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 San Francisco
Regardless of the roofing company in San Francisco 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 $78 to $116 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
If your roof needs repair, a few things—such as pest damage—will clue you in. According to a recent Forbes Home survey, 50% of homeowners experienced home damage caused by pests. Additionally, if you see interior or exterior damage or find sunlight leaking in through unintentional holes in the roof, you may need to schedule a repair.
The following types of roof damage are other things to look out for, as they may signal the need for repairs.
Natural Damage
Nature can often cause all types of damage to your roof. Broken tree branches, moderate winds and routine rainstorms are common, though, so most roofing materials should be able to withstand them. However, when more extreme weather conditions arise, it’s best to have a professional check your roof for damages.
Installation Issues
When you’re able to see extensive amounts of tar covering the flashing directly after a roof installation or repair, it’s highly likely that the job was done poorly. You may also need to check for kick-out flashing that’s missing from the bottom or dormer wall intersections. The good news is most skilled roofing contractors can add the missing components so you don’t have to buy a new roof.
Leaks
While roof leaks are bad, finding the leak in question can be even more challenging. And houses with flat or pitched roofs are more prone to leaks than others because the material they’re made of (typically tar, rubber or plastic) degrades faster than other surfaces like stone or clay.
Improper Ventilation
Homes with poor ventilation may experience more roofing problems. And you’ll know you have a ventilation problem if there’s condensation anywhere in your attic, under your roof or elsewhere. It’s helpful to also monitor your attic for delaminating (separating of layers) plywood. When the temperature rises in spring and summer, you may notice that the higher floors in your home won’t stay cool. If that’s the case, your attic may benefit from additional venting. A professional can help fix the problem and determine whether you need a repair or an entirely new vent system.