Leaking roofs can happen at nearly any time for a variety of reasons, such as heavy rain or an aging roof. No matter the cause, getting immediate help with your roof is essential.
When you spot a drip inside, you should start by grabbing a bucket to contain what you can. If you can do so safely, you might be able to keep things drier for a bit by putting a tarp on top of the roof. Then, it’s time to get repairs set up.
Call a Local Contractor
Local contractors will be able to help you set up your repair process early. Call around to find out who is available and how fast they can finish the job. You’ll also want to ask them if they work with certain types of insurance. After you talk about contracting possibilities, you should get ready to call the insurance company and a contractor for inspections.
Working with local contractors is very important for your roofing repairs. This is true in all cases, but be sure not to make an exception to this rule in cases of regional storm damage. Roofing companies that are not from your local area will not be likely to know your local codes and roofing requirements. You need a professional who knows the local environment and roofing problems to get you quality results that last.
Working With the Insurance Company
Many roofs have warranties that will cover most types of leaks. Unless your house is very old, there is a good chance that you won’t have to pay much to get your leak fixed. Your homeowner’s insurance may also cover leaking roofs in part.
The insurance adjuster will come out to make an initial inspection. Since leaking roofs typically let water inside attics, beams, under sealing, and sometimes into walls, be prepared. Your inspection may take longer than anticipated. It’s important to catch everything, so don’t cut your inspection short by overscheduling!
The more water damage you have, the more things the adjuster will have to assess. You may need to replace parts of the wood structure and insulation in very bad cases. If the roof hasn’t been leaking for long, you may be able to fix things with a smaller effort. Some leaks are fixable with a quick patch and a few hours of work by a small team.
Inspections From Contractors
You can often get better results if you get inspections from multiple parties. You can get inspections by both the insurance company and the roofing contractor you want to work with. Some contractors may be willing to work off the insurance inspection, but others will take a second look to make sure they get everything.
Contractors will often make a more conservative assessment about whether you need to repair or replace your roof. To determine the best route, they’ll check your attic vents, the top of the roof, and other hard-to-reach places in the house. In many cases, you can do more roofing work than is required on a contracting bid. Your insurance may have different coverages if you do more roofing work than is necessary. But in some cases, going the extra mile on your roof may save you time and money later. Talking with your contractor about how long the whole roof will really last and if it could use additional care will help you decide. Resealing, fixing flashing, and adding sturdier shingles can be preventative work that boosts your peace of mind.
Getting Detailed Estimates
Your roofing estimates should be very detailed. A quality estimate will include the cost and list of materials, the amount of time it will take, and clean-up costs.
You can work with the first estimate you receive, but many people like to get two or three estimates. Be sure to discuss property damage risks with each contractor. Read the roofing contract carefully to find out what is covered. Companies also carry different types of worker’s and liability insurances. As with all home repair projects, companies may go different routes if any surprises show up during the project.
If the original estimate has any discrepancies, the company may abandon the job in some cases. Your contract will tell you under what circumstances they can discontinue working. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to call a lawyer for help. This can be especially important if you have a large roof or a very old house.
What to Do if You Have to Wait
Leaky roofs have a difficulty that other repairs do not: waiting time. If your contractor comes out to do the estimate during a rainy season, further complications can arise. Roofers often need to schedule work between two weeks to eight weeks ahead of time. If you are in the middle of a rainy season or have had very bad storm damage, you are risking added water damage.
Talk to your contractors about added roof protection that they can put on if you are at risk for more water damage. You can likely cover leaking areas temporarily. If not, resist the urge to call an out-of-town company. Plan on getting more water collection containers and space heaters for your building to keep things dry.
If It’s Time for a New Roof
Your estimates and contractor will help you figure out if it’s time for a new roof. Sometimes, people choose to put a new roof on a little bit earlier than they need to. This can help you save money if your energy bill is rising. And, it can be important to plan things well. If you know you will have a hard time scheduling a roof replacement later or think that more repairs are likely to pop up, sometimes replacing seems best.
If your roof leaked unexpectedly, talk to your contractor about the type of roof you have. Some houses may get better protection from local weather with a different type of roof or one that is steeper. You may also find that a different type of roof will save you money on heating and cooling costs.
Carefully reviewing the life spans on different roofing types and their materials will help you protect your home for many years. Many people are amazed at how much longer a higher-grade shingle will last than a lower one. You can also get great results by buying several layers of shingles. Many roofs also benefit from higher-quality underlayment, flashing, or better nails.
Lastly, it’s important to get the right roof for your property. Local climates often have several sound roofing options. Make sure to talk to your contractor about fungi, moisture, trees, animals, and other issues that affect your house. Your roof doesn’t have to be the same type as your neighbor’s.
Quality Local Roofers
Young Construction provides exceptional roofing repairs to customers in Iowa and Southern Minnesota. We are proud to bring the best products to our customers. We also have an outstanding reputation for customer care and quality work. Our customers in Mason City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding areas rely on us for storm damage repairs and roof replacements that will withstand tough winters in the area.
We install and repair architectural style shingle, EDCO, metal, EPDM, and flat roofs. We are a full-service exterior contracting company, and we also work on siding, gutters, windows, and insulation. We install both vinyl and steel siding. Call today to learn more.
