When the sound of rain outside the home results in a nagging dripping sound in the middle of our living, peace turns to panic. Your roof is compromised. When your roof is leaking aggressively, you clearly need roof repairs. Keep reading to learn all that Atlanta roof repairs entail, from diagnosing to treating and then learning if you need a roof repair or roof replacement.

 

Causes of Roof Problems

Roofs leak for a variety of reasons. For example, if you have an old roof, you most likely have shingles that have curled up, exposing the underlayment and creating a breach in your roofing. 

Typical asphalt shingle roofs last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the wear and tear they sustain as well as the maintenance you put into them. 

If a storm has recently assault your roof, though, it may need a repair. Here’s how typical Atlanta storms cause problems on your roof. 

 

Ice or Snow

While Atlanta does not receive constant winter weather from November through February, the occasional heavy snow and ice can cause some serious damage. 

A heavy snowpack, an ice dam, and dangerous icicles cause roofing problems. Heavy snow will damage the top of your home, as will heavy ice. 

 

Storm Damage

Roof storm damage comes from the heavy wind as well as the debris that can fall on your roof. After the storm has passed, inspect your roof for damage. Emergency roof repair will cost you more, but your homeowner’s insurance will cover it if a storm caused the problems. 

 

Hail

Hail comes in all sizes, from nickels and quarter shapes to golf and baseball-sized. The bigger the hail, the more likely your roof is to sustain damage. So once a hail storm passes, inspect your roof. 

Some hail is heavy and strong enough to blow a hold in your roof even.  

 

Age

The older your roof, the more likely it is to need repair. While asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years, metal roofs can last up to 50 years, and slate and clay tiles can last nearly a century. 

If you have an old roof, it will begin to show its age through leaks. 

 

Cost of Roof Repairs

Common roof repairs will cost as little as $150 and as much as $1,000, depending on the damage and need. 

If you have a minor need such as minimal damage to gutters or eaves or a small shed roof repair, expect to spend a couple of hundred dollars. However, if you need whole sections of your roof replaced, you are looking at a repair that can cost you up to a thousand dollars. 

As you look into home roof repairs in Atlanta, GA, consider a roof replacement as well. If the roof repair is going to cost you as much as a replacement, then consider a whole new roof. 

 

Signs You Need Atlanta Roof Repairs

You will know you need a roof repair when you have obvious signs like a leak in the middle of your living room. However, there are other telltale signs that indicate problems other than the obvious ones. 

For one, if you’ve noticed heavy asphalt granules in your gutters or around your home, you need to have your roof inspected. Those granules typically cover your asphalt shingles. Without them, the shingles lose their effectiveness, and eventually, your roof will leak. 

If you’ve noticed heavier amounts of humidity in your home, bring a roofing expert in to inspect your ventilation. Your ventilation helps keep your home dry by giving the humidity an escape route. You may well need a roof repair. 

 

Types of Roof Repair

The types of roof repair needed depend on your roof’s material. Here are some common problems based on the type of roof you have: 

• Metal roofs: you typically see leaks around the flashing, poorly installed screws, degrading roof sealants, and seams that overlap and cause leaking
• Asphalt shingles: blistered and curling shingles along with the aforementioned missing granules will cause problems
• Solar panels: solar panels can restrict water from naturally draining, leading to a buildup of moisture
• Flat roofs: water will pool without proper grading will degrade the asphalt leading to an unsafe roof
• Tile: the heaviness of the tile requires regular maintenance to keep it looking nice and to prevent leaks

Understanding your roof type will help you understand the type of repairs you can expect as well. The more expensive your roofing material, the more costly your repair. 

 

Do I Replace or Repair?

When you call in a roofing expert, you trust their opinion. After all, they have seen dozens and probably hundreds of roofs. They know what you need. 

So how do you know when it’s time to full-on replace your roof instead of repairing it?

First and foremost, know the age of your roof if you have an asphalt shingle roof that has passed its 30th birthday. Typical asphalt roofs will last up to 30 years, so you have clearly milked this roof for all its worth. 

Second, look at the condition of your roof. If your roof is sagging, it’s time to do more than just throw a few new shingles on the roof.

When you fail to care for your roof properly, you compromise the integrity of your entire home. You run the risk of structural damage. 

So, acquire an estimate from the contractor and figure out a way to fully replace your roof. 

 

Insurance and Roof Repair

If your roof repair results from a storm, then your homeowners’ insurance may well cover the damage. 

Damage due to wear and tear does not qualify for insurance coverage. So if your roof is already more than 20 years old, even with storm damage, your insurance may not cover your repairs. 

Read through the fine print in your homeowner’s policy to learn the specifics of roof damage coverage. The coverage may rest on an “act of nature” such as downed trees or freezing rain that compromises your shingles. 

 

Repair Your Roof Today

If you’ve noticed the signs of a compromised roof, do not delay. Seek out Atlanta roof repairs today. 

We can help. Our team of experts will inspect your roof and then give you a fair estimate on your roofing needs. Contact us today, and we will help keep a roof over your head.