When it comes to your home’s structural integrity, few aspects are as vital as the roof. It protects everything and everyone that’s below it, from the glaring sun to invading rain and snow. That’s why it’s essential to keep up with regular roof repair, or face the consequences down the line.
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to take care of small problems with your roof, such as missing shingles or leaky spots. You can buy basic shingles for $30-$40 per pack, and as long as you’re careful to consider your physical ability and take the proper safety precautions, replacing a few damaged shingles isn’t a huge undertaking. Leaks around vents, skylights, and chimneys can also be easily sealed with a basic tar or roof cement. roof repair new jersey can help save you from large-scale repairs later on down the line and increase your home’s resale value.
However, if you’re dealing with widespread roof damage or a sagging, drooping roof that’s showing signs of trapped moisture inside, it’s time to call in a professional. They’ll be able to inspect the entire roof surface, determine if the problem is just a few bad shingles or if it’s more extensive, and make recommendations from there. They’ll also check the flashing (the seals around chimneys, vents, and skylights) to see if it’s cracked or broken and in need of replacement. They’ll recommend upgrading from a simple tar or roof cement to a metal flashing system for increased durability.
Other common roof repairs involve the fascia and soffits, which are the exposed boards that run under a roof’s overhang. These boards support the gutters and provide ventilation. If they’re in poor condition, they can allow water to seep into the walls and timbers of a house, which can lead to mold growth and other expensive, irreversible damage. Repairing or replacing fascia and soffits typically costs $600-$6,000.
When you’re looking at the cost of roof repair, you should also check the estimated timeline and payment information. You’ll want to make sure that your contractor will be able to start the job quickly, as any delay can lead to further damage from weather and insects. A clear, detailed contract should specify the work to be done, the cost of materials, and any additional charges like debris removal or sanding.
The best time of year to do roof repairs depends on your location and climate. High summer isn’t much fun for anyone up on a roof under the relentless sun, and midwinter is a lot of work if there’s still snow on the ground. Late spring through fall, on the other hand, are optimum conditions for completing roof repair work. That’s because any rain or snow that hits the repaired roof before it’s completely fixed can do more damage to the surface and the rooms below it. And nobody wants that.