Roof Repair

March 17, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Repair or Replace: How to Decide Which Is Right for Your Roof

After a major thunderstorm, hailstorm, tornado, or just an especially windy night, it can be nervewracking to go outside and evaluate the damage. A few tree branches in your yard or a tipped-over garbage bin aren’t that big of a deal. Missing or damaged shingles, on the other hand, could mean that you’re in for some seriously bad news.

How can you tell if the damage to your roof — or even just normal wear and tear — merits a full replacement, or if you can get away with only having it repaired? At what point is it no longer advisable to have the roof replaced? After all, roof work isn’t inexpensive, and you don’t want to spend a bundle unnecessarily. We’re taking a look at this question today, so keep reading for some answers.

1. How Old is the Roof?

The first consideration is your roof’s age. If it is only a few years old, and the damage isn’t widespread, repairing is the obvious path to take.

Different roofing materials have different lifespans, of course. The most common type of roof, composite asphalt shingles, tend to last between 15 and 40 years, depending on their quality and the climate conditions where you live. A wood shake roof will live to be about 35 or 40, while slate and clay roofs can hold their own for a century or more.

Think your roof is nearing the end of its life span? It might be worthwhile to simply go the new-roof route, instead of shelling out for a repair now and a replacement in just a few years.

2. Are You Planning on Selling Soon?

A new roof can be a big draw for potential buyers, but it might not make financial sense for you to spring for one now. Consider having repairs done if there’s a chance you might be selling your home in the next couple of years.

3. What Kind of Financial Perks Might You Reap?

Homeowners who are on the fence about whether to replace or repair their roof ought to look into possible savings. First, new roofing materials tend to be much more environmentally friendly than their predecessors. This could entitle you to local or federal tax credits that will help offset the roof’s cost.

Additionally, your homeowner’s insurance premiums could drop significantly if you invest in a high-quality roof. Crunch the numbers; it may turn out that a new roof won’t be as costly as you think once these discounts are deducted.

4. Looking for Leaks In All the Roof Places

Leaky roofs can wreak havoc with the structure, foundation, and interior of your home. It’s never wise to ignore a leak, but if there is only one, you are probably safe getting the roof repaired. If a thorough inspection discovers multiple leaks, however, it could be worthwhile to replace the roof entirely.

Whether You Need Your Roof Repaired or Replaced

Whichever route you plan to go, discuss your circumstances with the roofing company you choose. They are experts at evaluation roof quality. They may be able to offer alternatives to having the roof repaired that you hadn’t considered.

Interested in a free consultation to help you decide? Call Capital Roofing and Restoration today.

March 15, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

Roof Warranty 101: A Guide to Understanding What's Covered

Your roof is one of the most expensive repairs that you can do to your house.

This cost will depend on where you live and the size of your home, but even the lower end is a lot for most homeowners.

How often you need to redo your roof will depend on the materials you use, as well as the job that’s done. Since roof replacements and repairs are so pricey, you’ll want to be very careful about how you go about redoing your roof the first time.

Keep an eye out for quality materials, highly-skilled contractors, and roof warranties.

These are all going to save your wallet in the long run. You may be wondering what exactly a roof warranty covers.

To learn all about your roof warranty, keep reading.

There’s More than One Type of Roof Warranty

When it comes to the security and quality of your roof, there are a couple of different warranties available.

Installation or Workmanship Warranty

With an installation warranty, your coverage will depend on the job your contractor did while installing the roof.

You’ll also want to be careful when choosing a roofer or a roofing company because not everyone offers this warranty. Look for quality service as well as a warranty to ensure that your roof doesn’t become a money pit.

What’s covered?

If the contractor who did your roof messed up, this is covered under the installation warranty. For example, if your roofer forgot a step or didn’t cover a spot well enough and you get a leak, they’ll cover it.

It’s important to remember that workmanship or installation warranties often come with contingencies. Many warranties only cover repairs if you stick with the same roofer or roofing company.

The warranties are meant to stand by the roofing company’s work, so they are unlikely to help if you switch companies.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Where an installation warranty covers the roofer’s work, the manufacturer’s warranty covers the materials used.

It’s actually the most commonly used warranty for roofing. This can often be referred to as a shingle warranty as well. This warranty lasts for around 20-50 years.

