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Why are roof leak repairs so important?

The following are the most common, dangerous consequences of not getting a roof leak repaired include:

• ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE

A leaking roof will lead to pooling water on top of the ceiling and spread out where it comes into contact with electrical wiring. The wiring shorts out and leaves your home or business without power as well as creates a possible fire hazard. Having roof leak repair done as soon as possible eliminates this from happening.

• STRUCTURE INTEGRITY DETERIORATES

A roof leak repair will help eliminate the possibility of the rest of the structure falling into disrepair from water damage, starting with the ceiling caving followed by a host of future structural issues.

• MILDEW, MOLD, ROT

When a structure is left with roof leak repair needs unaddressed, mildew and mold can form, causing severe health conditions for those who live and work inside the structure. Damp, dark places are the best places for mildew and mold to form, causing the wood to rot and more. To avoid mildew, mold, and rot, have any roof leak repaired, no matter the size.

How much does it cost to repair a roof leak?

The cost of any roof leak repair will depend on a few factors. Those factors start with the size of the damage needing roof leak repairs. Other factors include:

• The type of existing roofing material.
• The type of damage to the roof.
• The height of the structure.
• The roof is pitched or flat.
• The time of year.
• If the roof leak repair is an emergency (nights, weekends, and holidays cost more).

How do I stop a roof from leaking while raining?

If you’re able or can have a roofing contractor come during the rain, you can make a temporary patch using a plastic tarp, 2×4 boards, and screws.  Start by spreading the tarp over the damaged area and place the 2×4 boards over the tarp, creating a square around the damaged area.  This is only to be a temporary roof leak repair job until you have a professional roofing contractor service the property.

Once the rain has subsided, if the roofing contractor won’t be able to get there soon, you can do a more semi-permanent roof leak repair using plywood and the 2×4 boards in the same manner as the tarp. Make sure the use a waterproof sealant over the screws and along the edges of the board to prevent leaking. Again, this is only for a temporary roof leak repair!

Are roof leak repairs covered by insurance?

When it comes to business structure and homeowner’s insurance policies, in most cases, roof leak repairs and other damages to your home or business structure will be covered by the policy. There are some policies that have exclusions to coverage though, so you want to make sure you have the coverage you believe you have before you need it.

However, if the insurance adjuster declares the hail or high wind damage that created a roof leak, repairs may not be covered if the roof was past its prime in age or had been neglected. By neglected meaning, roof maintenance and repairs were not done as needed prior to the hailstorm and high winds.

Again, review your policy every 6 months with your agent and make sure you understand what is covered and not covered. You may need to increase your coverage to get roof leak repairs covered. This coverage should include anything inside the home or business that is damaged by a leaking roof too. This is especially important for businesses where equipment or inventory could be damaged or ruined by a roof leak.

What happens if your insurance doesn’t cover the roof leak repair?

You have to pay for the repair out of pocket. That statement alone should tell you why roof maintenance is so important! If you have a professional roofing contractor inspect your business or home’s roof once a year, they will get small issues taken care of before they become a bigger problem that needs extensive roof leak repairs.

Reach Out If You Need Help

As you get a new roof installed, follow up with the contractor if they offer a maintenance program that includes cleaning and inspecting once a year. They can address any areas that look like possible roof leak repairs before they develop, keeping your business and/or home safe and secure. That extra money for this maintenance program could save you thousands of dollars later.

What are the most visible signs of roof damage?

The sooner roof damage is discovered, the sooner the roof storm damage repairs can begin because if they are left unaddressed, even the smallest damage can lead to more significant damage over time. Eight things that homeowners should be aware of after a storm include:

• Damaged Shingles

If you notice several shingles are missing, or you can see cracked shingles, you most likely need roof storm damage repairs. Sometimes, those also are indications that your roof has reached its age limit and simply needs to be replaced. A roofing contractor and the insurance adjuster can advise which scenario applies to your roof. If it is storm damage, getting the roof fixed by reattaching loose shingles or replacing damaged and missing shingles is recommended as soon as possible.

• Water Stains

Roof storm damage can be visible inside your home, too, in the way of water stains on the ceilings and walls. If you notice water bubbles or bubbling or peeling paint,  you most likely need roof storm damage repairs.

• Poor Ventilation

Attic ventilation is essential to the health of a roof. When the ventilation isn’t working properly, you probably have some roof storm damage. Repairs will include not only the shingles but also repairs and maybe expanding the attic ventilation.

• Tree Branches

With the high winds that typically accompany spring storms in Georgia, it is common to find tree branches on the roof. A good healthy roof can handle these, but if the velocity of the wind has tossed those branches down hard, it can leave you needing roof storm damage repairs.

• Algae and Moss

The areas of a roof that doesn’t have much sun will often develop pockets of algae moss spores. While this can give a home a ‘quaint’ appearance and seems harmless, those spores are eating away at the shingles and disrupting the matting underneath. Without getting immediate roof storm damage repairs addressed, your roof is susceptible to more damage. At the very least, a professional roof cleaning service is in order.

