Reasons Why You Should Insure Your Roof

Over time, your roof will develop issues like roof leaks, shingles littering, and gutters rusting. The damages might be due to the growth of lichen and moss, or missing granules on the roof shingles edges. The problem is that you may not notice a roof problem on time and the issues may cause severe damages to the roof. Even worse, this can lead to compromises in the structural integrity of your house.

The cost of repairing or replacing roofs in such situations is very high. This is where roof insurance comes in. The insurance company provides security and safety against any sudden damage or destruction that you are unable to shoulder. But always remember that you are only covered as per the terms in the policy you signed. So, how do you get a new roof from your insurance?

Understand Your Roof Problems and Their Causes

The journey starts by identifying the problem with your roof and the cause of the problem. You should always take preventive measures on your roof to avoid major damages. Carry a roof inspection at least twice a year without fail. This way, you avoid high fixation costs or even total replacement costs. On the same, you will avoid colliding with your roof insurance company for being negligent.

Damaged Roof Flashing

These are steel or aluminum galvanized sheets installed beneath the shingles. They run over the joints of your roof to protect its internal structures from water damage. Damage is most common along the roof joints. This includes around the vents penetrating the roof, skylights, and chimneys.

You know your home has a torn roof flashing when water leaks in your house, you spot rust on flashing, the roof starts sagging or buckling.

Roof Hail Damage

Hail damage is yet another sign of roof damage that is hard to spot. How do you identify hail damage on your roof?

• You see cracks on your roof shingles
• Shingles have broken granules or are missing
• It has roof punctures
• It has circular cracks – may be marks of large hails
• Dents on the roof or windows – as a result of hail hitting
• Your roof has a clogged gutter system

All these are likely to cause damage to the or even the tiles, which eventually cause water leakages.

Roof Water Damage

Your shingles suffer hits from hails which cause all manner of damages. Shingles may break, crack, or shift positions if the wind is involved. As a result, you’ll experience water leaks to the inside of your roof. This later translates into stains on your ceiling and weakening of the internal structure of the roof, which will demand its replacement.

When water gets into the inside of your home, you’ll start experiencing the growth of stuff like molds, fungus infections, moss, mildew, rot, and decay.

Roof Fungus Damage

Rooftops that experience humid weather for long periods will be affected by fungus damage especially if the drainage is not good. They may develop molds, algae, and moss on your rooftops. Here are some of the signs your roof has fungus damage:

• Black green speckles – algae
• Green cover that has a fuzzy texture – moss
• Either black, pink, or grey powder – mildew
• Brown, dark-green or black blotches – mold

Fungus might look harmless to your roof at first but leads to significant damage with time. They eat up the roof material or weigh it down, causing water leaks that will make your roof even weaker.

Roof Wind Damage

Strong winds destroy weak roofs. You will hardly notice wind damage unless it’s massive destruction.

The following, among other issues, are a sign that wind is damaging your roof:

• Damaged gutters
• Loose, broken, or even missing shingles
• Heaped debris on your rooftop
• Damaged fascia
• Torn tiles

If you note any of these or other types of roof damage, you can first revisit your roof policy terms. See if it covers you from the damage or destruction caused.

Reasons Your Roof Claim May Be Denied

Not every insurance claim goes through. Your insurer may fail to compensate you for reasons like:

Age of Your Roof

If the damage to your roof results from neglect or wear and tear, most insurers won’t renew your policy. They term it as your general maintenance responsibility. Also, your insurer may not cover old roofs, especially those over 20 years old. They usually have limited coverage, if any. In this regard, insurers first inspect your house before it renews a policy.

In short, your insurance company won’t give you a better roof than what you have. If you had a wood shakes roof, you would not get a clay, concrete, or slate roof. Your insurer will cover your roof only if the act of nature or sudden accident caused it. All the same, a reputable insurer should explain all their policy terms before you sign for a cover.

The Location of Your House

The location of your house has a significant impact on your policy terms. It is an insurance cost determinant, and whether you can insure it at all.

For example, if you live in an area prone to disasters, an insurance company may avoid renewing your policy. It includes areas with tropical storms, hurricanes, and wildfires.

In turn, your insurer may reflect by charging more for its premium.

