Each year, millions of Americans replace their roofs and/or have a major repair completed on them. There are many reasons that your roof may need to be repaired such as old age, severe weather conditions, improper installation, wild animals, debris, etc. No matter the reason, the moment that you recognize that your roof is in need of repair, it is best to contact a reputable roof repair contractor in Indianapolis. Your roof protects the possessions and more importantly the people that live in your home. Below, you will find information that will help you to recognize the signs of a roof in need of repair as well as how to connect with a professional roof repair contractor.
When Does Your Roof Need Repair?
This will largely depend on the type of roofing material that you have as well as how it was installed and maintained. However, there are some outside factors that can positively or negatively affect the integrity of your roof. Listed below, are the most common reasons that a roof needs to be repaired.
- Improper Installation: When leaks and drafts start happening to your roof while it is still relatively young, installation may be the culprit. It is important to use licensed and experienced roofing contractors when getting a repairs or a replacement.
- Standing Water: If you have noticed standing water on your roof, it may be a symptom of roofing issues. Not only can it cause structural damage, it may invite mosquitoes and other types of animals.
- Older Roof: If your roof is still within the warranty period, it may be financially beneficial to opt for a repair instead of getting a replacement.
- Extreme Weather: Weather events such as hail storms, high winds, heavy snow and/or ice, etc. can cause punctures within your roof. If not corrected promptly it can lead to leaking as well as animals nesting within your roof.
- Lack of Proper Maintenance: Keeping up a regular maintenance schedule for your roof as well as scheduling annual roofing inspections will help to keep your roof repairs less frequent.
Why Do you Need Roof Repair in Indianapolis?
If you have any of the issues above, you may hesitate to get roof repair in Indianapolis. You might think the cost is too high, or that it’s something you should wait to do. However, hesitating can be a big mistake.
Your roof repair should be a top priority. Here are a few reasons you should quickly resolve the issue:
1. You Could Experience More Damage
The longer you wait, the worse the potential damage. Once there’s a little damage, the problem won’t resolve itself. It will only continue to worsen. What was once a small repair could become a complete replacement. Additionally, you risk doing more damage to your home.
There’s no reason to put your home at risk. Although your damage could cost you money, it’s not just about the funds. Your damage could cause emotional distress. Your prized possessions could experience water damage.
2. Save Money
In the long run, a roof repair can save you money. As mentioned above, waiting to repair your roof does more damage. Repairing that damage can cost you a great deal of money. If you repair the damage immediately, you are likely to need fewer repairs.
Your repairs could also cost you money on insurance. If you wait to fix the problem, your insurance could rise. An adjuster knows when a homeowner waits to make repairs. If they suspect you waited too long, they can raise your rates. They may also fail to cover the total cost of the damage. As a result, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for your roof.
When you do need a roof replacement, your repair could save you money. A repair makes it easier for a replacement crew to replace your roof. Due to your maintenance, you could make the replacement quicker and cheaper.
3. The Weather Isn’t On Your Side
Even the weather is prompting you to get a roof repair sooner rather than later. As the seasons change, your roof faces new challenges. Although you might want to wait until the summer to repair your roof, you need to consider the current weather.
All of the seasons in Indianapolis can be hard on your roof. Throughout the year, the temperature varies from 22 to 85 degrees. In the summer, you have to deal with rain and humidity. But the winters bring the cold and snow. The fall and spring can also have inclement weather. Your roof troubles will only get worse in the weather.
4. Your Property Value Could Rise
Whether you plan to sell your home in one year or in 20, you probably care about your property value. A roof repair immediately improves the value of your home. Additionally, it shows that you kept up with the maintenance of your property.
It also makes your home look better. If you have visible damage to your roof, it hurts your curb appeal. Other people look at it and immediately notice the damage. As a result, they might think less of your property. But a repair makes your home look well-maintained. The improved curb appeal could also boost the value of your home.
5. Prevent Unsightly Damage In Your House
If you wait to do your roof repairs, the damage could spread throughout your home. You could develop stains on your ceilings and walls. In addition to damaging your home, the water damage could be an eyesore.
Instead of spending your time trying to cover up water stains, you can stop the problem before it happens. By repairing your roof, you can keep your home free of stained or discolored walls.