What’s covered?

If the materials you used for your roof don’t do their job, you may be able to have the cost covered.

If the manufacturer made a mistake in the production of your shingles, this problem becomes their responsibility. If shingles aren’t made to be durable, they’ll often break down faster. The sooner your shingles break down, the more often you will need to have your roof replaced.

This is a very expensive home repair project. So, if there’s a problem with the materials, you’ll want to make a claim under the manufacturer’s warranty.

While a manufacturing problem is the most common cause of roofing warranty claims, it can be difficult to prove. It’s often assumed that a roofing problem is the result of the contractor. Because not all contractors offer a warranty, you may be left with covering the repairs yourself.

Get Your Roof Done Today

Who you hire to redo your roof is going to make a huge difference in your long-term spending.

To learn more about your roof warranty and our services, reach out today.

March 3, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

5 Most Common Roofing Issues and How to Prevent Them

The average cost for roofing repairs is $850 in the United States.

Most damage on the roof goes unnoticed and can cause serious problems over time.

Identifying damage can help prevent you from having to spend more money on a bigger repair.

Continue reading to discover the most common roofing damage issues and how you can prevent them!

1. Broken Vents

Have you recently been on the roof and noticed that your plastic roof vents were cracked or have broken metal seams?

A broken roof vent can leak fluid if it isn’t able to get airflow. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways of fixing this problem besides replacing the broken piece. If you have to replace your vent, try getting one that will be able to withstand heavy winds.

2. Your Roof Is Leaking

One of the biggest issues of roofing damage that occur is leaks.

Typically you can find leaks by looking for water stains, bubbled drywall, and dripping water. Roofs begin leaking over time as the shingles wear down and can be damaged in severe weather.

Learning how to prevent roofing damage from the weather can help you protect your home. Sealing the crack with caulk where the water is leaking in can help prevent the leak from growing.

3. Cracks in Chimneys

Chimneys are always exposed to harsh environments such as weather and fires. Over time, they often develop cracks from the outside.

By going up to your rooftop and examining your chimney for cracks, you can prevent leaks. Typically, these leaks occur where the brick and shingles meet on the roof. You can seal this area with roof cement to prevent further damage.

4. Hail Damage

More than $20 billion is spent on repairing hail damage to homes, cars, and more in the United States.

Hail damage can destroy a new rooftop in just one storm. It can ruin shingles by tearing, puncturing, and denting them. In these situations, you should cover the damage with a tarp or waterproof cover to avoid leaks.

You can even cover the roof with a tarp before storms that include hail!

5. Loss of Shingle Granules

Have you noticed that your shingles don’t have as many granules as they once had?

These granules on the roof are important because they help absorb UV lights and protects the roof from extreme temperatures. If you are seeing bald spots on your shingles, you should consider replacing them, even if it’s only a few.

Not replacing the shingles could lead to water leaks and expensive heat bills.

Put Roofing Damage to an End

Identifying roofing damage can be a tricky task, but with this guide, you can spot common problems before they become too serious.

The most common issue that people tend to experience is leaky roofs. This can happen when hail breaks the shingles, the granules are balding, or even around a cracked chimney.

Keeping tarps, caulk, and the phone nearby can help prepare you for the next rooftop emergency.

Be sure to contact us for all of your roofing restoration needs. Our team is available to help you with a variety of services!

March 1, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

How Often Should You Replace Your Roof? 5 Key Things to Look For

Let’s get real. Replacing your roof is probably not a home improvement project you’re particularly excited about doing.

Sure, other projects may be more glamorous, but replacing your roof is critical to keeping your home safe and it can even increase your overall home value.

In fact, replacing your roof can earn back 85% of its investment when you go to sell your home. Now, that’s something to get excited about!

But, how often should you replace your roof? Read through this guide for the 5 signs you need to look for to determine when to replace your roof.

How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?

If you’ve sustained damage to your roof from a storm or fire, it’ll be obvious that it’s time for a replacement. But, it’s more likely that you’ll have to pay attention to your roof to determine when it needs to be replaced.

Here are 5 signs that it might be time to replace your roof.

1. Your House is More Than 20 Years Old

In general, most roofs can last about 20-30 years, depending on the material that was used to build it. The weather and climate in your area may, however, degrade your roof at a quicker rate.

