How Much Does a Roof Repair Cost?

A home’s shingles and other roof materials account for the bulk of roof repair costs. However, other parts of a roof can also need repair if damaged by weather or structural issues. Click here for more info.

Examples include cracked vents or a skylight that leaks. Another common problem is a roof valley, which is where two descending slopes meet. Water and snow can build up there, which can cause a leak. Repairs for this issue usually range from $250-$750.

Shingles

Shingles are the most common roofing material. They can be damaged by hail and deteriorate over time. A roof repair company charges $300 to $1,500 to replace and seal shingles, depending on the type and damage.

Occasionally, a roof leaks through holes in the shingle layers or the flashing. The holes can be caused by aging shingles or pests. A homeowner should inspect the interior ceiling in the attic and watch for water stains or drips to spot a problem before it gets worse.

Rainstorms often carry shingle granules into the gutters. A buildup of granules on the gutters can signal that the shingles are deteriorating and need replacement.

Vent Boot

There are many different aspects of your home that require regular attention to keep it in good shape. One such item is the roof vent pipe boot, which helps keep rainwater out of your house’s plumbing vents.

A properly functioning roof vent boot should be watertight, but it’s not indestructible and can break down over time, especially in climates with extreme temperature shifts. The resulting leaks can cause significant damage to your home, including soaked insulation, mildew and mold, and water stains on ceilings.

Fortunately, fixing the problem is a relatively simple and affordable project for any roofer. The cost of a new vent pipe boot can range between $75 and $250, depending on the materials used (plastic, rubber, galvanized steel, or copper) and the type of boot, which should be made with a flexible material to ensure a tight seal around the pipe. Joyland Roofing offers a high-quality product called nevaleak® that is durable, flexible, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Flashing

Many roof components go unnoticed, but flashing is one that can save homeowners from expensive leaks and damage. It seals crevices around structures like chimneys, vent pipes, dormers, skylights, and more.

Leaks often occur where the roof meets masonry walls or intersections. These areas are prone to water penetration, which can lead to rot and mold growth. Flashing is installed in these areas to prevent moisture penetration and direct the flow of rainwater.

Flashing is typically made of metal, such as galvanized metal or copper. It can be installed as continuous pieces or as a two-part system. Two-part flashing (called apron or base flashing) provides better protection for chimneys and other hard-to-reach areas of the roof.

Long pieces of flashing have built-in expansion joints to flex as the home expands and contracts with weather changes. Flashing should be checked for wear and tear on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning. It’s also important to replace the flashing immediately if you find a leak.

Repairing Leaks

A roof leak can lead to significant damage over time if it’s not addressed. Water can rot wood framing and sheathing, destroy insulation, and stain ceilings. If you find water stains on your ceiling, call a professional to repair the leak immediately, even if it’s just a small spot.

Some surface repairs are relatively inexpensive, such as replacing a few blown-off shingles and repairing a vent boot or leaky skylight. Gutter and downspout cleaning is another inexpensive, DIY fix.

Leaks are more costly to fix because they usually require more materials and take longer to complete. If you suspect a leak, hire a helper to stay inside while you run a garden hose up on the roof. Soak one area at a time, moving the hose to a different location each time. The water stains will help you locate the source of the leak. Click here for the next blog post.