Any damage to your home’s roof from seasonal changes, weather, impact or age can cause a wide range of problems, including mold, leaks and other issues that can destroy other property, but also cherished keepsakes. On top of that, a damaged roof can cost you thousands of dollars to repair. Therefore, if you’re curious about the things that roofers look for prior to giving you a quote for repairing your roof, below we’re going to tell you more about them.
Things roofing contractors look for prior to repairing your roof:
1. Existing roof damage.
2. Budget.
3. Type of roof you have.
4. Roof size.
5. Insulation.
1. Roof Damage
The very first thing that roofer will do when he arrives at your place is to check the roof for damage. See some examples of damaged roofs and signs to look for here. So basically, the roofer will inspect your roof and look for a wide range of potential problems, including buckling, wrinkling, gaps, cracks, blisters, but also tears, shingle wear, water pooling, mold, wood rot, missing flashing, damaged seals, curling and other problems.
Depending on the type of damage your roof has, it’s important to know that some of them can be more expensive and take more time to repair. With spot damage, roofers can effectively repair the damaged portions of your roof without having to worry about replacing it. On the other hand, if they find signs of ongoing problems after past repairs, significant code violations or extensive damage, then they’ll recommend a full roof replacement.
2. Budget
Replacement and repair costs can stack up quickly and that is why roofers will want to know how much you can afford to pay for the necessary repairs. A roof with more character so to speak is generally more expensive than a regular roof and that’s because the amount of labor involved is significantly greater than when roofers need to work on flat surfaces. Removal, repair or replacement of buckled, wrinkles and rotted areas, including the fascia, soffits, and underlayment can easily add up cost-wise. Luckily, you may be able to offset costs if you have insurance benefits.
3. Strip Away the Old
According to the law, your roof can contain up to 2 layers of asphalt shingles, meaning that if you have only a single layer on, then you can add another one. This is something that roofers will certainly be looking for, depending on the condition of your roof and the services you require. While it’s true that this may save you as much as one thousand dollars and a bit of mess, the roofer won’t be able to effectively inspect and repair the flashing and decking underneath. If you need to repair and reinforce your roof, specifically installing a water and ice shield, but also a rubber membrane in order to prevent ice buildup and leaks, then the roofer will need to carefully inspect the condition of the roof prior to working on it.
Even more, if you don’t have asphalt in there, then the tear-off process can get even more difficult, time consuming and of course, expensive. If the roofer can see the original wood shingles on the roof’s underside while in the attic, then everything needs to come off. On top of that, the roofer will also need to install new plywood decking as well. In terms of costs, you can expect the project to get approximately five thousand dollars more expensive.
4. Roof Size
The size of the roof is very important and that is why the roofer will certainly want to measure it and make sure that he knows exactly how much it measures. This is particularly important in case he recommends a full roof replacement.
5. Insulation
Last but not least, the roofer will need to check whether the roof is properly insulated or not. When the roof is insulated, it means that your home is going to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Poorly insulated roofs may not only force you to crank up the AC or the heat which will greatly increase your energy costs, but they can also cause a wide range of other issues, including ice buildup, leaks, mold, and many other similar issues.
All in all, these are the top 5 things a roofer will look for prior to repairing your roof. Just make sure you hire an experienced and well reputed roofer and you can rest assured that he’s going to get the job done fast and affordably.
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