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Is a hole in the roof an emergency?

Whether it is a limb on the roof that has put a hole in the roof or the high winds and hailstones have knocked off some shingles, you need emergency roof repair, possibly roof replacement. At any time that the attic or the interior of the home is subjected to weather elements, getting professional service should be sought sooner rather than later. 

What should you do if your roof is leaking?

Go up into the attic and look for roof leaks there. There may be water dripping, trickling, or pouring into the attic through the roof. If the rain has stopped, look for water stains, wet insulation, and roofing rafters. Of course, if you see any gaping hole, you know you have a roof leak and need emergency roof repair service immediately.

What should you do while waiting for roof repair?

If a storm comes through and leaves you needing emergency roof repair, there are chances that others in the Houston area are going to need emergency roof repairs or replacement too.  But you need to protect your home while waiting for a roofing contractor to arrive, so, what should you do in the meantime for temporary protection? 

• Safety Check: Check your entire home, exterior, and interior to make sure there aren’t any immediate dangers to your family and the rest of your home. Look for broken roof pieces in and around your home, and pick up any broken glass, and other debris that could be dangerous and harmful. Make sure there aren’t any live, loose electrical wiring, leaking gas or water lines. 

• Temporary Cover Roof Leaks: You’ve called your roofing contractor, but in the meantime, you need to prevent additional damage by covering the damaged area. What is the best temporary roof covering? Using a plastic tarp is ideal to cover the damaged area. This will prevent additional damage to your home and stop further damage from happening to the roof. Stretch the tarp over so that it is a foot over each side of the hole, then fasten it down with 2×4 boards and screws. 

• Call Your Insurance Company: After you have called a roofing contractor and made temporary repairs to stop the leaking, call your insurance company. Advise them you have roof damage and have an emergency roof repair service on the way or already done. They will assign a case number and an insurance adjuster to your case. The adjuster will get there as quickly as possible and perform an inspection. 

Can just a section of a damaged roof be repaired?

Maybe, but it may not be feasible or suggested.  If there is more than 25% of the roof damaged, the entire roof should be repaired or replaced. A partial repair will leave the roof with mismatched roofing material. While there may not be immediate obvious damage to the rest of the roof, the damaged area could weaken the entire roof. Have emergency roof repairs for the obvious and then at a later date, have the entire roof inspected again, replacing if necessary.

What time of year is best for roof repairs?

Roofing contractors prefer doing roof repairs or new roof installation during the fall. Here in Texas, this is a cool time of the year with mild weather (for example, spring brings more rain and hailstorms). However, if you need emergency roof repairs, you might need roof repair at any time of year. It simply takes planning on the roofing contractor’s part to figure out how to prevent further problems during the roof repair process.

In Conclusion

With emergency roof repairs, there are often other parts of your home damaged as well. This can include the siding, windows, and window sills, as well as any of the exterior parts of your home. The insurance adjuster will include all these areas, including the attic, in their inspection process.

If you don’t have a mortgage, the check will be made out to you, but don’t skip the repairs. Once you have filed a claim with your insurance company, a record is created and if you have another claim later, they could deny the claim stating homeowner neglect to previous damage. The insurance company may cancel your policy altogether, and you may find it challenging to get a new policy. 

Bear in mind that the roofing company you work with will often be able to help in the insurance claims process as a part of their emergency roof repairs. If you’ve found yourself in need of help, reach out to us today. Give us a call at 832-479-0336 to speak to a member of our team about what we can do for you.

What is involved in a roof inspection?

If your contractor is thorough, a roof inspection should include checking roof penetrations like vents and skylights, the attic ventilation, and more, including the following: 

• Attic ventilation: This is typically the first thing a roof inspection will include. Making sure the attic can breathe is important because if cold and hot air gets trapped, it can lead to leaks and will shorten the lifespan of the roof. Inspections should also involve checking the insulation. Too much insulation or poorly applied insulation can affect roof ventilation.
• Visible roof leaks: A professional roof inspection will include checking for obvious leaks like water stains on the ceiling and walls. If they find any, they will trace it back to where the leak is coming from and make their recommendation for repair or replacement.
• Roof layers: Professionals like those at Innpreconn Roofing will check how many layers your roof has during this roof inspection. If someone has reroofed directly over another set of shingles, you could have problems like moisture build-up. 
• Roof decking: A good inspection will check the decking to see if it is solid or spongy. They also check that nails are holding firm. If the decking is soft and spongy, the contractor will recommend a new roof. 
• Roof vents: A roof inspection will include the vent system. This includes gable, ridge, or soffit vents. Contractors make sure these components are unobstructed and if there are gas appliances, they will make sure those appliances are properly vented. 
• Shingles: The inspection will include the condition of the shingles. If the shingles were installed incorrectly, the lifespan is short. If the nails were driven sideways, this creates bumps in the roof, making it less stable. The roof inspection will include looking for any broken, buckling, cracked, loose, or missing shingles. 
• Penetrations and skylights: A roof penetration is anything that sticks out through the roof like skylights and vents. Inspectors check to make sure they have rubber boots or flashing and do not show any sign of leaking. 
• Chimneys: The chimney is another roof penetration, but it requires additional inspection like the flashing, the mortar, and the chimney cap. 
• Flashing: The roof flashing is another important part of the roof inspection. Inspectors make sure it is in place, has no rust, and is secure. 
• Gutters: Your roof inspection will include checking the gutters and downspouts. The contractor will make sure they are fastened and secure, there aren’t any cracks or open seams, and there isn’t any blockage. 