Other reasons your claim may fail include:

• If you pay several claims for the same roof
• In case you do not disclose the existing damage before signing the dotted line
• If you have acted fraudulent, that is, giving the wrong value of your roof

Generally, the location you dwell in may affect the terms of policy. It will also determine whether an insurer will renew your policy or not. So, it will be better to understand what a given policy covers.

Understand Your Roof Policy Terms

When you sign up for an insurance cover, that’s what you’ll get during your claim. Insurance agencies offer two roof insurance types which are:

• Repair insurance – the cover partly covers a particular percentage of damage caused to your roof
• Replacement coverage – this type covers the total replacement of your roof. That is, in case the damage caused is unfixable, they pay for a roof replacement.

Of these two, replacement coverage is the most comprehensive. It will cover the cost of a completely new roof. Thus, it is quite expensive. More so, it involves more paperwork than the repair cover. Thus the reason it is hard to get it accepted. Have you been paying for repair or replacement cover?

Before you file a roof insurance claim, you should first revisit its terms. If you have a bothering issue with your coverage, consult your insurance agent.

Document the Roofing Claim and Call Your Insurer

When you want to claim insurance for your roof, ensure all your documentation and paperwork are in order. Here are some of the things you need to do.

Collect all the Possible Evidence

Here, you need to collect a lot of data. You will have to take lots of photos, both in the exterior and in the interior of your roof. Your goal here is to cover every scene to make your claims smooth and straightforward.

Dates are also crucial as most insurers need that you submit your claim within a given timeframe. Most agencies will ask you to file claims within 15 days from the day the event occurred. In other words, it is safer to know your insurance agencies’ protocols. When you know what to do, you avoid claim denial.

Write an Explanation of Needed Repairs

If possible, get your explanation from a professional like your roofing contractor. It helps confirm your roof insurance claim.

Call your insurer

Your insurer will at this point appoint a claim adjuster to come and inspect your roof damage. After inputting data, the adjuster will come up with your roof value. This will determine what your policy will cover. Your roofing contractor will go with the adjuster as your eye.

Hire a Reputable Roofing Company – Get a New Roof

Once you file all the necessary documents and are through, you can now have your roof replaced. For roof repair or replacement, you should hire a reputable contractor well known for roof repairs, Installation, and Replacement. You should also hire one who has worked with roofing insurance before and has a good track record. A professional roof company will not just give you a good experience but will save you the hassle that comes with such a project. Contact us at Tornado Roofing for the best service.

How to Claim a New Roof from Insurance: FAQs

How do insurance claims work for roofs?

The older the roof gets, the higher its value depreciates. Thus, your insurer will cover the actual value of your roof when wear and tear occurs. You should, though, confirm with your insurance company.

Should I call an insurance company or roofer first?

First, call your roofing contractor to first assess your roof’s damages. Your contractor will help you follow up on the work of the insurance adjuster.

What do roof adjusters look for on roofs?

Roof adjusters look for:

• The age of your roof
• Whether all appliances are well installed damaged or have missing shingles
• Whether your contractor installed your roof well

From his data, the insurance company will know what it should cover.

Still Don’t Know How to Go About Roof Insurance?

The journey to get a new roof from an insurance company is hectic, but in your case, it shouldn’t. All you need is the understanding of the policy you signed, documenting every detail required, and approaching your insurer with facts and within time. In this guide, you learned how roof insurance works, including roof issues and their causes, and how insurance helps, the differences between repair coverage and replacement coverage, how to handle roofing insurance paperwork. Feel free to reach out to us at Tornado Roofing to make everything clearer.

Wood Fascia Boards

Wood fascia boards are the most common of all fascia board materials because they are cost-effective to buy and install. They could be anything from fir, pine, or spruce. Wood is susceptible to rot when exposed to water. But there is a solution to this through finishing and regular painting. Most homeowners also agree that wood is versatile as a decorative material for fascias than any other material on our list. Cedar fascia boards have recently become an attractive choice for homeowners looking for rustic appearances, and the fact that it’s water-resistant is a big plus. They become even more durable when stained.

The biggest disadvantage with wood fascias is the continuous maintenance and repair costs. You have to periodically prime and paint the boards to keep them in top shape. Replacing fascia boards is an urgent exercise immediately you sport damages and includes removing gutters as well, which increases the costs.

