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The Answers to Your Most Frequent Roofing Repair Questions From Dallas Roofing Experts

October 17, 2022

Answering Your Roofing Repair Questions

Are you in the Dallas area and need roofing repairs? Here are some answers to the most common questions about roofs that you should be aware of.

Softball-size hail slamming on your roof creates a sound most Texans will never forget.

It's a regular occurrence in Dallas and hits its peak in the hot spring months.

The Insurance Council of Texas found that in March and April 2016, Texas homes endured 4 billion dollars of wind and hail damage. This was an impact every home and family felt.

Roofing repair is a frequent occurrence in these weather conditions.

But how do you know that you're making the right decisions?

Are you paying what is fair? Can insurance cover the damage? What roofing materials might prevent future loss?

These questions all need to be addressed, and you should feel prepared to make the best decisions. Emergency situations often lead us to make uninformed decisions.

Let's answer the most common questions about roofs.

When Does My Roof Need Repaired?

Weather-related property damage aside, how do you know when your roofing material is old?

Each roofing material has a different lifespan. Based on this you can determine if it might be time to reroof.

Average life expectancy:

  • 3-tab Shingles: 15-20 years
  • Overlapping Architectural Shingles: 20-25 years
  • Laminate Roof Shingles: 35-50 years

Based on these predictions you can determine if it's time to assess for roofing repair.

Of course, age is not the sole indicator for replacement. Visible damage should be assessed on a regular basis as well.

Signs of Roof Damage

If you have a single-story home or can manage to safely access your roof, there are a few signs of roof damage you should look for.

  • Curled, cracked, or M.I.A.

If you find that the shingles are deteriorating or missing, it's time to have some roof work done. Damaged Shingles allow moisture to penetrate through to the wood sheathing underneath.

  • Granules in the gutters

As shingles age, they lose the coarse, sand-like granules. Check out your gutters to see if there is a large amount of sediment.

  • Chimneys, vents, and pipes

The seals between shingles and roof openings are the most common points of intrusion. Sealing these areas properly can prevent costly damage.

  • Stains on interior walls

If you notice discoloration on your interior ceiling you might have moisture trapped under your roofing material. Keep in mind that water travels down, so the origin might not be directly above the staining.

Repair Expert

These telltale signs of roof damage can be identified by the homeowner. However, a professional roofing repair service should be used to do the work.

Working on damaged shingles, or steeply pitched roofs can be very dangerous. Proper security measures and trained experts know best.

Can I Claim Weather-Related Roof Damage?

A homeowner's policy that covers roof damage is essential for those living in the Dallas area.

It's important to read through your policy prior to signing on. It's almost like you should imagine that the damage has already occurred. DON'T think "It will never happen to me".

In the whole U.S., Texas had the largest number of severe hail events in 2016. Also, the state has accounted for more than 20% of all hail claim losses since 2000.

Don't Make This Mistake

Some insurance companies will not reimburse you for roof damage if the roof was poorly maintained, or already too old.

If the roofing materials were older than 10 years old they might refuse to pay for the damage. Or they will only pay for the depreciated value.

Regular maintenance is hard to justify sometimes, but a lack of updated materials will cost you in the event of weather-related damage.

Roofing Contractors and Insurance Claims

Assessing damage, communicating with the insurance company, and arranging for repair can be a confusing process.

How does it all work and who is responsible for what?

Before and After

You should take "Before" photos every time you perform roof maintenance. It's an important preventative task. It can be very hard to prove your property's damage to the insurance company.

Similarly, take "After" photos that illustrate the damage directly after the event.

Inspection

Get your roof inspected by a trained, and licensed expert. Having your invoices and estimates on-hand will make the claims process much smoother.

Read through this roofing repair how-to and learn to claim it on your homeowner's policy.

How Much Will Roofing Repair Cost Me?

Roofing styles vary greatly and can make a dramatic difference in the overall cost of the project.

On average, asphalt ahingles are the least expensive per 100 square feet. Conversely, metal roofing can be the most expensive.

Here's a look at the average cost per 100 square feet:

  • Asphalt: $120
  • Tile: $300-$500
  • Slate: $800-$1000
  • Metal: $1500

Asphalt shingles are rated for their ability to resist impact. They range from Class 1, the least resistant, to Class 4, the most.

A Class 4 shingle can withstand a 2'' steel ball falling from 20 feet high. The shingle must withstand two impacts in the same location and show no damage. As well it must prove resistant to two impacts on the edge of the shingle.

If you live in a hail prone area Class 4 shingles are highly recommended.

Roof Style

The type of roof can also have an effect on cost. Typically, a flat roof is easier to work on. Roofs with steep pitches require greater safety precautions and more hours to complete repairs.

Size

The size of your roof has the greatest influence over the total price. Before any work is done the roofer will measure the roof's surface area. Roofing material is sold on a 100 square foot basis.

There are other factors that influence cost and should be considered when planning for roofing repair.

A Roof Over Your Head

There's no doubt that the roofs of Dallas natives endure atypical conditions. Large hail, rain, high wind, and heat do a lot of damage.

It's important to have a roofing expert that you trust fully. There are always scammers, and contractors trying to take advantage of people in emergency situations.

Our allegiance to the Dallas/ Fort Worth community is a hallmark of our business. We understand the unique weather conditions and deliver only quality service and products.

Contact us! Let's begin the process by answering any questions you have about our services.

Why Not Speak to Our Experts?