Roofing Basics: Everything You Need to Know Before Hiring a Contractor

Are you considering doing some roofing work? Whether it’s a full replacement or just regular maintenance, hiring a professional roofing contractor is the best way to ensure your roof will be in good shape for years. 

Knowing what to look for and how to evaluate a contractor can help make sure that you get the highest quality of service at an affordable price. Here are the things you need to know before hiring a roofing contractor.

How Long Does a Roof Last?

Your roof’s lifespan will vary depending on the material used to construct it. Slate, copper, or tile roofs, which cost more, can last over 50 years. And according to the NAHB, asphalt shingle/composition roofs should last about 20 years, wood shake roofs about 30 years, and fiber cement shingles about 25 years. Harsh climatic and weather conditions reduce the lifespan of all types of roofing.

Now, there are a number of factors to take into account while determining the roof’s lifespan. Listed here are the most crucial:

• Materials: The kind of materials used to build a roof and their quality greatly impact how long it will last. Choose a high-quality product if you want to prevent the difficulty and expense of frequent roof repairs and a shorter roof lifespan.
• Installation: The extent to which using a competent professional can affect the usual roof lifespan may surprise you. You don’t want to be in a situation where you can see evidence of poor roofing work and start to question whether the roof was put correctly.
• Weather: Consider sturdy materials if you want to protect your roof from changing temperatures. Shingles are prone to breaking and splitting when conditions abruptly change from hot to cold.
• Slope: The slope of your roof impacts drainage, and a roof that drains poorly can require more frequent upkeep or replacement.
• Ventilation: It will last longer if your roof has the best ventilation possible. The building’s components are less prone to break under stress, there is less chance of damage from overheating or freezing, and overall efficiency is increased when the roof is kept at a constant temperature.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?

The size and slope of your roof, the kind of materials you select, and whether you employ a qualified contractor or do it yourself will all affect the average cost of replacing a roof.

National Average Cost of Roof Replacement

The typical price range for a new roof is $5,500 to $11,000, with a $8,000 national average. The two most important aspects to consider when evaluating expenses and time spent on this job are the size of your house (and, consequently, your roof) and the material you decide to use for the roof.

Average Cost Based on Material

Costs vary greatly depending on the type of roofing material you choose to have because certain materials are more affordable than others.

• Asphalt shingles: asphalt shingles are the most popular material in roofs all over the United States and the most affordable. An asphalt shingle roof replacement typically costs between $5,500 and $10,000, with most homeowners shelling out approximately $8,000 for a 1,500-square-foot roof.
• Metal roof: If you want something more robust, metal roofs are a fantastic option. With careful care, they can last up to 50 years and are energy-efficient due to their reflective qualities. Installing a metal roof typically costs between $11,000 and $19,000.
• Slate: The most expensive roofing material is slate, which costs an average of $25,000 to replace. Slate is a durable material lasting over 50 years, making it a great choice for historic homes.

How to Find a Roof Leak?

There are different ways to find a roof leak on your property, but the most common ways are:

Look for Signs of Dripping Water

The first indication of a roof leak is typically dripping water. This happens during rainstorms because they can harm roofs. However, there are additional indicators you should be aware of, such as water stains, musty smells, and damaged shingles.

Examine Your Attic

Investigating the source in your attic is crucial when searching for leaks. Attics can have mildew, water stains, or a musty smell in the rafters and roof sheathing because they are dark and leaky.

Inspect the Surface of Your Roof

If you never inspect your roof, you won’t learn how to spot a roof leak. Be sure to look for water damage and other damage indicators around all vents, chimneys, and skylights. Additionally, search for missing, cracked, or stained shingles.

It’s Time to Drop Some Water

It’s time to pour some water if a short investigation can’t identify the leak’s cause. Stay inside where you first discovered the indication of a roof leak and get someone to assist you.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Roof?

A few factors should be taken into account when creating a roof repair estimate because they will affect the cost, such as:

Roofing Repair Permits

When calculating the cost of repairing your roof, consider the anticipated cost of work permits. Depending on where your home is located, a skilled and licensed roofing contractor will frequently be able to inform you whether you need to pay. The cost could be flat-rate or determined by your house’s size and market value.

Roof Design

The type or quality of your roof will also impact the price of repairs. For example, some roof designs, like a particularly steep option or one that is more customized, will demand additional effort, safety precautions, and resources. These additional measures will prolong the repair process, frequently driving up prices.

Amount of Roof to be Repaired

The extent of the roof’s damage has a great impact on the repair costs. If the size and square footage of the damaged roofing is large, you might want to spend more. In some instances of serious roof damage, a replacement might be the best option.

Types of Roof Repairs

The type of repair has the most impact on price. You should mend a leaky roof, fix broken shingles, or replace flashing before starting an emergency roof repair. Usually, the size of your roof is less significant than the extent of the damage. Let’s discuss the different kinds of roof repairs you can need and their typical costs.

Repair Type	Average Cost
Minor repairs	From $150 to $1,000
Medium repairs	From $1,000 to $2,000
Major repairs	$2,000+

How to Repair a Leaking Roof?

