Fixing even minor roof issues can burn a pretty deep hole in your wallet – especially when they come at an unexpected time. The national average cost for roofing repair services is just shy of a thousand dollars, but more serious issues can easily exceed that.

Depending on the shingling material used, a roof should last you 20 to 30 years. However, most roofs will need several repairs to replace worn-out or missing shingles, correct structural damage, or to fix any leaks. Homes in the Buffalo, NY area often need additional upkeep since the more severe weather patterns can lead to shingle, structural, and flashing damage.

So, is there any way to cut down on the generally high cost of roofing repairs? There sure are!

Here are a just few tips to save yourself some money the next time you require need roof repair services:

1. Do All You Can to Protect Your Roof

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Taking a few preventative measures to protect your roof and keep it in good shape can help you avoid expensive repairs altogether.

Severe weather is often the cause of roofing issues. The hot summer heat can dry out the shingles, while heaps of heavy snow and ice can cause damage to the structure beneath. You can prevent a lot of damage by taking a little bit of care of your roof between the changing of the seasons.

In the springtime, it is highly recommended that you schedule an inspection or tune-up to make sure your roof is in good shape. An inspector will come to check for any issues and even replace a few missing shingles as needed, along with examining your chimney, gutters, and flashing.

The summer is also a great time to schedule a roof cleaning. Pollen from the spring can leave some unsightly stains behind. Mold, mildew, and even algae can also start to form between the shingles, eventually causing rot and even water damage. A good roof cleaning gets rid of the bacteria causing this growth and will leave your roof looking better than ever.

Before winter sets in, be sure to clean up any leaves or sticks on your roof – especially any clogging your gutters. This will help the snow and ice to drain properly from your roof, helping to avoid any damage as it melts. This is also a good time to trim any branches that are close to your roof, in case they fall during a storm.

2. Check Your Insurance and Warranty Coverage

If you need a roof repair because of damage caused by a storm or falling branch, you may be in luck. Some homeowners’ insurance policies will cover roofing repairs under certain circumstances.

Some home insurance policies offer coverage for roof repairs or even replacements if the damage is the result of an “act of nature or sudden accidental event.” However, this does not extend to damage due to your roof’s age or any neglect.

If you have recently had your roof repaired or replaced, it may be covered under a warranty. This usually extends to either the materials used and/or the workmanship of the installation. If the roofing materials were defective or previous work was not completed correctly, you can likely get it replaced at no cost.

For instance, at W.C. Rott & Son, we offer a 20-year fully transferrable warranty for our roofing repairs and replacement. All of our materials used are also covered under manufacturer’s warranties.

3. Handle Small Issues Before They Get Out of Hand

This sounds like pretty obvious advice, but the sooner you fix small issues, the cheaper it will be. It is far less expensive to fix a small leak the moment you notice it than hold off until water seeps in, causing severe water damage.

Again, this is why it is so important to have your roof inspected regularly – ideally, every year. Inspectors will let you know if there are any signs of damage and recommend repairs to fix the problem. Little issues like damaged flashing or loose shingles are easily repaired and will cost less than a major project.

4. Look for a Roofer with Financing Options

If you do need a major roof repair project, it is a good idea to hire a roofer offering services with financing options. This will allow you to pay off your bill in increments – sometimes with no interest for a set time. For instance, W. C. Rott offers 0% financing to customers who qualify. This allows homeowners to pay off their repair costs for 12 months with no added interest.

Most roofing companies will try to upsell you to a full replacement when you can actually just repair the trouble areas. We can fix a lot of your roof’s problems when other companies would say you need a replacement – which is far costlier!

Need Roof Repair Services?

You should never put off repairing your roof simply because you think you can’t afford it. Avoiding repairs will only lead to bigger issues down the road that will cost even more to fix.

If you are looking for affordable roof repair services in the Buffalo, NY area, please contact W.C. Rott & Son. We offer great rates with financing options, along with additional services like roof cleanings, inspections, and tune-ups! Get in touch with us today to learn more and receive a free estimate for your repairs.