• Damaged Flashing

Pay attention to any possible damaged roof flashing, the thin layered strips of metal around the chimney, skylights, vents, and along roof valleys. Flashing redirects water flow away from these areas that are prone to leak.

• Gutters and Downspouts

Check the gutters and downspouts after each storm and have them professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year to keep them healthy. They will fill up with foreign objects, branches, twigs, and leaves, become clogged, and unable to do the jobs that are intended.

• Critter Infestation

When small critters take up residence in your attic, you need to have your roof inspected for roof storm damage repairs! Or your roof may have reached its maximum lifespan and needs to be replaced.

Can you repair parts of a roof?

Maybe. If there is a damaged section that can be repaired and the rest of the roof is still stable, then yes, partial roof storm damage repairs are possible. The general rule of thumb in roofing is a roof that has 25% or more damaged area must be 100% replaced.

Or can you just replace a section of roof?

The same rule of thumb applies to roof replacement. If 25% or more of the roof is damaged, the entire roof will need to be replaced. A partial repair or replacement will leave your home with shingles or other roofing materials not uniform. Meaning some of the roofing will look brand new while the majority looks aged and likely faded.

Is patching a roof worth it?

If it is keeping your home from further damage, like water or wind, for the current time, then yes, a roof patch job will suffice until you can have complete roof storm damage repairs or replacement done.

Down To The Dollar

Overall, the end gest to this article is to realize the importance of roof storm damage repairs. Letting these things ‘slide’ until you get around to it will put your home in a position to further damage, especially water damage.

Water damage is the worst of all types of damage your home could endure from a storm. Water begins to rot the wood, and all surfaces will start to form mildew and mold, which puts spores into the air that can make your family sick. And family members with underlying conditions like asthma suffer the most.

If you’ve noticed any of the things that we’ve mentioned here, have a professional roofing contractor inspect the roof. They will provide you with a written report and estimate that should be shared with your insurance company as you file a roof storm damage repair or replacement claim.

How much will it cost to repair my windows?

Like other home repairs, there isn’t any way to “average the cost” of window repairs. The shape, size, and type of window will be key factors in the pricing. And if the damage is just the glass portion or if the window frame is broken too will affect the cost. 

Every contractor that provides window repair service is going to have its own rate schedules. It is wise to call several and get quotes before choosing one for the job. It may be a flat fee once they know the details about the broken window, or it could be an hourly job plus materials.

Can I fix a window myself?

In most cases, a handy DIY homeowner with the proper tools and supplies can do their own window repairs. The most common recommendation though is to hire the window repair job out to an experienced contractor, but not everyone has an unlimited bank account. The following are some window repairs that a DIY homeowner can do without a lot of trouble:

• Stuck windows: This window repair can be done by rubbing the edges of the window with candle wax or plane the opening edge of the window casement. This is done by unscrewing the casement from the hinges and then using a screwdriver and hammer, tap the window free.
• Loose, rattling windows: This window repair is nothing more than adjusting the positions, something akin to installing a new window actually.
• Windowsill rot: If only a part of the windowsill is rotten, window repair is still possible. Simply cut back the rotted part and cut another piece of new wood using the piece you just cut off as a template, but a little bit larger. Using a router,  cut the drip groove and then screw the patch into place and sand it so that it’s smooth.
• Misfit: If the mortise plate is a misfit from the window frame, use a screwdriver to reposition the plate into its new fitting. Then, trace the outside of the plate so that you have the placement identified and set the plate aside. Now chisel the mortise to change the size if necessary and then reattach.  
• Stiff hinges:  This is one of the easiest window repairs!  Spray WD-40 or some other type of low-viscosity oil on the hinges and then move the back and forth to work the oil into the hinge.
• Broken catch: A broken window catch can be repaired by using a screwdriver to pry the cover off, then remove the catch and replace it with a new one.
• Torn window screens:  This can be a downside to having the windows open, but oh so worth it on those beautiful cool nights! You can buy replacement screens or screen patching kits. Just follow the directions on the package.

Can I replace just the glass broken on a window?

Yes, in most cases you can replace the glass instead of attempting window repairs.  This is a popular option for homes where the budget may be too tight to call a professional and will end with the same results. However, if the sash is damaged, glass-only window repair is not possible.

Is it worth it to repair windows?

If the window frames are broken, then no, window repair is not an economical choice. Replacing the entire window will give you a higher ROI, whether you have it done or do it yourself.

How do you fix foggy windows or can you fix foggy windows yourself?

There are several things you can do to prevent windows in your home from fogging up, and they all have to do with ventilation.  Make sure your home has good air circulation and keep the ceiling fans running in every room, including during the winter months. This will keep the warm air from the heated air from sticking to the windows and causing them to fog up.

Purchase a dehumidifier for every room that has foggy windows or invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will remove moisture from the air that gets inside double windowpanes.

Keep Windows Up To Date!

Closed or Open: having windows is an addition to any home that can bring in natural light and when open, brings in fresh air. Imagine living in a home, even an apartment without any windows! And keeping those window repairs done as they are needed will keep the beauty and value of your home in place, setting up an attractive curb appeal.