There are some materials and safety measures to consider to repair a leaky roof. The necessary supplies you will need before beginning repairs are:

• Roofing shingles for patching the leak 
• Protective gloves and boots
• Caulk gun 
• Nails or screws (depending on the type of roof) 
• Hammer or screwdriver 
• Putty knife 
• Specialized coating for waterproofing

Additionally, you should safeguard yourself from hazards, including falls, electric shocks, and other risks. Therefore, before you ascend to your roof, be sure to take the necessary safety measures. Some security items you must have are:

• Ladder 
• Protective gloves
• Non-slip shoes 
• Safety harness or other protective gear 

Steps to Repair Your Leaking Roof

After discussing the required materials and safety precautions, the following is a step-by-step instruction on how to repair your roof:

1. Locate the source of the leak
2. Remove the damaged materials
3. Remove the old roofing paper
4. Cut new roof deck patch
5. Lay paper or underlayment
6. Patch the leak
7. Apply waterproof coating
8. Inspect your work

Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

When a problem is detected in your roof, it is important to act quickly before it becomes a bigger issue. If the issue is not too serious, a roof repair can be the best option, but when hiring a roofing contractor, he can help you evaluate if it is a simple fix or if a replacement is needed.

What Is Roof Repair?

Only minor problems necessitate replacing a few roof components when a roof needs to be repaired. This can entail fixing leaks, changing the shingles, and fixing any places where a falling tree or other natural issues have been harmed. In general, roof repairs take little time and cost relatively low money.

What Is Roof Replacement?

A roof replacement entails replacing most, if not all, of the roof’s components. In most cases, it is more cost-effective to replace your complete roof if it needs too many repairs. A new roof must be installed, which takes time and money but may be necessary for complex issues or older roofs.

Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Roof?

The ideal solution for your property can be determined with the assistance of a competent roofing professional. They will assess whether a repair or replacement is preferable based on the age, damage, state of the current materials, and how long you plan to be in the house.

Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Repair?

Many people want to know if their home insurance policy covers roof replacement or repair. Your house insurance policy’s precise coverage will answer this question. Most home insurance policies pay for roof damage brought on by an insured danger, such wind or hail.

Cases Where It Is Covered

If you’re wondering how to get a roof covered by insurance, the answer is that home insurance may offer assistance in certain situations, but only when an unforeseen hazard has resulted in damage. Home insurance offers protection against unexpected events that could harm your roof, such as a fire or storm-related tree damage. What kinds of roof damage are covered by insurance?

• Wind
• Hail
• Fire
• Storms
• Tree damage
• Lightning
• Vandalism
• Smoke
• Weight of snow or ice

Does Roof Repair Require a Permit?

Permits are typically not needed for roof repair work that doesn’t affect the roof’s structural integrity or load-bearing capability. This includes smaller fixes like repairing holes and shingle replacement.

However, if your repair entails making structural alterations (such as altering the roof’s pitch) or changing any load-bearing components, you might need to obtain a permit.

How Long Does It Take To Repair a Roof?

The extent of the damage and the type of roof you have will determine how long it takes to repair your roof. Minor fixes like replacing a few shingles, covering a few square meters, or correcting a roof leak may typically be completed in 1-3 days. However, it can take longer to fix if there have been a lot of storms or aging-related damage!

Roof Repair Project	Estimated Timeframe
Replacing damaged shingles	1-4 hours
Fixing a roof leak	1-3 days
Fixing a sagging roof	2-4 days
Repairing damaged gutters	1-4 hours
Improving attic ventilation	1-2 days

Is Roof Repair Tax Deductible

To put it simply, roof repairs are not tax deductible. Routine maintenance is required to keep your home livable and in good condition. This includes small tasks like mending your roof. To emphasize, home improvements like fixing a roof leak are not tax deductible when they are roof repairs.

But what is considered a roof repair?

• Leaky roof
• Replacing a few roofing shingles
• Caulking around roof fixtures 
• Replacing a few cracked slate tiles

However, if you replace the roof on a business or rental property, you can be qualified for a tax break. Depending on the situation, you may be able to deduct the full amount in the same year you purchase the roof.

Are Roof Replacements Tax Deductible?

Can taxes for a new roof be deducted? No, is the response. The replacement of a residential roof is not a cost that qualifies for a tax deduction, according to the federal government, but rather a home improvement.

On the other hand, replacing a roof on a business or rental property is tax deductible, and you may be able to do it in full the same year you make the payment.

Renowned Commercial and Residential Roofing Contractors

Whether you’re looking for a roofing contractor to help with some repairs, replacements, or other issues, hiring a qualified and experienced company is always wise. They will be able to provide quality workmanship and the necessary safety precautions. At the same time, they will know how to evaluate if your issue requires simple repair or if you need a replacement. 

Here at Christopher Home Improvement, we are renowned commercial and residential roofing contractors in Norwich. Our team of experienced professionals has the expertise to handle any roofing job with the utmost care and precision. We understand that trust is a vital part of our relationship with our clients, so we strive to ensure that every customer is 100% satisfied with their experience with us. So if you’re looking for a reliable roofing service, look no further than Christopher Home Improvement. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!