Repairing your roof is a smart way to correct a problem before it gets out of hand, causing even more damage and expense. If caught early enough, there are quite a number of roof-damage issues that are fairly simple and cost-efficient to fix. Houselogic.com urges homeowners to be on the lookout for signs of roof damage and recommends a roof inspection once a year.
When conducting this inspection on the inside of your home, you should ensure that the ceiling contains no dark spots, that the paint job is intact underneath roof overhangs, and that there is no dampness or water staining on pipes or fireplaces. If discovered, these problems can be corrected with reasonable expense. Since these figures are estimates and vary from location to location, housewyse.com recommends that homeowners obtain bids from several contractors in order to receive the very best value for their money.
Elizabeth Dunn, contributor at AngiesList.com, provides a list of specifics that helps to determine the cost of a roof repair job. Roof type, for instance, can prove a huge factor due to the roofing material, topography, and pitch. Asphalt is relatively inexpensive, whereas white sheet and tile shingles can cost up to 1,000 per square foot, so this price discrepancy will impact your overall repair cost. Dunn also addresses other factors, such as size of the job, water damage, and the adherence to state permits, all of which can greatly impact total repair costs. For example, if your state requires a specific procedure for conducting a roof repair, extra materials may be needed to ensure that the roof meets the standards outlined in the permit. Also, if you have extra navigational obstacles, such as a chimney or a skylight, the contractor may charge additional fees.
Indoor / Outdoor Roof-Related Issues and Costs:
Cost of Water Damage Repairs: Through the use of a clever calculating system, Housewyse.com reports some helpful costs of repair statistics and what actions are required to complete the repair. Again, since there are no set-in-stone prices for such repairs, we will “plug in” the state of Indiana to gather some statistics for the average cost. There is a direct labor expense, or the price of the actual work being performed, and this repair takes approximately three hours and around $220 to complete. The supply cost of items such as fasteners, seam tape, and top compound, will average around $25 per patch, setting the estimated cost of repair at $250.
Roof Gutter Repairs: According to Mike Long, roofing expert and contributor at AngiesList.com, homeowners should take a look at the condition of their gutters to ensure that there is no bending, leaking, overflowing, or rusting. If a problem is determined, Long reports that the repair cost averages approximately $200-$1,000 for a 2,000 square-foot home.
Houselogic.com outlines some issues to look for when inspecting the exterior of the roof, such as bucking shingles and moss or lichen growth. The roofing blog at roofing-directory.com reports that homeowners should expect to pay around $1,500 for shingle repair since shingles are sold by the square, and each square runs between $100 to $300.
A roof shampoo is recommended for moss or lichen growth in order to prevent decay to your roof due to the decomposing action of these fungi. Brian Eckert with CostOwl.com reports that the cost of roof cleaning varies with service professional and location. For a 1,200 square-foot home, you will likely pay around $250-$500 for this service. The roof of a 2,500 square-foot home would probably cost between $375-$750 to clean. Keep in mind that variables such as height and roof size will certainly impact the overall cost.
As houselogic.com explains, a roof that is in good condition is definitely worth the time and money to repair, and you should also explore other options when considering the cost and scope of a roof-repair project. Many repairs are quick solutions that the homeowners can even fix themselves. Others are not so simple, but if the cause is weather-related, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to determine if such damage is covered under policy.
Finally, if a personal roof inspection leaves you with questions, you might consider gathering a professional inspection of your roof to ensure that all issues are adequately addressed. Houselogic.com explains that homeowners can either receive a free inspection through a participating company or can secure a professional roof inspector for around $175 through the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association. Keep in mind, however, that the key to successful roof repair is to adequately prevent and address issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage. In this way, you can work to extend the life of your roof, saving yourself much aggravation and expense.
Sources: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/5-factors-influence-price-roof-repair.htm
http://www.angieslist.com/articles/gutter-trouble-when-replace-instead-repair.htm
http://www.costowl.com/home-improvement/roof-cleaning-cost.html
http://www.roofing-directory.com/blog/2009/10/average-cost-of-a-shingle-repair-job/
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/roofing-gutters-siding/roofing-repair-or-replace/
http://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_repair_ceiling_water_damage.html
Tags: average cost, gutters, repair, roof inspection, roof repair, roofing, roofing damages, roofing materials, shingles, water damage
