Accidents happen. Storm damage happens. Sometimes, unfortunately, events are out of our control. But it doesn’t mitigate the awful feeling when you know you have to do a roof repair, which can be costly and inconvenient. However, getting your roof repaired or replaced can actually be a blessing in disguise, especially if your roof is old and was headed toward the replacing stage anyway. You can update the type of roof you have, which may end up saving you on energy bills in the long run, and use this time to check out (and possibly update) your gutters, which should be getting cleaned regularly anyway. Before calling in a roofing company though, you’ll want to do your research on whether you need to get your roof repaired or totally replaced. If it’s the latter, you’ll have to think about what type of roof you want, plan your budget, and start calling around!
What Should I Know About Replacing My Roof Entirely?
The average 2200 to 2600 square foot roof will cost you about $2,000 to $8,500, depending on materials, among other things. Roofers charge per “square” which is defined as a 10 foot by 10 foot patch of roof. The typical roof has between 22 and 26 squares that will need to be replaced.
Ideally, you’re also going to need to strip your roof completely (especially if you’re replacing your roof with totally new materials, like going from asphalt to metal), so be sure to factor that into your budget.
You should also think about what kind of material you want on your roof. Are you looking at shingled roofs, metal roofs, asphalt roofs? What kind of roof can make your home more energy efficient? What’s the most low-maintenance option? If you live in a area prone to high winds or extreme weather, what’s the safest option?
When Is Just Repairing My Roof Okay?
If you’ve just had minimal damage done to your roof and are experiencing leaks or need to replace shingles, just doing a spot repair is probably fine. As long as the leaking is an isolated incident and the rest of the roof seems solid, a repair will do the trick nicely.
Simply repairing instead of totally replacing the roof will save you a good amount of money and if you plan to stay in the house for awhile, it won’t matter if the shingles don’t exactly match the original ones.
Another factor you should consider when deciding whether to repair or replace is the age of your roof. If it’s getting on in years, you might want to just bite the bullet and totally replace it. But if it’s a fairly new roof and it was a freak accident of nature or bad luck (high winds, a fallen tree, etc.), just patching it up shouldn’t be a problem.
Who Should I Call For Roof Repair?
For roofing repair and maintenance and replacement, you should call a roofing company. A roofing company will be able to help with whatever roofing needs you have. However, when hiring, make sure you’re doing your due diligence. Check reviews, references, and lists of certified roof installers to make sure you’re going with a respected and legitimate company. Personal references are often the most reliable resource, so be sure to check around with friends and family.
Be sure to read the contract carefully — do they mention getting a building permit? If not, that should be a red flag (and if they don’t have a permit, your roof insurance could be nullified). Make sure all agreements are in writing and specific — how much money will be paid, what products will be purchased and used, and the time frame.
Getting your roof replaced can be a huge decision and you want to make sure you have the right roofing company on the job. Whether you’re just doing a small repair job or a total replacement, make sure you do your research and are making a smart and informed decision. Check out our roofing services and let us know how we can best assist you today.
