Roofs are one of the most crucial parts of your home, keeping out the elements and protecting everyone inside. But roofs are not infallible, and there are times when there will be maintenance needed and repairs to be made. For the climate we have in our area, there are many threats to your roofing in Canton Michigan and when it does fail, getting it repaired quickly is a must. To help you understand more about roof repairs and the process, there are a few steps that you should consider.
What Happens When Your Roofing in Canton Michigan Need Repairs?
It may happen in the middle of a storm or it may even happen during the days after a storm, but when you have a roof leak sooner or later it will show up. Typically the first signs you’ll see as a home owner is a brown stain on your ceilings. Over time these stains will likely grow larger and sometimes the ceiling in that area may even collapse as the drywall gets saturated and heavy with water from the roof leak. It’s always best to call a roofer as soon as you see these first signs of a roof leak.
If you have does have a roof leak and you get it repaired quickly the damage to the inside of the home may be minimal. Over time however these damages can start to multiply and so does the price or repairs.
Get A Professional Inspection
The first step in the repair process is to have a professional come out to do an inspection of your roof and attic. This serves to both verify that there is an issue with your roof that needs to be repaired, and make sure there aren’t any other underlying problems. You want to make sure that everything is being taken care of, otherwise the problem can quickly return if not fully dealt with.
Contact Your Insurance
Once you know what is wrong with your roof, you will then need to contact your homeowner’s insurance and file a claim. You should list everything that was found to be wrong. This way, when the adjuster comes out, they do not miss anything the inspector found. They will then determine whether or not they will cover the repairs and how much will be allocated to do those repairs.
Hire A Roofer That is Fully Qualified
After the insurance company has finished their process, you will then need to hire your roofer. Whomever you choose to hire, you need to make sure that they are properly licensed and insured. They should also be local and able to pull the necessary permits to do the job. Look for someone with experience in the type of roof repairs you need and ask for referrals so you can ask questions of previous clients.
Make A Contract for the Project
Never work with any roofer who does not want to have a written contract. You should also make sure you get a copy of this contract before work begins. You should include items like:
- A detailed description of the repairs being done
- The materials being used and how much you need
- The cost of the repairs, including the down payment and payment plan
- A copy of the roofer’s license and insurance information, as well as any permits
- Clear consequences for either side not following the contract
- Dated signatures from both parties (make sure you have your own copy)
Prepare Your Home
Your roofer will let you know if there are any things you should do before the day of the repairs to prepare your home. We recommend removing vehicles and anything around your home to provide better access to your roof and avoid unnecessary damage.
Stay Up to Date on Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial for your roof to stay healthy. You should keep debris off your roof, trim nearby trees, and keep your gutters cleared.
When to Replace
Repairs are not always the way to go. Sometimes you will need to replace your roof rather than repair it. If the roof is over 20 years old, has had frequent repairs in the past, or the cost of repairs is close to the cost of roof replacement, you should instead opt for a roof replacement.
Call Twelve Oaks Roofing
If you have a roof leak on your home be sure to call the experts at Twelve Oaks Roofing today at 248-525-6950. They offer a variety of roofing services including roof repairs and roof inspections.