Aluminum Fascia Boards

If you are looking for an upgrade from the common wood fascia boards, then aluminum is the next solution. The biggest positive about this material is its longevity. They are resistant to water and responds well to weather variations. They are often used alongside wood fascias to weatherproof them. The Tornado Roofing teams bend and reshape aluminum to wrap wood fascia.

Aluminum fascia boards are very easy to install thanks to their easy-to-cut and lightweight nature. Unlike wood, they are also maintenance-free. When it comes to aesthetics, you can get them in a wide range of colors to suit the theme of any home. If you are able, buy thicker aluminum to avoid easy denting.

Their drawback is in the initial price. But you can compensate for this, in the long run, thanks to their low maintenance costs. Though durable, they still get scratches and marks during heavy storms. Then if they are installed with steel nails, they might react and lead to rot which will force you to call for repairs.

Vinyl Fascia Boards

Vinyl is another material you might want as your fascia because it’s durable and easy to install. They don’t rust or rot. Financially, they save you more than wood boards owing to their lower maintenance costs. So even though you’ll spend more during installation than wood to install vinyl, you save in the long term because they require minimal maintenance work. If you must repair vinyl, you’ll still spend less than aluminum and wood. While they can discolor when exposed to sun rays, vinyl boards only require spraying and wiping down to get them back to shape.

You can get vinyl in any color you choose. Most importantly, vinyl fascia boards come in kits ready to install and they are readily available in local stores.

The biggest undoing for vinyl fascia boards is their response to weather condition variations. They expand and contract drastically to respond to the heat changes in the environment. A good roofer will ensure they use the J and F channel during installation to curb this issue. They must also seal every joint tightly to prevent moisture from penetrating into the inside of your home. And to avoid fading during exposure to the UV rays, we seal vinyl fascias.

Composite Fascia Boards

If you are looking for an eco-friendly fascia material, then composite will work great for you. Composite is a combination of several materials including plastic, wood chips, and dust held together using epoxy resin. These boards are cut and installed just like wood boards. But they are resistant to rot and very durable compared to other solutions. And all along, they require minimal maintenance.

If composite fascia boards get damaged for some reason, they are very difficult to repair. It’s impossible to refinish this board material as well. Their price is also very high compared to other fascia board materials (except aluminum) that’s why they are not as common as other materials on this list.

Why Get a Roofing Expert for Your Fascia Board Installation?

Installing fascia boards is an easy task that can be tempting for some people to climb their roofs and do the job on their own. But before you do this, you should know that it’s equally a challenging task. Removing the existing fascias can easily damage your roof if you don’t know what you are doing. Besides, there is no one simple way to install all types of fascia materials. Individual material has its own way of being installed.

Hiring an expert who is aware of all these types of fascia materials and understands the best way to install them is the way to go. With a professional handling your job, you don’t have to worry about accidents on your property. Even if it happens, the contractor is insured. Above everything else, you get quality results that will last to the maximum.

Reliable Fascia Installation and Replacement by Tornado Roofing

Fascia boards, even though not visible in most homes, are very important installations as part of your roof. You therefore need to install them using the best material you can afford. Once they are up and functioning, you want to regularly inspect them alongside your roof to make sure they are working as they should. Whether you want to install new fascia boards or need to replace worn-out fascias, you should contact a professional roofer to do the job. Reach out to us at Tornado Roofing for quality craftsmanship.

Fortunately, discovering a roof leak on a flat roof is easier and quicker compared to other roofing designs. A professional is able to identify the issue and the extent of the damage. Our client’s roof had a hole at one end of the roofing material. It was leaking but not at the point he was seeing wetness on the ceiling of his living room.

Water was traveling across the roof membrane right above one of the bedrooms, through the roof deck then dripped on the living room ceiling. It was a small hole problem that would not cause any issue on a normal day but the heavy rains made its effects visible. Thankfully, our client’s quick response arrested the issue on time and he wasn’t going to spend a fortune to repair his roof.

If he had decided to ignore the leak, water would seep through his wooden roofing frames and ceiling to cause rot over time. This would compromise the integrity of the entire roof structure, requiring him to install a new one.