It’s a good rule of thumb to have your roof checked after 20 years to see if it needs to be replaced.

2. Your Shingles are Missing or Damaged

Take a look up at your roof and make note of what you see. Are some of your shingles missing? Do any of them show signs of damage, curling, or peeling?

If so, this is a good sign that your roof needs to replaced sooner rather than later, before more damage can occur.

3. You Notice Loose Granules Outside Your Home

Most shingles are coated with granules to help deflect water off your roof. Over time, the granules begin to degrade and fall off the shingles.

You may notice granules around the ground, in your yard, or sitting in your gutters. If you do, it’s time to think about a roof replacement.

4. You Find a Leak

Perhaps the most obvious sign that you need to replace your roof is noticing a leak or water stains on your ceiling.

Water damage can lead to bigger problems, like mold or mildew, so you’ll want to schedule a consultation with a roofing expert at the first sign of a leak.

5. Your Attic Shows Signs of Roof Failure

You might be surprised to learn that checking your attic is an easy way to see if your roof needs to be replaced.

Look around your attic for water streaks and signs of mold or mildew. If you see any, it’s indicative of an issue of your roof.

Trust the Experts at Capital Roofing & Restoration

Our team has more than 25 years of roofing experience, and we’re here to help you determine how often should you replace your roof and whether your roof is in need of a replacement.

Contact us today to set up a free in-home inspection and consultation and receive a free estimate about your roofing project.

February 27, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

DIY Roofing: 5 Reasons You Should Just Say No

As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibilities. Keeping the house clean, the yard mowed, the fridge stocked. However, most people forget about one of the most important aspects of a home – the roof over their heads.

When it comes to needing roof repairs, DIY roofing won’t cut it. Not only is it dangerous, but any mistakes you make can lead to damages to your home, voided insurance policies, and extravagant expenses.

Not sure? Keep reading to understand why you should think twice about DIY roof repairs.

1. Safety

Most roofs are a lot steeper than they look from the ground. Many homeowners are shocked the first time they get up on their roof They don’t expect the pitch to be so steep nor the elevation to be so high.

Without experience working on roofs or the proper safety equipment, DIY roofing can quickly turn dangerous, if not deadly. Remember, it’s one thing to go up to your roof to inspect things, and quite another to work up there with tools and materials. Avoid ladder accidents and injurious or deadly falls off of the roof and hire the professionals instead.

2. Time

With training, experience, and expertise comes efficiency. As a homeowner attempting DIY roofing, don’t expect to get done in a hurry. Things will go quite slowly if you’re trying to figure out what you’re doing while doing it.

Additionally, if you do anything wrong, you’ll have to spend even more time undoing the previous work and doing it the right way. They say time is money, we think it’s more valuable. Time is the one thing you can spend and never earn back.

3. Costs

Another important factor to look at when considering DIY roofing is the cost. Sure, doing your own roofing repair job on your house could save you money, but it also has a strong potential of costing you more of it in the future.

DIY roofing can save you money upfront. However, if you made any mistakes you’re looking at big expenses down the road. If your home or other possessions get water damage because of a leaky roof, your insurance policy may be voided by your DIY work.

You may be stuck paying (even if just the deductible) for water damage, mold remediation, destroyed personal items, and the subsequent roof repair.

4. Warranty

One of the greatest benefits of skipping DIY roofing and going with the professionals is the warranties that come with the job. For example, if you buy shingles with a warranty but install them yourself, their warranty will be voided.

However, when professional roofers install or repair a roof, the manufacturer warranties are valid. Not only that, but most roofing companies further guarantee their work. For example, we offer a GAF 10-year workmanship warranty with any roof installation.

5. Quality

Finally, let’s talk about the quality of work on a job. More often than not, while walking through a home, you can tell the difference between DIY projects and professionally built furniture or decor.

Experienced professionals in any job have a highly tuned attention to detail. They know how to accurately measure, to assemble, and finish their work for the most aesthetically pleasing result possible. Not only that, but their finished product will be built to last.

Need to Skip DIY Roofing and Hire the Pros?

If your roof needs repaired, replaced, or inspected, you’ve come to the right place. Please, save yourself the hassle, time, costs, and potential injuries of DIY roofing.

We are here for you, just contact us and let us know what you need!