Timely Roof Repair Can Protect You From Thousands of Dollars in Restoration Costs.
Many homeowners have experienced it. Having a roof leak can create a serious headache for you and your family, but the problem only gets worse if left alone. It doesn’t matter if your have a composition shingle installation or a tile rooftop. Understanding what to do to protect your home from further damage could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and thousands of dollars in roof repair costs.
Is a Roof Leak an Emergency?
In most circumstances, a basic roof leak would not be considered an emergency. That doesn’t mean that you should ignore the problem. Quite the opposite. You should attempt to find the leak as quickly as possible, even if it means you have to crawl up into the attic during the next rain.
There are some situations that obviously call for your local Dallas, TX leak detection & repair company. Extensive water leaks and stains should have you picking up the phone right away. At the very least, your local roofer can install a protective tarp over your roof to prevent immediate damage.
How Do You Repair a Roof?
The first part of any repair is a thorough inspection. While examining your roof, you (or your trusted professional) can start by looking for any obvious signs of damage. Missing shingles (tile, etc.) for instance, should be replaced as quickly as possible. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for cracked shingles, which are particularly common after a nasty hail storm.
Next, you’ll want to look for minor damages that can be fixed with small roof repair. Curled shingles are an easy fix. How do you fix curled shingles? Start by cleaning away any dirt or debris beneath the uplifted shingle, then apply a bit of roofing cement along the uplifted edge of the shingle.
Signs of Shingle Damage
- Curled or raised shingles
- Deep cracks and broken fiberglass mats
- Pock marks
- Moisture in the underlying roof decking and attic
Roof Repair and Maintenance Service
The full service roof repair service will carefully examine your roof for signs of potential leaks. The usual suspects are busted shingles, degraded flashing, and clogged gutters. One quick tip: damaged flashing will actually funnel water into your house, so have it repaired ASAP! Once all signs of trauma have been identified, your roofing professional can outline your best path to repair or replace your roofing.
Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?
Roof Leaks Can Lead to Serious Ceiling Damage and Wood Rot, if Left Alone.
That is a crucial question that you, your roofing company, and your insurance agent will need to work together to answer. It’s crucial that you get a roof inspection as quickly as possible, so that you can learn what action you need to take next. Extensive damage across multiple sections of your roof will likely necessitate complete roof replacement. If it’s only a few shingles missing, simple repairs are usually your most cost-effective option.
That being said, there have been countless situations that straddled the line between repairs and replacement. For instance, a roof with five or more years left on its expected lifetime might be worth holding onto, unless your insurance is willing to cover the cost of an early replacement. No matter what decision you make, you’ll want to make it soon to avoid secondary water damage to your home.
Will Insurance Fix a Leaking Roof?
In the majority of homeowner policies, your insurance will likely cover the cost of fixing the roof leak. They may even have a designated company to come and perform the repairs, but you should have some leeway over who you trust to do the job. However, your policy is far less likely to cover the cost if the damage was the result of negligence on your part.
Let’s say an oak tree next to your house dies and gradually starts to droop over your roof. A mighty wind storm blows through the community and knocks that tree on your house. Your insurance may claim that you knew the risk of leaving the dead tree next to the property, and therefore deny your claim. But, if the tree was healthy and the damage unforeseeable, your company will likely honor the policy.
What Type of Water Damage is Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Traveling Water From Roof Leaks Can Lead to Expensive Mold Damage.
When it comes to water damage caused by a roof leak, coverage generally depends on the surrounding circumstances. Was the damage the result of a sudden, unexpected hail storm? Or was it the predictable result of a history of poor maintenance? Again, if your insurance company determines that the trauma could have been avoided by basic repairs, you’ll probably have to foot the bill for fixing the roof and restoring your home.
If you’ve been faithful with repairs and the damage is the result of catastrophic storm trauma, your policy should cover internal damages as well. It’s dangerous to make blanket statements about policy coverage. So make sure you examine your homeowner’s policy carefully.
Schedule Your Roof Repair Today!
You don’t have to play the roof repair vs replace guessing game! If you’d like to schedule a professional inspection for your home, talk to one of our pros today at Eclat Roofing! You can schedule a repair appointment by calling us at (214) 373-1500. For assistance in Fort Worth, contact our office at (817) 800-1881!