When you decide to diagnose a leaking issue in your home, partner with experienced contractors who are able to identify the source of the problem for a better repair approach.

Sometimes roof leak problems are easy to solve because all they require is patching with adhesives. That was the case with our client. Sometimes roof issues are complicated and need replacements of the components. While all roof leaks are problematic, a leaky flat roof comes with a specific set of challenges that if not treated carefully can worsen the situation.

The type of roof materials and tools you’ll need depends on the type of damage your roof has and the type of roofing materials in use. Also, the age and the existing condition of your roof must be a consideration when you want to make repairs. Some of the most common roofing materials for flat roofs include:

Rubber (EPDM)

Most flat roof Florida homes and around the United States use rubber. Its components include propylene and ethylene like in tires. This roofing system is easy to repair and can give service for 10 to 15 years. Some of the common problems you’d expect from EPDM roofs include:

• Cuts and holes resulting from impact or vandalism
• Shrinking of the edges which detach from the walls of the house
• Poor detailing of the joints or flashings

Modified Bitumen

Modified Bitumen roofing is a combination of asphalt, solvents, and a variety of rubber. This roofing material type is applied using an open flame. You can enjoy its value for more than three decades. Some of the common problems that this roof type encounters include:

• Blistering because of rough weather
• Cracking, wrinkling, and splitting
• Shrinking and sagging

BUR (Built-up Roofing)

Also known as roofing tar and gravel this roofing material is made using fabric and bitumen. This material can last for about 30 years. The most common issue with BUR is:

• Cracking

TPO Roofing 

TPO Roofing results from a combination of ethylene-propylene rubber and polypropylene. The roofing type is mechanically attached together with a reflective membrane during roofing. Some of the issues to expect include:

• Blistering
• Chipping

Concrete

Though concrete roofing is not an attractive roofing option for most homeowners because it requires waterproofing, it’s still one of the most durable and easy to repair. Some of the common problems you’d expect from concrete include:

• Cracking
• Surface wear

PVC Roofing

As the name suggests, its composition is layers of PVC roof materials attached together with polyester plus other additives between the two. The additives make the material durable, capable of handling UV rays, and adds flexibility to the roofing material.

All these roofing materials can be repaired when they get damaged in one way or another. All you need is the right materials, tools, and roofing skills. Here are some of the common tools and materials you’ll need for the repair work.

• A hard bristled brush to clean the roof before you repair it
• A rag or towel to dry your roof after cleaning
• A utility knife to slice blistered spots and cut out repair areas on your roof
• A trowel to even and smoothen the floor surfaces during repair
• Roofing cement
• Fiberglass mesh to reinforce and waterproof the repairs
• Gravel to absorb UV rays after repair
• Reflective floor coating to protect against sun damage
• A paintbrush
• Roof patches (Some roof patches come with sticky backs which can save your roofing cement)
• Caulk for sealing cracks
• A pair of scissors to cut roof patches
• A roller stick to spread solutions over your roof
• Stirring stick to mix your repair solutions

Diagnosing a Flat Roof Damage

You should first measure how far the roof leak is from the two closest walls. You do this by identifying your wet or stained ceiling. Sometimes it’s a smell of dampness during the rainy season. Then measure the distance from the stain to the nearest walls using a tape measure. Climb up your roof and use the same measurements to identify the damaged part of the roof. The damage is most likely within the measurements you got or anywhere close.

But keep in mind that it’s possible that the damaged part of the roof is far from within your measurements. The reason is that not all flat roofs are perfectly flat. This feature is allowed to let water to flow. Like in the case of our client above, damage can happen at the highest point of the roof then lets in water to flow to the lowest part of your home (where you see the problem).

Examine the Slope

When you get on top of the roof surface and identify the position of the damage, examine the slope. The problem might be a crack, a tear, a puncture, or a missing part of the roof. Find out how it’s possible for the leak to penetrate the roof structure to reach the ceilings below. If your roof has been around for many years, you might realize there are multiple damaged spots. In this case, classify the issues so that you have problems you can tend to immediately and those that can wait. Whatever is letting in water is an emergency whether big or small.

If the Roof Looks Fine…

Check the seams. The sides of your roof may be the source of the leak. So go around the edge of the roof to identify any weaknesses. You might notice leak problems where the walls attach with the roof, around the vents, or chimneys. There could also be a problem with the water repellents, metal flashing strips.

