Watkins Construction & Roofing believes that sometimes a full roof replacement just isn’t necessary for your home and a roof repair is the better option.
The fact is, while installing a sound roof is obviously important for practical reasons, it’s also integral to the overall efficiency of your home. In order to help our customers better understand the residential roofing options available to them, our roofing technicians will thoroughly examine every solution we can offer as well as the long term benefits of each option prior to completing the work. Once you feel comfortable with the various options, you’ll be better equipped to make the right roofing decision that best fits your needs!
What is the difference between a roof repair and roof replacement?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a roof repair and a roof replacement? Or if you need to completely change your roof or just get part of it repaired? There are several signs for both that can help you decide which one you option is best for you, your budget, and your home.
A roof is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home, but when it’s done right it can also lead to one of the biggest returns on your investment.
Roof Repair:
Sometimes paying for a full roof replacement just isn’t necessary. There are certain problems that could be addressed with a simple roof repair, such as small leaks and missing shingles. One important point to remember about roof repairs is that you should be actively checking for signs of damage. Waiting too long to address an issue could lead to the problem worsening to the point that a full roof replacement is needed.
Pros of Roof Repairs:
- Usually a cheaper alternative to a roof replacement.
- This can be a quicker solution than a roof replacement.
Cons of Roof Repairs:
- It is not always the best solution for your home if it ignores a problem that would better be addressed with a full replacement.
- It can cause more damage and more money in the long run if it is wrongly diagnosed by an inexperienced contractor.
Roof Replacement:
When your roof is fully replaced, the old shingles are stripped from the roof, exposing the deck and allowing for a full inspection of the roof’s foundation. An underlayment or felt paper is then applied to the deck to help protect it from water and other factors. The new shingles are then installed on top of the underlayment or felt paper for a new roof that lasts for 20 years or more.
Pros of Roof Replacement:
- Completely replacing the roof lasts much longer than a roof repair.
- Fully revamping your roof will solve all issues for a safe and sturdier roof.
- In the long run, it will save you more money because it allows you to identify early signs of rot and sagging caused by water damage to the deck. This could have allowed water to leak and drip down inside the walls where it can damage the drywall and flooring and lead to costly repairs.
- It can improve curb appeal, leading to the ability to sell your house at a higher resale price.
Cons of Roof Replacement:
- A complete roof replacement is a much bigger job than a roof repair and costs more due to the increase of needed materials, time, and labor.
How to Decide whether you need to repair your roof or replace your roof entirely:
If you only have minor issues or leaks, but your roof is in overall good shape, simply repairing your roof might be an efficient solution.
On the other hand, if your roof shows signs of major water damage, is sagging, or has large amounts of mildew or mold growth, then the deck may need to be repaired, which means you will need a complete roof overhaul.
A full roof replacement may also be a great option for those who just want to rest soundly knowing your deck and your shingles are in great condition. Once the old materials are fully removed from your roof, the roofer will inspect for any signs of damage and repair any defects for a strong and sturdy roof that gives you peace of mind, as opposed to simply not knowing about a problem until it is too late.
In the end, if cost is a consideration, it is still possible to receive a quality roof repair if the problem is not too severe. The key is to use high-quality materials and utilize experienced, local contractors with warranties that protect you, like Watkins, to ensure proper installation.
How do you know if you need a roof repair?
The only sure way to know if you need a roof repair or a roof replacement is to have your roof professionally inspected by a licensed roofing company. Watkins offers year-round, complimentary, no-obligation roof inspections. When should you call? At any sign of a roofing problem or if your roof has any of the following signs of damage:
1. Age of your house
A roof’s lifespan is about 20 years, so if your house or your roof is more than 20 years old, you’ll definitely want to think about having someone come and evaluate your roof.
2. Curling or Buckling Shingles
Shingles that are curled or buckling are signs of advanced age and failing materials. If you look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight and see that shingles are curling, it could mean the shingles will need to be repaired.
3. Roof valleys
If your roof shingles are falling apart or missing in this area, it’s a definite sign you need a new roof. Valleys are one of the most important areas of your roof. Snow and rain flow through valleys and into gutters. If the valley is compromised, you could be susceptible to roof leaks.
4. Missing shingles
These are another definite sign that your roof is failing and it’s essential to check to see if all of the shingle parts are intact. Every missing shingle is another potential entry point for water to penetrate into your home.
5. Chimney flashing
If your flashing consists of roof cement or tar, it may need to be replaced with a long-term, water-tight fitting, which would be a metal flashing system.
6. Shingle granules in the gutters
Check your gutters to see whether they are filled up with shingle granules. Roofs tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle. Darker coloring or bare spots on some parts of the roof is another sign the granules have deteriorated.
