Roof Repair FAQ: Your Top Roof Repair Questions Answered

We get a lot of questions about roof repairs, so we thought it might be good to gather the most frequently asked in one blog post.

We’ll answer specific roof repair questions to give you a clear picture of the process. And who knows, your roof maybe doesn’t even need any repairs.

How To Know If You Need a Roof Repair?

The short answer is – if your roof looks less than perfect. But even if everything looks great from the outside, you need to check the attic and roof vent.

However, here are some more visible and common signs that you need a roof repair:

• Missing shingles
• Bent shingles
• Cracked shingles
• Granules in the gutters
• Sagging
• A sudden increase in energy bills
• Stains on the roof
• Stains on the walls and/or ceiling

If you notice any of those, act immediately. Here is why…

Why is it Important to Repair the Roof?

If you don’t treat a small cut, it might get infected, and you might die. It can happen even from a paper cut. And it’s the same with roofs.

One missing shingle doesn’t seem a priority to some homeowners, but the next windy day proves them wrong. The same as a cut creates an opening for viruses and bacteria to enter a body; a missing shingle lets water in and makes the roof vulnerable to wind.

And it’s all connected. Bent and cracked shingles are more likely to go missing. And if the roof isn’t recoated every 3-5 years, shingles will degranulate faster, making them vulnerable to heat and wind.

As you can see, the roof is a complete system in which each part must play its role perfectly. And problems grow, so it’s the best strategy to address them as soon as they occur.

Do You Need to Be Home While Contractors Work on Your Roof?

Some homeowners prefer to be at home during roof repairs. But unless the crew needs to go to the attic, you don’t have to be at home. And if you pick a trustworthy contractor, you don’t have to worry about them cutting corners while repairing your roof.

How Long Does It Take To Repair a Roof?

It’s impossible to give a precise answer to this question without considering the roof size, damage, and experience of the roofers. Still, most roof repairs don’t last more than a day or two. You should always ask your contractor how long they expect to work on your roof.

Can You Repair Your Roof Alone?

Some people literally ask us if they can do any roof repairs alone. Our answer is always no. And please note the difference between a DIY roof repair and repairing a roof alone.

Never, ever do anything on your roof alone because accidents happen.

But you can do some roof repairs with the help of your family members or friends. For example, replacing one shingle shouldn’t be too difficult. However, we still advise you to leave it to the pros if you don’t have experience with that specific problem.

And even if you have experience, don’t touch your flashings. DIY flashing replacements and repairs cause many leaks.

Can You Repair Just a Section of a Roof?

Of course. Most roof repairs are done on small sections of the roof. If a massive portion is damaged, it’s usually better to go with a roof replacement.

What Are The Most Common Roof Repairs?

There are 2 causes of roof problems – poor installation and poor maintenance. And as a homeowner, you’re responsible for picking the proven contractor and caring for your roof. We hope that your roof lasts 20 years without any problems, but that’s not likely to happen, so here are common roof repairs:

• Flashing installation
• Drip edge installation
• Shingle replacement
• Gutter repairs
• Solving early signs of leaks
• Repairing or replacing roof vent

Do You Need A Roof Replacement if You Have a Leak?

Leaks are one of the worst-case scenarios for homeowners, but not every leak is created equal. That brings us back to question number 2. If you address the problem when you first notice it, your roof will take less damage.

Leaks aren’t any different. If you ignore the early signs, the leak will get more serious. But even if water rots your decking, you might not need a roof replacement. So the answer here would be – it depends.

Is it Better to Repair Or Replace A Roof?

To stay in the tone of the previous question, we’ll give a short answer – it depends. Roof replacements are usually done if more than 30% of the roof is damaged. But if the condition of your roof isn’t good and it suffers more damage, it might be better to replace it (even if it could be repaired).

A new roof will help you reduce energy bills and won’t be as vulnerable as the old one. So, in the long run, it sometimes pays off to sacrifice a roof that could last for another year or two.

Does My Insurance Cover Roof Repairs?

Again, that depends on your policy, but most insurance companies cover repairs required after things outside of the homeowner’s control. Those include hail damage, storm damage, wind damage, tree damage, etc.

Why is Wear and Tear Not Covered by Insurance?

However, insurance doesn’t pay for the lack of maintenance. In other words, if the damage is caused because the owner didn’t take care of the roof, insurance won’t take care of the bill.

It’s a logical move from their side because it protects them from people who’d neglect their roofs on purpose just because they have insurance. So when your contractor tells you to call them twice a year to do a professional roof inspection, they say so for a reason. It’s better to pay a little more often than a lot every couple of years.

How To Be Sure I Pick the Right Roofer to Repair My Roof?

You can never be sure of anything. But if you want to give yourself the best chances, pick a licensed and insured local roofing contractor who can prove that they have experience dealing with your problem.

And if you want a contractor with experience in solving countless roofing problems, get in touch with the best Middletown, NJ, residential roofer.