Clean the Damage

Now that you know what the problem is, it’s time to prepare the place for repairs. A dirty surface makes it hard to get quality results when you decide to repair the damage the repair material might not bond properly. Also, cleaning the area provides the opportunity to see the problem better. So clean the damaged area by removing the debris, dirt, gravel, and stagnant water. A tough-bristled broom and a mop will come in handy for this purpose.

After cleaning, dry the target area using a piece of cloth or towel. While you can use mechanical ways to dry your roof, it’s better to let it dry on its own for a day or two. Then use a sealant, roofing caulk, or cement to cover it. Ensure you press your repair material so it reaches every corner of the damage, then level it so it’s even with the rest of the roofing surface.

If you realize your roof has blisters, that’s as a result of trapped moisture and overheating. Pop these swollen or blistered parts on your flat roof using a utility knife. Ensure the cut is shallow so you don’t puncture the roof material. Then scrape off any protruding roofing material and throw it away. If it feels wet, wipe the area using a rag until it’s dry before applying a sealant.

In some instances, forcing a sealant on these areas can be difficult requiring you to create a shallow “pothole” for the sealant to stick. So take your knife and curve a shallow cut as you remove the material around the area. Alternatively, cut narrow strips on the damaged spot so it’s capable of holding and bonding with the sealing material. Again, be careful not to slice through the roof material.

Apply a Coat of Roofing Cement

Fill the section you’ve cut out on the roof with a layer of roofing cement. Push the cement into the carve then level it so that it evens the rest of the roof. Cover about 15 cm wider than the damaged area. If the holes or damage is 2.5 cm or less, seal it using caulk. Afterward, take a piece of fiberglass mesh and cover the patch to waterproof it. Make sure the mesh is holding down onto the cement by tapping and pressing it in place.

Open up your can of roofing cement again and cover the fiberglass mesh. This should be thick enough to hide the mesh underneath it. Then use a trowel to smoothen the surface. Don’t leave your repair as it is because UV rays might destroy it by breaking the chemical bonds holding everything in place. Take ballast and spread it over the cement patch then use your trowel to spread it over evenly and to cover all the cement patch. This absorbs UV rays to allow the repair to last longer.

Another important ingredient you shouldn’t forget is applying a layer of a reflective coating. As the name suggests, it will help reflect the sun rays that can break down the chemical bonds in the cement.

You can buy a roof repair kit that contains everything necessary to patch your roof damages. Most kits contain patches that help solve leaking problems from larger surfaces and caulk for sealing cracks and small holes. With a kit, you have everything you need to successfully repair your roof. Make sure you compare the color of the patches with that of your roof color.

Use your utility knife to cut out the damaged area, removing any loose particles, dirt, and grime. You can cut into the roofing membrane as deep as two and a half centimeters. If the damaged roofing material isn’t removed, you can still go deeper but make sure you don’t puncture the lower layers of your roof.

Fill the Damage on the Flat Roof With a Layer of Roofing Cement

Shop a can of roofing cement (make sure it’s labeled for the type of roofing you have to effectively repair the damage). Then spread the appropriate amount of the cement on the damaged area so it doesn’t overflow or is too little. Use a trowel to press it in the damage as well as make a smooth surface, even to the rest of the roof. You want to apply cement around the damage for about 5 centimeters from the damaged section.

Cut a patch that is slightly wider than the area you are repairing. Then take and place it on your freshly spread roofing cement. Press the patch to make sure it sticks. If necessary, cut the patch so it’s the right size to the area covered with cement. After the patch, cover your repair work with a layer of roofing cement. Make sure this coat covers past the patch. Then smoothen it so it’s at the same level as the rest of the floor surface.

To ensure the surface is not exposed to water damage, add another patch to the area you are working on. This time, the patch should also be slightly longer and wider than what you’ve already laid on the floor. You might realize the repair work more protruding this time considering that the last repair layers were leveling the rest of the roof. While it might affect the aesthetics of your roof, it’s a move that makes your work more long-lasting. The good part is that most flat roofs are not visible to the public. The protruding part won’t be a big problem.