How long does a roof inspection take?

The average single-story home of 2,000 square feet or less takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour for a complete, thorough roof inspection. For a multi-story or a home with more than one attic, a roof inspection can take up to 2 hours or longer. 

How often should your roof be inspected?

A roof inspection should be done every other year by a professional for the first 10 years. Then they should be conducted annually after that until it is time to replace the roof.

An important note: Get an inspection after any significant weather event to make sure no damage has occurred.

How do you determine a roof’s condition?

The lifespan for asphalt shingle roof systems is somewhere between 15-40 years. But not all homes will sustain the same damage. The deterioration, wear, and tear can vary.  Therefore, monthly roof inspections by the homeowner are important. The things to be checked include: 

• Normal wear and tear: As soon as a roof is installed, it starts to deteriorate because it is immediately exposed to the elements, especially the sun’s UV rays. This can sound alarming, but it is normal, however, if you see cracked or curling shingles, dark streaks, or a significant amount of granules missing, a professional roof inspection should be scheduled. 
• Storm damage: After hailstorms or high winds, get a roof inspection for cracked shingles, missing shingles, large dents, or holes.

Why is a roof inspection important?

A roof inspection can find issues with a roof that can be addressed before bigger problems begin like roof leaks. The roof is an important part of a home’s stability and if it has any weak areas, the stability of the house becomes weaker. 

How much does a roof inspection cost in the US?

The cost of a roof inspection will vary from contractor to contractor. When you first contact Innpreconn Roofing for any roofing solution, the initial roof inspection and estimate are free.

Some contractors will charge for inspections. And, often, roof inspections are part of maintenance plans that have various charges depending on the plan.

You might also get charged for a roof inspection as part of a home inspection when buying or selling a home.

Again, prices will vary from contractor to contractor and from service to service. But, remember, the first inspection we provide for you is free.

What is asphalt roofing made from?

Asphalt shingle roofs are still the most common roofs in the country. Today, there are different types of asphalt shingles, including organic and fiberglass, but for each, the manufacturing process is similar. Here are the basic components of asphalt shingles:

• Mat base: Currently, asphalt shingle roofing material starts with either an organic base consisting of cellulose or an inorganic base of fiberglass. The wood in the organic mat base, when saturated with asphalt, becomes water resistant. This makes organic shingles a good option. The fiberglass base mat also becomes water-resistant when asphalt you add asphalt. It’s a little lighter than organic base.
• Asphalt: On top of the base mat, an asphalt blend is applied for the asphalt and a filler-type mineral is mixed together and applied to the base for waterproofing purposes. Another component is added to make the asphalt shingle roofing material fire-resistant and then the finished product is aerated so that the shingle material is flexible. Flexibility makes the shingles easier to install. 
• Granules: The part that’s seen from the ground are the granules. This is a layer of crushed rock that is applied in an uncolored state or in any of the many asphalt shingle colors that can match any architectural color of a home. Other substances added at this time include an algae-resistant material and a reflective material.  

How long does asphalt roofing last?

The lifespan of asphalt shingles will vary based on the type of shingle used. In general, however, asphalt shingle roofs will last anywhere between 15-40 years. Your roof will last longer and need fewer asphalt shingle repairs with regular maintenance.

• 3-tab shingles: These are basic flat shingles that last anywhere from 15-30 years.
• Architectural shingles: These are thicker asphalt shingle materials that are a little more expensive than the basic 3-tab asphalt shingle roof material, but the architectural shingle has a longer lifespan. These roofs last 20-30 years.
• Premium: Thick shingles designed with impact resistance in mind. These shingles tend to cost more than other types of shingles but tend to have greater longevity. They will last anywhere between 25-40 years.

Again, shingles may have longer or shorter lifespans depending on maintenance. Getting regular maintenance will help you catch any minor issues before they become major. Regular maintenance also gives you a timetable to prepare for replacement.

When should asphalt shingles be replaced?

With professional annual inspections of your asphalt shingle roof, small issues can be caught and fixed before they become larger problems. When it comes to asphalt shingle repair, you especially want to catch leaks as soon as possible. Leaks and other damage jeopardize the roof’s and home’s structural soundness. 

The type of roofing materials used, the climate and environment, as well as the maintenance of the roof will all affect the frequency of roof replacement. The following is a basic recommendation for different roofing materials: 

• Asphalt shingle roofing: 15 to 40 years
• Wood shingle roofing: 20 to 25 years
• Rubber roofing: 30 to 50 years
• Metal roofing: 50 to 75 years

High humidity, long-term exposure to UV rays, and severe weather can take a toll on any type of roofing, but asphalt shingle roofing especially. After any significant type of weather, it is recommended you have a roofing professional inspect your roof for possible damage.  From hailstones to high winds, asphalt shingle roofing can be damaged in ways that aren’t visible from the ground or by the untrained eye.

