Enrich Construction’s Guide to Roofing in Columbia, Mo: The Do’s and Don’ts of Roofing Repair and Replacement

Before getting into roof repair and replacement, it’s important to know the parts of your roof system and which areas are more susceptible to damage. If you’re a new homeowner, this is especially important! Here are the basics and common signs of damage to look for:

Soffit – The small overhang on your roof. Small animals love this spot, and tend to create cracks, holes, and rotting. Check consistently to be sure there are no critters making their home there.

Gutter – Most people are familiar with the gutters, where water is collected and drained away from the home. These can easily get clogged though, so be on the lookout for debris obstructing gutter flow.

Flashing – Material around pipes, vents, and other openings on your roof.

Shingles – The flat pieces layered on your roof; look out for warped or curling shingles, a sign you need repairs.

Fascia – The front board along your roof, which can be easily damaged by water.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some things to watch for when it comes to the health of your roof system.

So maybe you’ve noticed some debris build-up in your gutters or a few missing shingles. How do you decide whether repairs or a full replacement of your roof is necessary? Here are a few things to consider when deciding between repair or replacement. Roofing repairs are best for small damages, like shingle replacement or small leaks. Depending on the extent of the damage, generally, a repair is better than a full replacement. When trying to decide how to diagnose the situation, think about the context of the damage. Was there a recent storm? How old is your roof? Also, consider the extent of the damage. Are you missing shingle or is it something more serious? If you come across the following issues, you may need to consider a replacement or more extensive repairs: water spots and discoloration where the roof meets exterior walls; clogged gutters, warped shingles; loose seams in single-ply membranes, and deteriorated flashings. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, water spots, and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas. If you notice black streaks on your shingles, don’t panic. These streaks often form on roof systems in areas with humid climates, but a simple cleaning by a roofing contractor can fix this. Don’t try to power-wash your roof if you see black streaks! It can weaken your roof system. If you have specific questions about roof repair and replacement, give us a call at Enrich Construction.

So, you’re thinking repairs aren’t going to cut it for the amount of roof damage you have, but aren’t sure whether a full replacement is necessary. Here are some signs it’s time to replace your roof system:

• Your roof is 20+ years old.
• Water discoloration on your ceiling, wood rot, or mold growth in your attic, replace immediately.
• If you’re trying to sell your home and have ever had severe issues with your roof system.
• Loss of asphalt granulation
• Missing, curling, or decaying shingles
• Visible cracks
• Rusted or missing flashing

In addition to these signs, avoid common roofing issues and mistakes:

• Over the insulation, which leads to mold.
• Cleaning your roof with a power washer
• Not regularly inspecting your roof
• Re-roofing over shingles

If you decide to replace your roof, you have two choices: a complete replacement of the roof system, which removes your existing roof system entirely and installs a new one, or re-covers the existing roof system involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you’re going to replace your roof, we advise a complete stripping of the old system and installing a brand new one. In the long run, it will be more cost-effective than just covering problem areas. Regardless of the route you take, take action on any repairs or replacement as soon as possible. The longer you leave a damaged roof, the more your home is exposed to the elements, which can create more problems.

Storm damage to your roof system can be caused by minor repairs or depending on the severity, a full replacement. Hail and high winds can wreak havoc on your roof. If you’ve just had a storm with these conditions in your area, check your roof for signs of damage. Look for missing or warped shingles, fascia, and the condition of pipes and vents. You should also check your attic for leaks or water spots. Some damage, however, is not visible and takes a professional’s expertise to spot. If you’re unsure of whether or not you have roof damage, give us a call at Enrich Construction. When it comes to hail damage, the visible telltale signs include dimpled shingles and granules in gutters. However, hail damage is sometimes invisible and is not noticeable until it causes leaks later. If you have an older roof system, your roof is more prone to hail damage and leaks. Leaks begin as water spots on the ceiling. It’s important to be proactive in getting leaks taken care of. Once you have leaks or other damage, get it fixed immediately. Prolonging the repair process will only result in further, more costly damage. If a storm causes a tree to fall onto your home, evacuate as safely and quickly as possible. Have a roofing contractor assess the damage and perform any emergency repairs. You’ll also need to file a claim with homeowner’s insurance. With a more serious storm damage situation like this, you’ll want to hire a high-quality roofing contractor. If you’re in need of roof repairs or replacement because of storm damage, give Enrich Construction a call.

Roof systems can be complicated, especially when damage isn’t visible. Here are some answers to common questions about roof repair and replacement:

How do I know if I need a new roof?
If you’re experiencing any of the issues on our list above, give us a call. We’re happy to set up an appointment to come out and inspect your roof and determine whether you need a replacement or just minor repairs. Again, if your roof system is 20+ years old or you’re planning on selling your home in the future, a roof replacement is a good investment.

How much does a roof replacement cost?
There are several factors that go into determining the cost of your new roof. The quality and care that your contractor puts into your new roof have a large effect, in addition to the brand, type, and grade of roofing shingles you choose. The size, shape, and slope of your roof also have a hand in determining price.

How long does a roof replacement take to install?
Most roof replacements take about 3-4 days, but obstacles like weather can delay your new roof system installation. The size and shape of your roof are also determining factors in the project’s length. Larger and more complex roof systems will naturally take a little more time!

What do I need to do to prepare my home for a roof replacement?
At Enrich Construction, we want to make your roof replacement as seamless and stress-free as possible. We encourage you to spend the day elsewhere during your roof repairs, as loud noise is something that comes with roof removal and replacement. Take pets into consideration as well. We also encourage you to park any vehicles in the street, as this will help lessen the chance of debris falling and damaging your car.

If you have more specific questions regarding roof repair and replacement, give us a call at Enrich Construction.

Have roofing worries? Don’t stress! If you need a roof inspection, repair, or full replacement, don’t hesitate to call us at Enrich Construction. We are dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality, long-lasting results.