Hiring a Roof Repair Specialist 101

Damage to your roof is not something to be underestimated. Left unattended, what at first appears as a minor issue can quickly escalate into a major one. Roofs are one of the more hazardous places that you can carry out DIY. Most people defer these jobs to a roof repair specialist.

Your roof could be damaged in any number of ways. You might have an older construction that is simply struggling against the weight of time. There may be an extreme weather event. Sometimes, roofs get damaged through property owner neglect. Whatever the cause, picking the right roof repair specialist to help you is important.

These specialists are armed with the knowledge, the experience, and the tools to get the job done. Hiring one means that you don’t only have an expert on your team but also the assurance that the repair will be done properly. At least, that’s the case if you pick the right contractor.

In this article, we’ll share what to consider when making a hiring decision. You’ll also learn what types of repair you’ll need for what type of damage. Plus, what you can do to prepare before a repair and how you can minimize the chances of future damage.

Understanding Roof Damage

The signs that your roof has been damaged aren’t always obvious. That’s especially true if you aren’t well-versed in what roofs look like. Damage is often more subtle than a missing tile or a sagging structure. There are smaller, stealthier signs that the untrained eye often misses.

Common Cause of Roof Damage

• Age: Older roofs suffer from material degradation and eventually lose their overall effectiveness.
• Weather: It doesn’t even have to be extreme weather. The wrong roof can suffer badly in inclement weather and snow. Extreme events such as storms, high winds, and hail have a more noticeable effect.
• Poor maintenance: Arguably, this is the primary reason roofs suffer from smaller areas of damage. Poor maintenance can create larger issues. This includes leaving gutters blocked, failing to remove debris, and allowing moss and lichen to build up.
• Poor installation: If the original installers did a bad roofing job, then sadly, damage is likely to occur eventually.

Signs of Roof Damage

• Tiles or shingles are cracked, curling, or completely missing.
• Elements of the roof appear to be sagging or bowing.
• Internally, you spot a leak or signs of water entering the property.
• A build-up of moss or lichen. Both require sufficient moisture to thrive. Therefore, their presence indicates a persistent lack of drainage.

It’s easy to write off some of these as a minor issue. Please don’t. Remember that these small, seemingly insignificant issues can cause huge headaches down the line. It’s also important to note that if you spot sagging in the roof structure, you should seek professional help immediately as a matter of safety.

Why Use a Roof Repair Specialist?

It’s always tempting to try and complete repairs by yourself or use the cheapest contractor you can find. Budgets are at a premium, now more than ever. This shouldn’t be one of those times when you make a decision solely based on price. Your roof is a complex beast, and working with it can be a dangerous undertaking.

When you hire an expert, you hire someone who lives and breathes roofing. They understand the nuances and can expect the unexpected. They’ll likely also come with a team of people, meaning the job will be completed far more efficiently.

One of the best things about working with a roof repair specialist is the added benefits. Benefits such as extended warranties, work permits completed for you, and a schedule of work.

How to Choose a Roof Repair Specialist

There are many roof repair specialists out there, and picking the right one can feel like an uphill struggle. Follow this advice, and you’ll find someone who will complete your roof repair successfully:

• Ask for certifications and experience: Many reputable contractors will have this information readily available on their websites. Look to see what accredited bodies they are part of and if they have the necessary certifications in place. You can also get a good indicator of experience based on how long they have been in business.
• Reviews and references: There will be reviews and testimonials on many contractor websites, but a great way to get legitimate ones is to turn to third-party review platforms such as Google and Trustpilot.
• Insurance and licensing: Any contractor that you consider must have both insurance and appropriate licenses for your area. If they don’t, don’t consider using them. You may face liability issues should anything happen.
• Local expertise: Different areas require different tactics. A local roof repair specialist will understand the climate and the effect it will have on your roof. Furthermore, they’ll understand what building codes are enforced. This all means they can offer you a truly tailored solution.
• Estimate and contracts: A free estimate should be a standard feature. Once agreed, ask for a contract that is signed by both parties. This should be clear to everyone involved, including a scope of work and a timeline. The cost of the roof repair should be clearly stated without hidden extras.

Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Hiring a roof repair specialist might seem like an intimidating task. After all, you want to get it right. This is your home, and it needs protecting. By following this guide and adhering to the selection criteria listed above, you’ll find a contractor that you can feel confident with.

• Some jobs are best left to the professionals. Major roof repairs are one of them.
• Don’t be tempted to leave small patches of damage until later. What starts small could end dramatically.
• Reviews and testimonials are often a great indicator of how reliable a roof repair specialist is.

Trenton Roofing has been repairing roofs for decades. We know the ins and outs of roof repair, no matter the damage or the materials. We’ll provide you with a no-obligation, free estimate for any repairs required. All you have to do is give us a call, and we’ll explain the whole process from start to finish.