After a big natural disaster or accident, you may find yourself with a damaged roof. Perform shingle repairs yourself to save money, or hire a professional.
Image by Mario Ohibsky
Asphalt shingles are some of the most common roofing materials across America. According to statistics, four out of five homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingles. This can be because of their aesthetic appeal, versatility, longer life, and several other benefits that they offer homeowners.
To replace the shingles that have been damaged by harsh weather conditions like strong winds, hail, and more, you should consider shingle repairs. Old homes, especially those with roofs that are over 20 years old, are also bound to have worn out or damaged shingles and can benefit from roof repairs.
Since every homeowner wants to have a strong and well-functioning roof, you should consider repairing or replacing your roof as soon as possible. Ignoring damages will only lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Shingle Roof Repair
When properly installed, shingle roofs can last for decades. However, you might need to repair a few shingles from time to time, especially after a rain or wind storm. It is also quite important to schedule regular roof inspections to ensure that you maintain a strong roof.
If you are considering shingle repairs, there are several important things that you need to consider before talking to a contractor. You want to make sure that the repairs are done by a professional company so that you do not compromise your roof’s quality and integrity. Experts ensure that any problems concerning the roof are promptly addressed.
You should also consider how much it costs to replace roof shingles, especially if your home insurance does not cover roof repair or replacement so that you can budget for it.
Whether you have asphalt, concrete, metal, or wood shingles, this is what you need to know about shingle roof replacement and repairs.
The Damage Might Be More Than You See
There are times when replacing the missing or damaged shingles might be the only thing that you need. However, just because you can see the problem does not mean that it is the only thing you have to worry about.
Water damage is quite common with damaged or missing shingles on the roof because they can allow moisture or water to leak underneath them. To ensure that there are no underlying problems, your roofer will inspect your home to help you know what you are dealing with and how to take care of it.
The question of whether to repair a shingle or replace your roof will depend on the extent of the damage. This is why it would be best to hire a professional roofer for your shingle roof repair instead of a DIY method.
The Age of the Roof Matters
According to the Nation Association of Home Builders, asphalt roofs can last for up to 20 years, fiber cement shingles about 25 years, and wood shakes around 30 years. However, if you live in an old home, there is a high chance that there are several missing shingles because of regular wear and tear, especially if the roof was not maintained as it should.
In such cases, a roof replacement would be ideal because any more patch jobs can only end up costing you more in the long run. Regardless of your roof’s age, if several or almost all the shingles are in bad shape, talk to your roofer to determine what you need to do to fix it.
When dealing with an old roof or a roof that has suffered a lot of damage, do not forget to look at other roof components, such as gutters, flashing, or vents. You want to know if they are missing or damaged. Some damages show up in loose flashing or flashing that is failing because of oxidation and weathering.
Getting Shingles That Match
If all you are dealing with is only a few missing shingles, your roofer can easily replace and interlock them with the roof. However, getting roof shingles that match exactly with your exciting roof can be a challenge.
The existing roof has already been exposed to harsh weather conditions, which has caused them to fade. Even if you can get the same color from the manufacturer, they will not match.
It is okay to have shingles that slightly differ in color. However, if you want your roof to completely match, consider replacing the entire roof or section.
Know If Your Insurance Can Cover It
If you need to repair or replace your roof, you may first want to know if your homeowner’s insurance can cover it. Read over your contract or talk to your insurance provider to know what they cover and how much they can pay.
While there are insurance policies that only cover storm damages, some offer to pay part of the costs that you will incur. Each case is different depending on the policy. Your roofing company should be able to assist you with your claim.
Talk to your roofer about the options you have so that you keep the costs of shingle roof repairs as low as possible. This way, you will not have to pay a lot if your insurance only covers part of the cost.
Consider Hiring an Expert for Your Shingle Repairs
Repairing a damaged shingle or replacing missing shingles is not always a big job. An expert roofer will fix your roof in no time. However, it would be best if you first determined whether to consider shingle repairs or roof replacement and save yourself the most money.
Are you looking for more home improvement tips? Check out the rest of our site today for more advice and DIY guides.
