The roof protects the house from harsh weather, provides insulation, prevents water stagnation, and increases the building’s life. An aesthetically designed roof also improves the appearance of the property. But, like most other parts of the house, the roof requires regular maintenance and repairs. Hiring a nearby roofing company for this is a good idea. The best roofing companies follow safety precautions and use the right tools to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
Common roofing problems
The roof is generally made from metal, wood, composite or asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or slate. People generally choose a type based on the design of the house, the local climate, and their budget. Regardless of the type of roof one has, they will encounter a few problems with it sooner or later.
- Water stagnation
- Damaged shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Clogged gutters
- Vegetation growth
- Damage due to wind and rain
- Damage due to ice and snow
- Pest infestation
- Squirrel damage
- Damage due to poor maintenance and neglect
Choosing a roofing company
Depending on the issue’s magnitude, one can use DIY techniques to repair the roof or hire a roofing company. When hiring a roofing company, considering a few factors is important.
1. Prioritize a local company
The benefit of choosing a local company is accessibility. In case of water damage or partial roof collapse due to wind, snow, or ice, professionals can arrive within a few minutes and provide immediate service.
2. Check licenses
A roofing company needs licenses to operate within a specific state. So, before hiring a provider, one should check if they have the necessary licenses to provide their services. If a homeowner hires a non-licensed company, they may not be able to get an insurance claim if the company damages the roof while on the job.
3. Verify if employees are insured
One should inquire if the company one’s considering has insured its workers. The insurance should cover any unforeseen accident or injury that occurs while they are at work.
4. Learn about the services offered
One should know about the services the roofing company offers as a part of their maintenance plan. Most providers offer a few common services.
- Complete roof replacement
- Gutter cleaning
- Repair of roof caps, valleys, and edges
- Repair of storm, rain, ice, and snow damage
- Roofing inspections
- Water leak repair
Besides providing these basic services, some may offer to improve the roof’s appearance by adding a garden, installing attractive lighting, or adding accessories like fascia, beading, decorative tiles, and colorful paints.
5. Confirm the warranty duration
The duration of the warranty may differ from one company to another. So, one should compare the duration offered by different providers and choose the one with the longest warranty period. Roofing companies may offer a lifetime warranty or up to 20 years for service and at least 10 years for workmanship.
6. Assess safety arrangements
If the repair needs removing and replacing the roof, one should ask the roofing replacement company about the steps they will take to protect the property and those residing there. Some may cover the structure to protect it from wind or a sudden rain shower, but it is advisable to confirm this. Roof replacement contractors may or may not cover the damage to the property or its surroundings. So, one should read the contract carefully to clear any doubts.
7. Ask about debris removal
Roof repairs can generate a lot of debris—pieces of wood, metal, splinters, and nuts and bolts—and some may fall inside the house. One should verify whether the roofing company will remove the debris and clean the place to restore it to its original state after the job is done.
8. Check whether home insurance covers the cost
Many home insurance policies cover the cost of roof repairs. One can talk to the roofing company to see whether they accept insurance. Some providers may agree and even assist with the documentation to speed up the insurance claim process.
The best roofing companies will have the required qualifications, licenses, and experience. They will also be able to assess the issue quickly and solve it at a minimum cost. But one should still research them thoroughly and compare multiple contractors nearby. Doing so can take time and effort, but it helps make an informed decision.
Effects of neglecting roof damage
Postponing repairs is a big mistake that can lead to major problems in the long term.
- Water leakage is one of the first signs of a damaged roof that can lead to mold and mildew.
- A damaged roof reduces the value of a house, so reselling it becomes difficult.
- Neglected damage can attract pests and allow small animals or birds to nest on the roof.
- Faulty roof repairs can damage the structure and make it weak.
- Since the damaged roof can affect insulation, one’s HVAC system may not work well, increasing energy bills. It can also increase the risk of short circuits and fire damage.
- If neglected, roof repairs can become massive, and one may have to pay more to fix the same issue later on. Homeowner’s insurance does not cover repairs that have arisen out of neglect.