Getting Your Roof Inspected
Having your roof inspected annually allows for small repairs to take place over time, instead of paying for a major repair due to roof negligence. In addition, roof inspections allow for homeowners to clear debris, standing water, animal nest, etc. from the roof. Completing this activity annually increases the lifespan of your roof and helps to keep your roof in optimal condition. During your roof inspection, the inspector will look for weak and/or damaged structures and materials. In addition, the inspector will check for obvious signs of leaks and damage. While it may be tempting to complete a roof inspection on your own, it is not advised. Our roof inspectors are trained to detect early warning signs as well as structural and/or workmanship issues that are not easily detected by the untrained eye.
How to Protect Your Roof
The first step in ensuring that you are protecting your roof is to work with a reputable contractor as well as a material that is ideal for the climate in Indianapolis. Once your roof has been installed, it is recommended that you keep all trees near your roof trimmed. In addition, clear your gutters regularly and do not allow blockages to create a heavy concentration of water. If there is a heavy snowfall, it is recommended that you clear the snow off of your roof or have a professional to do so as soon as you can. Standing snow can create many hazards for your roof as it adds a lot of weight and water to a structure that is not designed to carry that extra burden for a prolonged time.
What Type of Roof Material Last the Longest?
All roofing materials are not made equal. There is a considerable difference between the lifespan of a wood shingled roof and a slate roof. Making a decision on the best roofing material will depend on your climate, style, and budget. Some roofing materials last for 10 to 15 years, while other roofs can last for more than 50 years. No matter the type of material you choose, you can prolong its lifespan by maintaining it as well as scheduling yearly inspections. Eventually, all roofs will need to be replaced, but they incur less of a financial obligation when consistently maintained.
Finding a Roofing Contractor
If you have an urgent roof repair need or have noticed more subtle signs of your roof needing repair, it is important to work with a roofing contractor that you trust can effectively diagnose and repair your roof. When searching for your contractor, it is recommended that you rely on reviews and referrals. Once you have found a contractor that you are comfortable with, verify their license and ask for examples of recently completed work. In addition, gauge the responsiveness and professionalism of your contractor during the free estimate period. It is imperative to work with a contractor that you feel comfortable with.
The following tips can help you choose the right contractor:
1. Work with an Insured Contractor
In addition to working with a licensed contractor, you should also work with one who is insured. There are two basic insurance types you should look for. First, there’s worker’s compensation. Secondly, there’s liability insurance.
Working with an uninsured company could save you money in the beginning. But in the long-run, it could cost you dearly. If something goes wrong on the job, you would be the one responsible. An insured company has safeguards that get you off the hook for any potential issues on the job site.
2. Work with a Local Company
There are several benefits to working with a local company. Instead of relying on testimonials from people thousands of miles away, you can rely on reviews from people you know. This could give you the peace of mind of knowing that the right person is doing the job.
Staying local also gives you more long-term stability. If you need any future repairs, you know where to find them. Additionally, you know where to find them if you have an issue that falls under the warranty.
3. Consider the Cost, But Don’t Make it Your Focus
When you’re looking to buy a certain product, you might only care about the price. But roofing repair is different. It shouldn’t be only about the price.
This is because quality comes into play. Typically, the cheapest roofing quote isn’t the best. It’s probably low-cost for a reason. The company might not hire skilled workers, or they could use cheap materials.
As a result, the quality of your repair could suffer. They might not do the job right the first time. You may even need to hire another company to finish the job the right way.
4. Make Some Phone Calls
Before you decide on a company, make a few phone calls. This allows you to collect more information about each company and to compare notes.
When you call them, pay attention to some key details. For instance, consider the speed of their response. Do they answer your call the first time? How long does it take for them to call you back? You should work with a company who can communicate well with you.
You should also look for a company who answers the call with a friendly tone. If they are short or unwelcoming, they may not be professional. You deserve to work with a contractor who will put you first.
What To Expect After You Find A Roofing Contractor
After you find your roofing contractor, you can expect for a construction date to be set and subsequently executed. During the time in between, the appropriate building permits will be secured by your contractor. The typical roof repair job takes one to two days to complete. During the construction process, you can expect to hear construction level noises during the day. It is recommended that you move your car to avoid falling debris and keep your lines of communication open, just in case your project manager needs to get in contact with you. Give our roofing experts at Jackson Contracting, Inc. a call to schedule your free roof repair estimate today.