What to expect when getting your roof repaired really is dependent on the size and nature of the job. The kind of roof you have will also have a major impact. There is some overlap of what to expect whether it be a loose tile or a massive amount of damage from say, a fallen tree. The expanse of the roof repair will determine how long and how many contractors will be on your property, as well as the expense.
The Process of Roof Repair
The process, or stages, when getting roof repairs is more or less the same. You will need to find a roof contractor that deals with your kind of roof. They will need to assess and then quote you. Materials will possibly need to be ordered, and then the correct steps for the job will be implemented, which is where many factors will play a role in what to expect. Roofs are made up of layers, and each layer will be checked for damage. Each layer will need to be properly repaired before progressing.
Waiting on Roof Repairs
Depending on the job, materials that are ordered could take some time. If the nature of the roofing repair means that you are inconvenienced at all – by having to avoid one part of your home or move out altogether – that will be your biggest area of concern. This is why it is important to make sure that you choose a contractor that specializes in your type of roof. They will be better equipped to get quicker access to these materials because of professional relationships they have in place.
The Safety Aspect
The thought of having contractors in and around your home for extended periods of time can be unsettling. An established and trusted company that you can build an intimate relationship with and employ for all your roofing needs is your best way around this concern.
Risks and Insurance
Without a proper assessment of the roof repair job, you could run the risk of incomplete repairs or further damage being done. Make sure your insurance is up to date and if necessary, they are aware of your need for repairs. You might even find that they cover some of your repair costs. You also don’t want to void your insurance by using a non-reputable contractor. Don’t only check your insurance, but double check what insurance your roofing repair contractors have in place as well.
Factors Creating Inconvenience
Some types of roof repair jobs will not only depend on the roofing contractor. But if the damage is to the roof, a roofing company will be a good place to start as they can advise you of what delays might happen along the way.
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Disruptions
Mostly, the presence of contractors will bring noise and take up space with materials and equipment. You can expect a bit of a messy yard for a while as well. The process takes time as surfaces must be cleared and cleaned, and properly treated after repairs are done.
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Leaks and Extended Damage
If the repair involves a leak and there is extensive damage that has already taken place, you may need repairs to parts of your building other than your roof. Expect that this will take longer as contractors work with and around each other. For this reason, we also recommend to get leaks addressed sooner rather than later. Regular home roof maintenance goes a long way in this regard.
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Insurance Assessments
If the repair is something your insurance needs to be involved in, their assessment and regulations will influence when the actual job can start, and what stages need to wait on further assessment.
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Other Mechanisms in Your Roof
Ventilation systems and other support structures in the damaged part of the roof need to be thoroughly checked to ensure that all damage, and not just plainly visible damage, is addressed. You don’t want your repair job to just be a band aid. On this note, you can anticipate there being a window period once the repair is done to ensure there are no other signs of problems. A quality roof repair contractor will normally advise you if this is the case, and make you aware of what you need to look out for. Once a repair is completed, the roofer will typically leave the tiles or shingles off the roof until a good rain or water test is completed to ensure they have addressed the problem before putting the tiles or shingles back.
Familiarizing yourself with what to expect when getting your roof repaired can go a long way in reducing the stress of the task. Make sure you know what questions to ask and what delays could arise so that you don’t feel extra frustrated when the process turns out to be not so simple. Being informed will also help you to know when your contractor is doing a quality job or if they are not entirely equipped with the best roofing practices for the job. This sense of transparency with your roofing contractor will put you at ease.
