What’s the Difference Between All Types of Roofing Repair Services?

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Most of us don’t put a lot of thought into our roofs until an issue arises. There are plenty of signs that your roof needs repair. Leaks are the most obvious, but there are other warning signs to be on the lookout for, too, like:

  • A sudden increase in energy costs or usage
  • Moldy smell in your attic or crawl space
  • Noticeable discoloration on your shingles
  • Finding broken pieces of your shingles in your gutters
  • Sagging in your rafters

It is incredibly important to get your roof fixed right away if you notice any of these signs – the longer you wait, the more damage it could cause. This means that your roof repair services will be more expensive and you may even need a full replacement.

There are all kinds of different services that fall under the umbrella of roof repairs. The cost and scope of these repairs range quite a bit. According to the Nationwide Roofer’s Guild, these services range on average anywhere between $375 to $1,650! So, here is what the most common repair services mean and what they entail:

1. Shingle Repairs and Replacements

Buffalo, NY is known for its extreme weather fluctuations. Shingle issues are often the result of damage from heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, or high humidity in the warmer seasons. Shingle repair services can address any type of shingle damage, including:

  • Broken or cracked shingles
  • Lifting around the edges
  • Shrinkage
  • Granule loss

If you are missing even a few shingles, you’ll want them replaced as soon as possible because this can leave the structure beneath vulnerable to the elements. The cost of this project is usually based on the square footage of shingles that need to be replaced.

There are dozens of types of shingles, but most homes in the Northeast as made of asphalt, slate, or cedar. Asphalt is quite popular since it is fairly inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors and styles. However, extreme temperature fluctuations can do a lot of damage to this material, causing it to crumble or warp.

Slate is a bit more heavy-duty and fairs pretty well against severe weather. But it is considerably more expensive, and also quite heavy. Cedar wood shingles fall in the middle in terms of price range and they are more commonly found in older homes. While they offer a unique rustic charm, they pose a fire hazard and are also prone to warping or rotting when exposed to wet conditions.

So, the price will change depending on the type of shingle used, but expect to spend a hundred dollars to replace broken or missing shingles.

2. Flashing Repairs

Most of us know a bit about shingles, but chances are you’re not super familiar with roof flashing. This is a thin layer of metal that is installed around features of the roof like chimneys, skylights, vents, or corners. It is often made of aluminum, steel, or copper and may peek out slightly around these areas.

Its purpose is to create a protective barrier around any area where there could be an opening to the structure beneath. The metal helps to form a seal, while also directing water away and towards the gutters.

Since flashing is made from metal, it can eventually corrode and rust. This might cause the flashing to separate from the roof or it could create small holes in the metal itself. This will let water seep in, which can cause major damage.

If you’ve got any signs of rust or corrosion, you’ll probably want to replace the flashing in that area. This might require shingle replacements, as the surrounding shingles will need to be pulled away to reveal the flashing beneath. This will add a bit to the cost if needed, but on average flashing repairs run between $1200 to $1500.

3. Leak Repairs

Even a small roof leak can get quite serious in a short time. Roof leaks can start for a variety of reasons, such as a fallen tree branch or missing shingles – but they could also be the result of poor ventilation in your attack leading to wood rot.

Inspectors will first have to determine the site of the leak as well as the reason it is happening. Sometimes the solution will be as simple as installing new shingles, other times you may need a serious repair if there is water damage to the structure of the roof itself.

Again, this is why you need to repair a roof leak the moment you notice it. Waiting too long could cause serious damage to the overall structure, requiring an entire roof replacement which may be thousands of dollars.

4. Gutter Repairs

Although gutters are not technically a part of the roof, they play an important role in keeping the roof in good shape. Roofing services often offer gutter repairs and maintenance to help protect your roof.

If your gutters are starting to pull away or are excessively filled with debris, it can place stress on the roof. Clogged gutters will also leave a lot of moisture and debris sitting on the roof itself, which can cause mold, mildew, and rot to form.

You might require gutter repairs if you see any signs of rust or separation where water is leaking out. Roofing repair services can also remove any clogs or even install rain gutter guards to filter out debris.

5. Basic Maintenance and Tune-Ups

You can call a roof repair service to handle routine maintenance on your roof too and keep it in great shape. It is highly recommended that you have all aspects of your roof (shingles, flashing, and gutters) during an annual tune-up inspection.

  1. C. Rott & Son can send out one of our technicians to take a look and let you know if any further services are needed. During our tune-ups, we will also repair up to 2 missing shingles and seal your vent pipes to help prevent leaks. We also do a thorough check on your entire roof, chimney, and siding, so you can address any needed repairs early before they become an expensive project.

Ready to Book Roof Repair Services?

Whether you know you need a roof repair or you just want to check the status of your roof, give W. C. Rott & Son a call! We provide homeowners in the Buffalo, NY area with superior services at an affordable price. We’re more than happy to send you a free estimate or schedule an inspection to see what types of repairs your roof needs!

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