Roof Repair

Here at Rocky Mountain Roofs, we specialize in asphalt roofing. We strategize to make sure the roof is functioning properly. We will do a thorough inspection to make sure there are no problems whatsoever. If there is a roof repair needed we will let you know of the issue and get started on the repair.

Have a leak? – Learn more about how we spot the problem area and repair the roof.

Why Repair A Roof?

In many instances, this question answers itself. Because it needs fixing. Again, the leaky roof (the most common problem) comes to mind, and you don’t need anyone to tell you that it needs repair. So, the real question is, why repair a roof that apparently has no problems? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Umm, not so fast. Trying to determine the condition of a roof while standing on the ground or inside the home is dubious. It takes inspection both on the roof and on the underside of the roof. Maybe even in walls and other parts of the home.

It takes the experience to know what to look for. A few sections down, we get more into this. For now, realize that your roof is constantly subjected to normal wear and tear on a good day, and little problems could be occurring which are invisible to you, especially if judging all this from inside your living space.

The main reason to repair a roof is so you hopefully don’t have to bear the cost of replacing a roof.

Minor repairs done today could cost you say $400. Let them grow into bigger problems and roof replacement just months from now means you spend 4, even 5 figures. In other words, you took the gamble and lost way more than you otherwise would have.

Regular maintenance, and taking care of minor problems as they come up, is the wise approach. Be proactive rather than reactionary. Maintenance will address the value of the roof and impact its lifespan. Asphalt shingle roofs will normally last 15 to 25 years. Not effectively dealing with little problems means you can bet on it being closer to 15 years.

Regular maintenance doesn’t guarantee you’ll get 25 years, but it is a far safer bet. A roof’s value includes its aesthetic qualities, or how beautiful your home looks with a nearly new roof. But, value also relates to how well the roof functions. In reality, this is the fundamental value of a roof. This is what you are seeking to maintain, as it will directly impact lifespan.

Waiting for repairs to pop up and make themselves visible to you is a gamble. A huge gamble. You can then choose to patch the problem, and if it is truly minor, you’re good to go. If it is major, then the patch is just buying time. Instead of years, think of it as months.

With all this said, the other part of maintenance is routine inspections. If doing these regularly, say twice a year, then one of those times could be done by you. The other inspection could be done by a professional contractor who will likely look in places you wouldn’t consider.

Ideally, you are getting routine annual roof inspections, tackling little problems as they arise and getting the maximum lifespan out of your roof.

Replacement of your roof ought to be scheduled rather than needed to solve a major problem. This is how wise people gamble on their roof.

Then again, some problems are outside of your control even with frequent inspections. And so the rest of this article is for those who need repairs, and wish to make the most of that situation. Keep costs down. Make safe bets. Simple, right?

What To Repair?

So, let’s say the flashing of your roof’s valley is… wait… what’s that? You don’t what flashing is? Or that a roof has valleys? If that’s the case, that’s what we call perfectly normal.

While there are many variations in roof styles, and thus so many possible things that could go wrong, calling for customized solutions, there are also many similarities in roof types. There are also common parts to most roofs. It’s very rare to find truly unique fixtures or design elements on a roof.

Common terms for roof parts or fixtures (which likely relate to repairs) are:

-Chimney

-Flashing

-Valleys

-Ridge Vents, or other venting fixtures

-Shingles, Tiles, or even Sheets

-Skylights

-Underlayment, or membrane
seams

That’s the basics. There are more to roofs than this. We aren’t going to cover all of them, but in the interest of making you aware of as many of them as possible, please see this Glossary of Terms, from the National Roofing Contractors Association. Don’t worry, you won’t be quizzed on this later.

Understanding the terms is helpful for the times when you might need repair or are getting quotes for anything related to your roof. A quote, or written proposal, from a contractor is likely to use these terms as places they checked and determined something needs fixing.

Contractors tend to include their own language regarding methods they use to address an issue, plus materials they would use. Reviewing and understanding the terms is helpful, but always ask a contractor about what the terms they are using actually mean.

A pro will explain it, as their goal is, or ought to be, to get you on the same page, so you are satisfied with the value of their work.