Just like before, press this patch on the roofing cement surface so it sticks. Try and make it level your roof surfaces as much as you can. The edges must bond with your roof material to prevent water damage and moisture from penetrating the patch. So get your roofing cement, add it around the edges (while they are dry) then press the edges of the patch to attach it to the roof.

It’s now time to add the final layer of roofing cement. Scoop it and add a thin coat to the patch. Try as much as possible to make the layer even to the roof materials. Then protect the surface from UV rays that can potentially break the chemical bonds in your patch by adding ballast to the repair mark. Alternatively, find a reflective coating material and apply it to your patch to protect against sun damage.

Clean the Roof

Resealing your roof is the option you go with if there is too much damage to your roof. You begin the process of cleaning the roof surface. Use a hard-bristled broom and clean away debris, dust, and clear all the damaged surfaces. Dispose off the dirt according to your local government requirements. Roofing contractors already understand this that’s why you should involve a roofing company from the onset of your repair project.

Apply a Bitumen Primer

Get ready with a paint roller, then pour a generous amount of bitumen primer on the roof surface from one of the corners. Use your paint roller to spread the primer on the surface. Ensure your spread is even, about 1 cm thick. Coat the roof surface neatly from one end to the other. Add another pour of the bitumen primer when the initial one depletes until you cover the whole roof.

After you’ve successfully spread a coat of bitumen primer on the roof surface, give it time to dry. Not less than 20 minutes. The drying time might take longer during cold seasons. Also, read the manufacturer’s drying recommendations to be sure your bitumen primer coat dries properly. Try the primer after the dry time is over by using your finger to be sure it’s properly dry. If you use a bitumen primer that’s not set, expect the sealant not to bond with it properly, which will result in poor quality work.

Layer Your Dry Primer With a Sealant

Mix your sealant to create a smooth semi-liquid substance. Use a mixing stick to stir through the can so that its components mix properly the solid part will rise from the bottom to mix with the liquid part. It should be easy to pour and spread across the roof surface.

Then just like you did in the first step, begin by pouring it in one corner of the roof then use a paintbrush to spread it evenly as you move to the other end of the roof. It’s important to work in one direction so your work is smooth and about 1 inch thick all around.

Lay a Fiberglass Mesh Over the Wet Sealant

You can get fiberglass mesh in big rolls. So measure your roof and buy one that fits well. But be careful the size you buy because carrying the mesh up the roof can be an uphill task, literary. If you already bought a big mesh that is making it hard to take to the roof, ask for help from a friend or cut it into manageable bits. When you get it up there, use a pair of scissors to cut its edges so that it fits on the roof accordingly. Clamp one end of the fiberglass mesh to allow you to spread it effortlessly.

Unroll the mesh over the wet sealant if it’s in a roll or unfold it if it’s folded. Use any weights you can find around you to secure the mesh flat on the roof as you cover your surfaces with it. By the end of it, let the mesh be at the same level as the roof surface without bumps or uneven spots.

Cover the Mesh With Another Sealant Coat

Once your fiberglass mesh is in position, take your sealant and brush it over the mesh. This should be another half an inch of sealant coat. Doing this not only holds the mesh in position but also completely seals out moisture in the future. You can let the mesh overlap your roof surfaces for about 2 inches.

Depending on the size of your home, do this process severally until you cover the entire roof. Finally, let your work dry for the next 12 hours. If possible, let it stay for a few days before you can apply another coat of sealant. If you think the roof is dry enough, it’s time to spread your sealant. Then give it time to dry and check your work afterward.

You will notice dark patches and small holes which indicate that the specific sections are not waterproof. So, seal these isolated marks as well as fill the holes. Then spread another layer of sealer all over the roof, half an inch thick.

Add a Reflective Coating

A reflective coating ensures that your work is protected from the sun’s rays. If you leave your roof exposed, UV rays hit it to break down the chemical bonds. So open a can of reflective coating and stir it using a stick to make an even paste. Get a paintbrush to help you reach the hard-to-reach areas of the roof with the reflective coating. Then take a paint roller to quickly spread a layer of reflective coating on the rest of the roof. Ensure your work is even and smooth all around the roof.

You could choose to use rocks or ballast which absorb the UV rays instead of reflecting them away. Your reflective coating might take more than eight hours to dry depending on the weather conditions.

