Many homeowners face problems with their roofing at some point. It's the tip of the spear in terms of protection from the elements and requires yearly maintenance to keep everything in good working order. When damage occurs on your roof, it needs to be repaired quickly to avoid a larger problem.

The Usual Suspects

Roofing problems can come in a variety of forms, but the most common ones include:

• Leaks - Leaks are the most common problem with roofing. Leaks often occur around flashing, endpoints of the roof, chimneys, and vents. Water enters the home and does a significant amount of damage to your paint, walls, insulation, and even foundation. You can temporarily stop leaks but it's best to have a professional roofer take a look for a more permanent fix.
• Tree Limbs - Falling tree limbs and other debris can leave significant impact damage on your roof. Falling debris can knock off shingles, damaged flashing, dent gutters, and puncture the roof. If the limb is large enough or an entire tree falls over, you and your family can be in serious danger. It's important to inspect the trees around your home for signs of age, disease, and brittleness.
• Ice Dams - In regions of the country with harsh winters, ice dams are a scary prospect for homeowners. Snow that melts off of the higher parts of the roof can re-freeze and clog your gutters, building a dam around the home. This allows for more snow to pile up, increasing the risk of leaks and even a collapsed roof. Make sure to keep your gutters clean, even in the winter, to avoid snow and ice-related problems.
• Age - Over time, every roof needs to be replaced simply due to regular wear and tear. Shingles are damaged or fall off, flashing flares out, leaks become more common, and insulation wanes, leading to higher energy bills. According to This Old House, your roof may need to be replaced if it is over 20 years old. This is a general guideline and the actual lifespan of a roof will vary based on the materials it's constructed with and how much maintenance is done on it.

If you notice leaks, missing shingles, mold or moss, pools of water, or other signs of roof damage, a roof repair or roof replacement may be necessary.

Cost Factors

Of course, repairs and replacements from professional roofing contractors come at a price. If you know some of the factors that go into the cost of roofing repairs and replacements, you can better budget for your project.

• Repair or Replacement - The biggest factor in cost is whether you're going to get a repair or replacement. If it's a relatively new roof, choose repairs and regular maintenance. However, if it's old or you are facing numerous problems caused by poor installation, then a replacement may be more cost-effective. An honest roofing company can help you sort this out.
• Materials - The material you choose for installation is going to have a large impact on pricing. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable option and metal roofing is the most expensive. Other roofing materials, like underlayment, starter shingles, and ice/water shields can add to the price but can be great investments in the long run because they increase the effectiveness of your roof.
• Size and Accessibility - The bigger the roof, the larger the cost. Accessibility also plays a big role. If the roof is very steep, it will likely cost you more due to the added caution required to work on it. Old material that's taken off the roof also needs to be disposed of, and if a dumpster isn't readily accessible, your costs may go up.
• Time and Labor - This one is obvious. The more time and labor that goes into a roofing project, the higher the price. However, it can be difficult to get a good idea of this if you haven't worked with roofing services before. If you're inexperienced, make sure to get quotes from several roofing contractors before you make a decision. The companies don't mind giving free quotes because at the end of the day if you're unable to pay, they're screwed.

Whether you're getting a small roof repair or a full replacement, it's important to have trust-worthy and knowledgeable roofing contractors working on your home. Contact Dolly's Roofing for high-quality roofing services. We offer free inspections and estimates for your next roofing project and back up our work with a 5-year warranty. Contact us today or visit our website for more information!