The decision to repair or replace your roof can be one of the most difficult choices made by a homeowner. Sometimes, replacing an entire roof is inevitable, often due to the advanced age of roofing tiles or extensive damage following a violent storm. Relatively minor damage can be fixed with the help of an experienced Elk Grove roof repair contractor.
The team at Noah’s Roofing endeavors to accurately identify issues with your roof and provide cost-effective solutions that preserve it and its supporting structures. Periodic roof repairs can extend the lifespan of your roof and prevent further damage to your home.
If a few of your shingles are damaged or missing, a roof repair can restore your roof’s strength and stability. Roof repairs are a cost-effective solution when your overall roof is in good condition. Minor issues can be fixed without the need to remove the entire roof. Here are some of the more common types of roof repairs.
The gutters play several important roles. They prevent water from haphazardly spilling onto the lawn. The open and closed tubes direct the flow of water toward designated drainage areas.
Without proper and regular maintenance, gutters and downspouts can become clogged, preventing water from draining properly. Clogged gutters also cause rain to back up under shingles. Eventually, the water will leak into the home, damaging walls, ceilings, and insulation.
If your gutters and downspouts are in poor condition, it’s more likely that your roof will be damaged. Your Elk Grove roof repair contractor can repair or replace segments of the gutter to ensure that future rainwater is efficiently guided toward designated drainage areas.
Portions of your house that receive direct sunlight are more likely to weaken over the years. Sunlight dries out the wood and wears down composite materials. Typically, the south side of your home receives the most direct sun exposure throughout the year. Many of California’s storms come from the south. Years of wind and sun exposure can make certain patches of your root appear prematurely aged.
This is more than an aesthetic problem. Weakened and worn tiles are more susceptible to leaking or coming loose. When tiles are weakened, the underlying protective layers can crack and dry out. Fortunately, catching these worn areas of the roof early can allow for quick repairs that can extend the overall lifespan of your roof.
People often first notice roof problems when they see leaks that lead to ceiling stains. Small leaks can be replaced with repairs. If the damage is too extensive, your roofing contractor may recommend that the entire be replaced.
Common causes of roof leaks include:
If water leaks are the cause of your roof repair, your contractor will repair any damage caused to the roof and replace the equipment that led to the leaks. Often, this requires replacing several or more shingles or tiles.
Damages or missing shingles require prompt roof repairs. Your roofing contractor in Elk Grove will consider the overall age of the roof and the number of missing tiles when recommending repairs vs. roof replacement. If the roof has reached or surpassed its expected lifespan, it may make more sense to replace the entire roof. Another reason you may need to hire a roofing contractor is to repair issues tied to roof ventilation. Improper ventilation can lead to premature aging.
A: A roof repair takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Factors that include how long your repairs take include weather (always a potential cause for delays), the complexity of the repairs, the type of material used, and the availability of labor and materials. One way that you can cut down on your roof repair timeline is by working with a company that has a proven track record of delivering results on time and on budget.
A: As with any large purchase, it is never a bad idea to get a second opinion for a roof repair. Some companies would rather sell you a new roof rather than doing repair work they would have to guarantee for a set number of years. A respectable roofing company will provide you with useful advice, regardless of their personal desires. There are cases where a new roof is needed. Calling two roofing companies for a quote can help you get a better perspective on the repairs you need.
A: The basic steps for repairing a leaking shingle roof involve removing the damaged shingles, replacing the protective layers underneath, making any other needed repairs, and installing the new roof. Any type of roof repair work is dangerous and should only be performed by an experienced company. One slip could lead to a catastrophic injury or worse.
A: You seal a roof by accessing the location of the leak and applying a roofing sealant or tar tape to shingles, joints, or flashings. Sealants are typically made of urethane or silicone. Before applying sealants, clean the surface thoroughly. This ensures a better bond. While the process sounds straightforward, only a professional can quickly and accurately identify the location of a leak and skillfully apply the sealant.
A: You could repair your roof yourself, but it’s not recommended. As the homeowner, you have every right to conduct home repairs as you see fit. Roof repairs are unique for obvious reasons. One, you will be working at great heights, meaning a fall could lead to serious injury or worse. Two, roofs are complex systems of overlapping layers and equipment. Unless you have extensive experience repairing roofs, you may not know what to do. A “fixed” leak could begin allowing water in just weeks after your repair.
Not every leak or gutter issue requires a complete roof replacement. Many types of roof damage can be fixed with repairs, and the results often improve your home’s energy efficiency. All of our work is done with the client’s goals in mind. Contact us today to schedule your free roof repair estimate.