Can I fix a leak without replacing my entire roof?
Yes you can. Almost all roofs are repairable. However, you should first assess whether a replacement would be more appropriate.
- What is the life left on the overall roof? Repair a roof if it will last for a long time. On the other hand, if a roof will require constant repairs to maintain functionality, it might be time to look at a full replacement.
- Will the appearance of the roof after repairs match the other areas of the roof? The roof usually takes up about 60% of the appearance of most homes. A new repair can sometimes make your roof look worse then it did before the repair.
- How long will the repairs last? Just remember that a repair is not a new roof and that any repair should last as long as the rest of the roof.
What’s the difference between companies that gave me a high roof quote versus those that gave me a very low quote?
Obviously money is a very important part of selecting the right quote for your roofing project. The first thing you should consider is why are the quotes so far apart? Are you comparing the same materials? Are both companies quoting what you need for your property? Not all roofs are the same.
What are the labor warranties being offered and is the low bid offering a warranty that they can service? For example a company offering 10 year warranties but have only been in business 5 years is selling you a warranty they haven’t been able to support up to this point. Most of the time the more stability you require with your contractor comes with a higher cost since your stronger, more established, companies are going to have higher overhead which raises cost to operate.
Can you see their work? Viewing multiple projects similar to yours helps create security in knowing your paying for a good contractor. Check their ratings and reviews. Know what others have to say about the company you’re considering. Follow these guidelines to make the best choice.
Can I protect my roof from damage?
There are several things you can do to protect your roof from damage. Being a proactive property owner can protect the investment you’ve made in your home.
- Keep any trees cut back from overhang and the possibility dropping things on your roof. Trees can allow animals easy access to your roof. Animals will scratch and dig on your roof causing premature failures in the roof. Also, tree droppings will create damaging growth, as well as wind driven branches breaking in storms that will cause damage.
- Clean your roof after you see developing algae and tree droppings building up. A professional cleaning can remove unwanted dark stains and protect your roof by allowing it to reflect sunlight.
- Inspections on a more regular basis. Almost all roofs can be repaired if they are treated in a timely manner. Frequent inspection will allow you to get out in front of any loose seals, nail pops, or failing boots and all the other issues that come from neglect. Get that roof checked and get out in front of major leaks before they come up. Regular inspections are the easiest way to avoid paying for a full replacement.
- Have you roof installed by a true professional! This doesn’t always intersect with the cheapest price but once your roof is finished you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a professional warranty.
How long should a new roof last?
Every type roof has a different life expectancy to it, as do roofs in different regions.
A shingle roof in Ohio will last a very long time if it is installed properly and the house is energy efficient. You can expect about 30 years of repairability to a shingle roof in this region. If you sell your house then a shingle roof will typically pass a inspection for 20 years but please bear in mind that insulation and ventilation also factor into the life of a roof.
Metal roofs in Ohio can last 40-50 years if installed properly and taken care of. A properly installed metal roof typically lasts a lifetime. Metal roofs cost more but over time these costs pay for themselves. Just keep it clear of trees and have it professionally installed.
Commercial roofs like rubber or tpo are much more difficult to predict the life of. When considering a commercial roofing project think about the the exposure and what will be on top of your roof like hvac vents, walkpads and anything else that is up there. There are a lot of different options of commercial roofing but 20 years is a good start on a commercial roofing system but the type of roof is important for what the building needs as well as the exposure to the elements.