What Counts As a True Roof Repair Emergency? There are some certain circumstances that easily qualify as a true roof repair emergency. Here are 4 major examples: A tree, branch, or something else falling off the roof unexpectedly and severely damages your roof. This is one of the more common causes of a roof repair call because it is easy to see how something so small can completely ruin a perfectly good roof.
When a tree falls on your roof, whether it damages your shingles or not and causes at least some damage to your roof deck, this certainly qualifies as a roof repair problem. The extent of the damage depends upon what type of tree you have (some are more damaging than others), where it’s falling from, and the speed and strength with which it moves. If your roof is completely damaged, a repair will probably be needed sooner rather than later.
Even if your roof repair problem doesn’t involve a tree falling, it can still be classified as a problem by many people. A big one that causes more damage might knock down part of your house, requiring replacement roof or even a complete overhaul. If this happens to you, your first priority should be safety. You may need to call a qualified roofing contractor to assess the damage and make recommendations for repair or replacement.
Smaller leaks may be easier to fix, especially if they occur during off-peak hours when it isn’t hot enough for the heat to penetrate through your roofing material and evaporate, causing a small leak. In these cases, your main concern will probably be waterproofing. If the water leakage isn’t severe, it may be best to wait. Even if the leak does get worse and you do have significant damage, however, it’s often better to deal with a small roof repair than a roof replacement. Both costlier and more complicated than roof replacement, a roof repair can often seal against future leaks and damage.
It’s important to remember that your roofing contractor won’t be able to tell you if you can avoid a roof replacement or if a reroofing project is a better alternative. Although replacing your roof can potentially save you money and time, you could end up replacing the same damaged or broken material, which could prove to be more costly. If you do decide to replace your roof, however, you’ll likely end up saving money in the long run, because you should avoid having to re-do the same faulty repairs over again. You may also find that your existing roofing materials are too weak to support the weight of a new roof, especially if you have asphalt shingles. In these instances, you may need to get a re-roofing project started sooner rather than later.
Roof repair is often one of the most expensive roof repairs, but it can also be one of the most necessary ones. Regardless of whether you need a roof repair due to damage, leak, or age, it’s always a good idea to get it done before you lose valuable materials or face higher insurance rates. A qualified roof repair specialist can quickly assess the problem and give you suggestions on how to fix it. You may need to replace some of your shingles or repair your gutter system. But in the long run, a qualified roofing contractor will help you avoid roofing replacements that could end up costing you more money.