Unless you’re a well-seasoned DIYer, repairing or replacing a roof is best left to the professionals.
The lifespan of your roof will vary depending on the roofing material and your local climate. All of these factors will also impact when and how often your roof will need repaired or replaced.
Roofing Services in Cincinnati
Regardless of the roofing company in Cincinnati that you choose, most will offer a lot of the same services, including:
- Roof inspections that identify:
- Repairs and maintenance
- Shingle and tile repair
- Installation or replacement
- Insulating
- Weatherproofing
- Flashing repair
- Ventilating
- Soffit and fascia repair
- Debris removal
- Roof cleaning (pressure washing away moss, mold, mildew and buildup)
- Sealing, treating or painting (especially for wood or metal roofs)
- Skylight repair or replacement
- Solar panel installation
While these are the typical services offered, you should speak directly to each company that you’re considering to get a full list of the exact services that they offer. On average, you can expect to pay between $37 to $55 for labor alone for most roofing projects.
If you’re already planning a roof repair or replacement project, you should have your gutters checked simultaneously. While there are pros that tackle gutter-specific projects, most roofers can handle this work as well, in addition to some siding and window projects. Before you decide which pro you’ll hire, ask all prospective roofing companies if they offer additional services outside of just roofing, and consider bundling roofing projects with others your pro offers to save time and money.
Signs You Need Roof Repair
There are a few telltale signs that your roof needs repair soon, including pest damage. In fact, in a survey run by Forbes Home, 50% of respondents said they experienced structural damage to their homes because of pests. Also, if you can see daylight through your roof or notice obvious sagging or interior or exterior damage, you need roof repair.
Below are a few other common types of roof damage, which can also present as symptoms of a bigger repair need.
Natural Damage
Damage from fallen trees or tree limbs, hail and wind are common, so most materials made today can withstand a certain amount of natural occurrences. While repairs can be fairly straightforward for these types of issues, make sure to have your roof professionally inspected for damage from bigger storms. This ensures that you fully understand the extent of the damage.
Installation Issues
If you just installed or replaced a roof and are seeing large amounts of tar covering flashing, you may be in trouble—and your installer did not complete the job correctly. Other signs of incorrect installation are missing kick-out flashing at the bottom or dormer wall intersections and missing crickets behind chimneys. A roofing company or contractor can likely install these few missing items.
Leaks
Noticing a roof leak can be scary, but find the roof leak is the quickest way to solve the problem. Typically, flat roofs or roofs with very low pitches are susceptible to leaks over others. The reason for a leak is likely because the material used (often rubber, tar or plastic) degraded faster than the roofing material.
Improper Ventilation
Sometimes, if your home doesn’t have great ventilation, it can affect the health of your roof. The confirmation that you have a ventilation problem usually presents as condensation. Also, check your attic for delaminating (or separating of layers) in your roof plywood. In the warmer months, if you notice that your second story can’t stay cool, your attic could use additional venting. You can call a professional to help you assess the ventilation system and whether it needs an update or replacement.