Roofing maintenance and repair is a notoriously important aspect of home ownership. A properly functioning roof in good condition is a critical part of your home. If your roof is damaged and the issue is neglected, it can create a cascade of issues that cost a significant amount of money and time to repair.
Even those who practice good roof maintenance will likely run into a roofing problem at some point over the course of your house’s lifetime. But there is good news: if the problems are addressed early, roofing repairs are typically not as expensive as most people assume. Learning to budget for roofing repair and maintenance is a good way to learn what to expect cost-wise, and how to maintain your roof within a budget that suits you. Once you realize how much cheaper a repair is than a full roof replacement, it will become clear that fixing problems right away is well worth it.
What influences the cost of a roof repair?
In this guide we’re going to take a look at common roof repairs and their average cost. However, these should be treated as guidelines. It can be tricky to estimate the cost of a roof repair, because there are a number of factors that can affect the price. Things like the type of shingles, age of the roof, extent of damage, potential permits required, roof slope, and extended damage to other parts (such as chimneys, skylights, or attics) mean that every job is unique. A steeply sloped roof, for example, will be more challenging as contractors need to harness up in order to work safely, and the task is much more challenging that when you’re working on a gentle slope. So what might only take a day on one home can take several on another. Most jobs are quoted by the square foot. The more extensive and more difficult the damage, the higher the cost will likely be.
Single type is one of the largest factors in determining cost. Replacing single square foot of ashphalt shingle might only cost a few hundred dollars, while a square foot of tile roof can approach $1000.
Overall, roofing repairs tend to fall into the price range of $100 – $2,000. We know – it’s a wide window. But breaking down the average cost of typical repairs and accounting for other factors such as those mentioned above will help you gain a better estimate of your roofing costs.
Leaks and Blow-Offs
Leaks and shingle blow-offs are some of the most common damages seen in roofs. It is best to deal with these issues as soon as you notice them, as it will save you time, money, and prevent further damage. Leaks can be caused by poor installments, cracks in flashing, storms, ice dams, or clogged gutters. While there are some exceptions, generally simple jobs are quite cost effective. Typically these repairs can be done for under $1000. Blow offs typically involve replacing shingles, and tend to be slightly cheaper, usually under $500. Blow offs are caused especially high winds or improper installation, and are most common with asphalt shingle roofs. Blistering and Splitting Blistering and splitting are common roof problems that can easily go undetected. They are generally less pressing an issue than leaks and blow-offs, but over time they can lead to extensive damage if left unrepaired. Blistering and splitting can be caused by a number of different factors, including organic buildup (such as moss), poor ventilation, moisture buildup, hail and wind. Most often, clearing your roof of moss and ensuring you keep up with basic roof maintenance can help you avoid these issues.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are popular due to their modern look and affordable installation cost, and repairs can also be quite affordable. That being said, improper installation or neglected maintenance can quickly turn into a severe problem. Ponding is one of the most common issues, where standing water fails to drain away from the roof. If left too long, this can compromise the roof. If caught early enough, ponding can usually be fixed quickly by improving or repairing the drainage system.
Another issue with flat roofs is shrinkage. Sometimes shrinkage is just a result of an extremely old roof, but generally it’s caused by poor design or improper installation. This is one of the reasons that it’s so important to work with an experienced kelowna roofing contractor. Cheaper isn’t always better, spending a little more to get the job done correctly will save you money in the long run, and many companies will provide warranty. Shrinkage happens when a single membrane (generally EPDM) fails. Unlike the damage common with a shingle roof, shrinkage is spread across the roof and not confined to a single area. This requires significant portions to be replaced and costs can often be 10 to 25% or a complete roof replacement.