Can you replace just a section of shingles?

When roofs are damaged, it’s rare that the whole roof gets damaged. Sometimes just a small section of your roof will need asphalt shingle repair. If only a small section of the roof has been damaged, it might be possible only to repair or replace that section of shingles. Much of this will depend on the type of damage.

When you have a professional inspect your roof for damage, make sure their inspection is thorough. You want them to inspect areas such as the flashing, fascia, gutters, vents, and inside the attic. A thorough inspection will determine how much of the roof needs to be repaired or replaced.

If there is extensive damage, it’s usually best to replace the roof. Fortunately, if the roof has been damaged by a natural event like a storm or by some other unexpected event, the repairs will be covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Insurance will not cover damage due to neglect. Check with your insurer to see what the policy covers if you are unsure.

You also want to get help from a qualified roofer when it comes to help with roof insurance claims. Roofing professionals can inspect the damage, provide you with photos and other documentation to file with the claim, and will verify the damage with the adjuster if needed.

What is the number one cause of roof failure?

Deterioration of your roof’s structure caused by water intrusion is the leading cause of roof failure. Wood structures like rafters, when continually exposed to water, may grow mold or bacteria that causes the wood to decompose. Metal roofs exposed to too much water can rust or corrode. Failing shingles, damaged membranes, and interior condensation often allow water to intrude into the roof’s structure. Here are 6 other leading causes of roof failure:

• Failures of the roof’s drainage system, clogs in particular
• Other nearby buildings shedding water runoff onto your roof
• Too much insulation that stops heat loss and changes melt-off patterns
• Improper structural modifications to plumbing, mechanical, or electrical systems, etc., that affect the structural integrity of roof trusses
• Damage caused during installation to roof trusses.
• Flawed design errors

Why should roofs be patched up immediately?

Leaks can create serious problems when it comes to roof repair. If you delay the repair for too long, you run the risk of serious water damage to your home. Leaks lead to mold growth that affects the structural integrity of your roof and can affect your indoor air quality. In the long run, this means more expensive repairs, as well as reduced energy efficiency.

What causes roofs to leak?

There are, in general, 5 common causes of roof leaks: people, problems with seams, neglect, rooftop equipment and weather.

• People: Most roofs can handle light foot traffic, and sometimes it is necessary to walk on roofs. On commercial buildings, for instance, you may need to make repairs to rooftop HVAC systems. But, people may be careless when it comes to walking on rooftops and drop tools or mishandle parts.
• Seams: On commercial buildings especially, the seams of roofing membranes will delaminate and lead to leaks.
• Neglect: Not taking care of your roof with regular maintenance will cause all sorts of problems from debris piling up and creating clogs to mold and moss growth due to moisture build-up under failing shingles.
• Rooftop equipment: Large equipment like HVAC on commercial rooftops can create problems, especially if repair technicians are neglectful. Screws can be pulled out and not replaced, which leaves you with a point of entry for water
• Weather: Everything from hail to high winds can seriously damage rooftops. Sometimes the damage might not be obvious. That’s why it’s important to get your roof inspected after these events occur. Professionals will be able to spot damage others might not recognize.

Why do roofs get blown off?

When you have high winds, tornadoes, or hurricanes, these events often create shifts in air pressure. Those shifts in air pressure can lead to roofs getting blown off or lifted away from the roof. Severe weather of all types is quite capable of blowing roofs off.

When tornadoes develop, people often open doors or windows as a safety precaution. This can cause a dramatic shift in the air pressure, which leads to the roof lifting away from the house.

High winds can be dramatic. Sometimes sections of shingles can be lifted up from the decking without being blown off. After the wind dies down, it may appear as if nothing happened. But, when inspected, it will be clear that the nails have been loosened and the shingles have been damaged.

Will homeowner’s insurance cover a roof that’s been blown off?

If your roof ever gets blown off during a storm, you should receive coverage from your insurance company. Usually, homeowner’s insurance covers any sort of damage caused by a natural or unexpected event.

Insurance normally won’t cover any damage, however, that’s caused by homeowner neglect.

It’s best to check your individual policy or consult with an insurance agent to find out exactly what is covered because policies will vary.

Will a roof leak if the shingles have blown off?

Any time you have missing shingles, no matter the cause, you want to get a roof repair as soon as possible. That’s because even one missing shingle leaves your roof vulnerable to leaks. This is especially true if the shingle that’s missing covers a seam. And, there is a 1 in 3 chance that your missing shingle was sitting above the seam between shingles. So, the odds are really not in your favor, when it comes to missing shingles and leaks.

What is the life expectancy of a roof?

The life expectancy of a roof will vary depending on the roofing material that’s used. On the high end of the scale, slate roofing tiles can last more than a century. But, slate roofs are heavy and expensive. Metal roofing tiles are generally lost-lasting with a life expectancy of about 50 years. Metal roofs are expensive to install but are beneficial in the long run. Asphalt shingle roofs are the least expensive to install. They last anywhere between 25 to 50 years. Newer technology improves the shingle’s lifespan and durability.