Roof Repairs and Costs You Should Know About

How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Roof? – Guide to Roof Repair Costs

Nobody likes to think about roof repair costs, especially not roof leak repair costs. We all like to think of our roofs as impenetrable barriers that are indestructible against all forces. Though most quality roofs are quite reliable, if you’re on the internet googling, “How much does it cost to repair a roof,” it’s safe to say that it’s indeed time for you to start thinking about roof repair costs.

Roofs are especially vulnerable when harsh weather strikes, and the roof repairs often vary quite widely in price. All sorts of different factors determine the final cost of each idiosyncratic roof repair. Everything from the home’s size to the style of roof, the type of shingle, the extent of the damage and other variables play important roles in the project’s cost.

Let’s delve deeper into the “how much does it cost to repair a roof” question. We want to help homeowners understand why roof repair service costs are not uniform across the board, even though you probably can already imagine some of the variables. Here’s a look at the most common reasons for roof repair and associated roof repair costs in Texas.

What’s So Special About Roof Repair Costs in Texas?

It’s not the roof repair costs in Texas that are so unique; it’s the degree of damage roofs have to endure in Texas because of our harsher-than-average climate. Texas weather takes hold the gold medal when it comes to hail damage.

We have around $339M in annual losses from hailstone damage. That’s more than TWICE the silver medal hail damage winner—Colorado follows Texas with just over $150M in damages across the state.

When hailstones hit hard in Texas, you’re looking at:

Roof repair costs forleaking roof
Roof flashing repair cost
Roof shingle repair cost

You might even have to consider a full roof replacement if you’re hit but a Texas monster hailstorm.

Texas is also known for its strong winds. We live in one of the windiest states in the nation. And while the Dallas area is no Amarillo (the second windiest city in the nation), we have more than our share of high winds.

That’s not even considering the wear and tear Texas roofs get from humidity, UV exposure and summer highs that can reach triple digits.

All this is to say, out the door, Texas is a leader in roof repair costs (and not in a good way.)

Roof Repair Costs for Leaking Roof and Moisture

All sorts of stimuli can cause the buildup of moisture and leaks. Perhaps a tree branch extends out over the roof and drops moist leaves. These leaves can accumulate, soak the roof and gradually form a leak. Perhaps rain or hail pounds your roof to the point that it weakens your shingles and a leak forms. Even the buildup of random debris has the potential to compromise your roof’s integrity and cause a leak. Roof leak repair cost depends on the degree of damage to your roof and the difficulty of the repair.

Heating and cooling units that do not drain properly are also a major threat to your roof. They can easily pool water that seeps into the roof and eventually trickles right on down on to your living space. Be proactive with a timely roof repair and you just might prevent a nasty leak.

If your roof has endured any sort of water damage, the project cost will be higher than first estimated. This is especially true for uber-sensitive cedar roofing. In the worst-case scenario, water damage can spur a full roof replacement. Unfortunately, such damage can’t be pinpointed until the roofer takes off the shingles and analyzes the decking below.

Roof Repair Cost for Improper Installation of Your Roof

One of the most depressing and frustrating reasons for roof repair is a faulty installation. Some roofers will rush through the installation job or make use of low-quality materials. This is why it’s important to hire an honest and credible company. In many instances, the Texas homeowner can’t be faulted in the slightest as the roof was installed prior to his purchase of the home. However, if you hired the roofers who ended up installing your roof in a flawed manner, be sure to check your warranty. The materials or labor might be covered by the warranty so you don’t have to pay for the repairs.

The cost of any roof partially hinges on the type of roof atop your home. Each roof is unique in terms of slope, quality, levels, materials, and other factors. Certain roofs have a low pitch while others have a high pitch. If the roof is sloped at a sharp angle, the repair work will be much more difficult and dangerous. Other roofs are comparably flat and quite sensitive to foot traffic. Some roofs rest above numerous stories, making it somewhat difficult and risky for the roofing team to access, inspect and repair.

Some roofs are made of metal while others have fiberglass shingles. Some roofs even have wood shingles. Materials for a metal roof can cost upwards of $1,500 for every 100 square feet. Asphalt shingles tend to be on the opposite end of the price spectrum at around $120 for every 100 square feet.

If you have any doubt as to whether your home’s roof was properly installed, reach out to us for a professional analysis of the installation.

Roof Repair Cost for Tree and Limb Damage

Tree limbs seem fairly harmless. They are usually quite narrow and almost always aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, tree limbs that extend too far can reach your roof and abrade the shingles’ surface. This abrasion eventually causes wear and tear across the top layer of the shingles. In some instances, the winds and rain will knock branches onto the roof, causing some truly nasty damage. Have your tree limbs trimmed as soon as they extend anywhere near your roof. When in doubt, have them trimmed as short as possible so it takes months, if not a year or longer for a branch to threaten the integrity of your roof.

The part of town in which you live might also impact the cost of your roof repair project. It might be necessary for the roof repair service provider to pull permits for your roof’s repair(s). It is also possible that the price of the permit differs according to the unique value or size of your home. In certain coastal areas a distinct permit is necessary to safeguard the home from storms.

Roof Ventilation Repair

Roof and attic ventilation is key to keeping a roof in tip-top shape. Ventilation occurs in a natural manner when vents are positioned along the base of the roof, toward the roof ridge, in the soffits, or at the eaves. Such positioning allows warm air to exit and cool air to be sucked on in.

Faulty ventilation will prevent the proper regulation of temperature and moisture in the attic. It is possible for moisture and heat to eventually build up and damage the shingles, sheathing, rafters, and insulation. A timely roof repair is necessary to prevent increases in energy costs and/or the formation of mildew and mold.

Rodents and Insects Can Lead to Roof Repair Costs You Wouldn’t Expect

All sorts of bugs, rodents and other animals will gladly live on or in your roof. This is especially true if you do not trim your tree branches and limbs extend out onto the roof as a sort of makeshift bridge. Everything from ants to birds, squirrels, chipmunks and beyond can cause damage to your roof. If you suspect bugs or animals are a threat to your roof, eliminate the problem right away before a roof repair is necessary.

When it comes to cost, the magnitude of the repair plays a major role. Roofers typically determine a job’s price according to the roof’s square footage. In the context of roofing, each “square” represents a 10-foot square space. Though the repair may be a small space like rodent damage, the roofing contractor usually will charge for a square.

Roof Repair Cost for Unique Rooftop Features

A roof with a chimney, skylight, antenna, pipe or other unique elements will likely add to the roof repair cost. In many instances, these elements must be replaced simultaneously, pushing the job’s cost up that much higher. Make sure the roof repair service professional inspects these special features for damage and leaks when he examines the shingles.

It is important to note that even if the features are not damaged, their mere presence can increase the cost of repairs as the roofer must work around them. In terms of specific costs, the repair of flashing surrounding your chimney will likely cost a few hundred dollars. Roof flashing repair costs for the protective seals found around the skylight to the roof may cost more.

If such unique features or any other characteristics like peaks, angles, valleys, sides etc. make it difficult to access sections of the roof, the attic, soffits or the gutters, expect to pay more for the repair.