself or decided to hire a roofer. HOVER generates accurate measurements (and a whole lot more) from a few photos of your home. Our software lets you see and interact with measurements in 3D to easily obtain roof dimensions and discover your different roof material options. Download the app today and see how HOVER can help facilitate your roof repair project. If you're already working with a contractor, make sure you ask them about using HOVER to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible!