Roof repairs are temporary precautions that can help you stay dry in your home but not for long. You’ll realize you have to do regular repairs to the roof over and over as the damage becomes worse. If your flat roof needs complete resealing now, then chances are that it will need replacing soon. So, as you repair it, make arrangements to have it replaced within the coming few months.

Ideally, flat roofs should last for more than two decades. That’s if they are properly installed and the proper regular maintenance is done. Over time, the materials then start to break down and disintegrate. You might start seeing roof leaks when the roof is about 12 years old or more. If you suspect that your roof damages are a result of age and disintegration, repairs will not do much to protect it. Just consider replacing it as s

A single damage to your roof might give you a few months of service, but when there are several leaks, it makes economic sense to replace it soon. The situation can be worse if the initial installation wasn’t done properly.

Comparing the cost of repairs and replacing your roof is another important thing to do when a roof problem situation occurs. You need to add up the material costs and contractor charges. When a roof repair takes as much money as installing a new one, then it’s better if you replaced it. Consult a professional roofer to compare the costs in light of the condition of your home.

Sometimes even a roofing expert is not able to rescue your roof through repairs. The sooner you know your roof’s limit the quicker you will repair it and save yourself the hassle and loss of money.

When to Stop Wasting Money and Time on Roof Repairs

Some roof surfaces look good on the surface but their deck has been weakened over time. In such instances, you are better off replacing your roof than repairing it. It doesn’t matter what the roof surface looks like when the deck is in bad condition.

If the deck is bad, you will notice dips and hollows on the roof surfaces, especially on roofs with timber as their structure and bitumen materials that have lost elasticity.

Sometimes a professional will climb up there to assess the situation. They must be very careful when walking up there.

How to Maintain Your Flat Roof After a Repair Job

We encourage you to invest in a sealer after successfully repairing your roof. It might raise the repair costs but worth the investment. If you properly apply a sealer on your roof, maintaining it becomes easier. All it will demand from you is to regularly clean the dust and debris from the gutters and surface. Also monitor if the flashing is working properly.

Schedule overhaul cleaning every time a storm happens or after every six months. If trees surround your home, you want to make periodic cleaning at least after three months. And considering that flat roofs accumulate leaves faster, which later rot as they collect moisture, keep an eye on your roof anytime you have a chance then clean it.

Whenever you notice a crack, make sure you seal it with caulk immediately. Also replace the flashing pieces to prevent leakages.

The Cost of Flat Roof Repairs and Replacements

The costs of roof installations, repairs, and replacements vary in a big way depending on the materials involved. EPDM, TPO, and PVC roofing materials are costly to repair and replace even without including the contractor costs. The strange bit about flat roofs is that they cost higher to repair if you compare to other roofing designs. This happens because they take longer to repair and requires double the effort you’d put on a sloping roof.

A contractor will charge you according to the current condition of your roof and the work they anticipate doing. The material type will play a big role in determining how much you’ll use. For materials and labor charges, this could be anywhere between $4 and $9. So if you have a 1000 square foot building, you might need to part with between $4,000 to $9,000.

Some of the costs that most people don’t expect include the dirt removal fees and the disposal charges as well. Including ventilation, roof drains, and extra underlayment also raises the costs.

Also, expect commercial flat roofs to have a slightly higher cost to repair and replace. The reason is that most materials used to roof commercial buildings are expensive.

Contact Roofing Professionals at Tornado Roofing Co for Flat Roof Repairs

Going up a ladder onto your roof, identifying the problem, and doing a perfect roof repair job is not as easy as many homeowners would wish. There’s a lot that could go wrong if you decide to do this by yourself. It’s always better to contact a professional roofer to help you do the roof repairs and get quality results. Tornado Roofing Co is your partner when it comes to all your roofing needs. We are affordable and provide quality results on all our roofing projects. We are only a phone call away.

Regardless of the roofing system you choose, you want it to be installed properly by an expert roofer. That way, you enjoy the full value of your investment. At Tornado Roofing, we give free quotations on roofs for all types of buildings and do the best installation to achieve durable and visually pleasing results. If you need to install a metal roof on your home or business premises in Florida, reach out to us.