7. Daylight through the roof boards
If you notice a spongy feel or trampoline bounce when walking on the roof, this means the underlying decking is weakened from moisture. Check your attic to see if there is any daylight coming through the roof boards which would indicate that there is water coming through. Another thing to check would be moisture in your attic’s insulation.
What are the steps of a roof repair project and what can you expect?
- Initial Inspection and Estimate – One of our professional roofing experts will come out to your home and perform a full roof inspection for any signs of damage, wear, or potential problems down the road. They will explain their findings to you and give you an estimate of the cost of any recommended services and repairs. They will take the time to explain all of the steps involved in a roof repair project and let you know what you can expect every step of the way!
- Proposal and Contract – After the initial discussion about the findings of our inspection and the estimates for any recommended services, we will take your feedback and selections into account and create a detailed proposal that lays out the different services that you have requested details about the work to be performed, and any warranties included with that work. Changes are made until you are completely satisfied with the proposed work.
- Pre-construction Meeting – Once you accept the proposal and sign the contract, you will be assigned a Project Manager and they will walk you through the agreed-upon services and a detailed timeline for your project’s completion. They will happily answer any questions you may have and can tell you want to expect, how to prepare your home, and will be available as your go-to contact throughout your entire project.
- Installation Day – On Installation day our licensed roofing team will arrive at the appointed time and your Project Manager will be there, on-site to announce the team’s arrival and to monitor their progress. Your property will be covered with protective materials the removal of the old roofing materials will begin. We always remove all of the old underlayment and check the decking for stability and new materials are installed according to the agreed-upon services.
The final part of the installation is dedicated to a full-scale cleanup. All materials are removed, all nails are picked up, and we always try to leave our job sites cleaner than when we arrived.
- Walk-through – At the end of the installation stage, the Project Manager will inspect all of the work completed and perform a walkthrough with you to ensure the project has been completed to your satisfaction. If anything is out of place, we will always come back and make it right.
- Final Inspection – Once your Project Management determines all work is completed, he will review any additional work done since the walkthrough and go over the details of the warranty on all work performed with you and answer any questions you may have.
- Customer Satisfaction Survey – Once the project is completed, you have the opportunity to review our work and leave feedback. We use this feedback to continue to improve our services and to maintain the high level of customer service we believe should always come standard in the roofing industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Your Roof Repair:
When Will My Roof Be Repaired?
Once we have a signed contract, most repairs are started within one to four weeks depending on how full our schedule is, how severe the roof damage is, the urgency of the repair, and the weather forecast.
How Long Will the Repair Take?
Most repairs can be completed in just a few hours! If your home is larger, if your roof is very steep, or if the damage covers a very larger portion of your roof the repair could take longer.
When Will the Crew Show Up at My House?
The crews generally start around 7 AM each day. This will depend on current weather conditions and daylight savings time.
Do I Need to be Home During the Roof Repair?
You do not need to be home during the roof repair project. If any unforeseen additional work outside of what is detailed in the initial contract is needed, you will be notified by phone, text, or email before the work is performed.
What Can I Expect as Far as Mess or Debris?
We take pride in the amount of care and work we put into keeping your yard, landscaping, and property as clean as possible. Where there is room, we often use mobile debris trailers called Equipters to catch roofing debris before it ever has a chance to touch your home or lawn. If for some reason we cannot drive the Equipter to the needed area, we will cover your property with protective coverings to help permit any damage. The last part of any roof repair is the cleanup phase and we take this step very seriously. The entire area is swept for nails and debris multiple times. We are proud of our reputation for often leaving homes cleaner than when we arrived!
What Do I Need to Do With My Insurance Check?
You have two options with your first insurance check. You can endorse and deposit it into your own account, or you can choose to endorse it and hand the check to us when your project is completed. If your mortgage company is listed on the check, the must endorse it as well in order for the check to be validated. We will then apply the check to any balance owed.
When is Payment Due?
Your first check, deductible, and any additional charges that are from customer-specific upgrades, additions, etc. are only due once the roof is completed. You never have to pay us a penny until you are satisfied with the work. The remaining balance will be owed once all other trades (if applicable) are finalized.
When Will the Warranty Start?
Your warranty will begin when the job is completed and will be issued upon the receipt of the final payment.
Overall, the only sure way to know whether your roof needs to be simply inspected, repaired, or replaced is by hiring a professional, locally owned, and insured contractor to take a look. Watkins Construction & Roofing is locally owned and operated in the Jackson metropolitan area and we offer complimentary roof inspections all year long. There is no obligation to hire us and the roof inspection is still complimentary even if you decide to work with another contractor. We believe in inspiring customer confidence in the roofing industry, and only use the best tools and materials for every single roofing job. Contact us today for a complimentary roof inspection or estimate!