The roof is one of the most important parts of a house or building. Designed to provide protection and insulation, it is also one that will be hit by the various types of weather during its life!
Photos by: Freepik
In areas where stormy weather is expected or there is heavy snowfall in the winter months, a roof can be easily damaged. If damage occurs – for example tiles or shingles are removed or broken – there are no additional costs as rain penetrates into the building fabric. In this article, we are going to explore why it is important to use the services of a professional roofer to repair your damaged roof, what to look for when choosing, and how to check your roof for damage. Why is a roof repair not a home improvement job?
Why use a professional?
You can get yourself a ladder and climb onto your roof to replace the tiles yourself. However, this is a dangerous task unless you know exactly what you are doing. In addition, a professional roofer not only has the necessary knowledge and experience, but is also equipped with the right equipment and materials to properly repair your roof. There is always a chance that more damage that you noticed will occur when a professional starts looking at your roof. For example, the gutter has a finite lifespan and is easy to get blocked or damaged, causing water to run down your walls or pool on the roof. This leads to further damage that needs to be repaired so as not to incur additional costs.
The professional roofer can also tell you whether the repair costs are so high that a new roof is preferable. A roof doesn't last forever and may need to be replaced. However, when repairs get the job done, they're fixed for you. What should you look for when choosing a roofer? We have put together a checklist of questions. Let's look at that.
How to choose the right professional
If you keep an eye on the weather forecast you will know when the storms are coming, but there is nothing you can do to protect your roof. It was built to a standard consistent with the local climate, but damage can occur. Here are some questions to ask a prospective roofer:
- Do you have examples of local work?
- Are you fully insured?
- Are you a member of a professional organization in the industry?
- Do you do the work yourself or do you outsource?
- What professional qualifications and experiences does your team have?
- Do they offer a quote that shows the final cost with no hidden extras?
These are sensible questions to ask any handyman, and you should also make sure you have a chat with them to see if they are the type of person you would enjoy working with on your home. Before we finish, here are a few tips on how to check your roof for damage.
Tips for checking your roof for damage
After a storm or rain, take a stroll around your home looking for missing or peeled tiles and signs of water retention on the roof. Another way to check your roof for damage is to use a drone with a camera attached. If you have overflowing gutters, they will need cleaning or repair. Now look to see if you can spot any obvious signs and contact the professionals for a full survey.
