Can You Repair Just Part of a Roof?

When is roof repair necessary?

When you need a roof repair in Columbus, OH, there are a lot of things you may be wondering about. For example, to save a little bit of money you may be wondering whether it’s possible to repair just a part of your roof rather than having to repair or even replace the entire structure. There are a lot of things you need to know if you are planning to schedule a professional roof repair, and our team can be there to help answer any questions that you may have. You can always give us a call at (937) 761-2994 or (614) 373-2519, or read on for answers to common questions.

What is the most common roof repair needed?

For a business or home in the area, the weather can damage a roof, which can often require professional roof repair. There are six common roof repairs often required by both commercial and residential structures: 

• Repairs to the Flashing: Along with all the other components of a business or residential structure roof, being properly installed is key to a healthy rooftop. This includes the flashing that provides a drip edge for residential roofing and provides leak protection around protrusions on commercial structures. When flashing is not installed properly so it adheres firmly to the surface, a good solid rain will typically yield emergency roof repair service calls for both business structures and homes. 
• Roofing Material Replacement: There are different types of roofing materials for both business and residential structures. Both are subjected to all types of natural elements like overexposure to the sun, hail stones, hard rains, and more. This can cause damage like granule loss on asphalt shingles, blistering on commercial roof membranes, and more.  Each of these should have professional roof repair done as quickly as possible to minimize extensive damage to the interior. 
• Drains and Gutters: On a commercial or industrial structure, the roofing is typically flat with special drain systems in place. They work for those structures like gutter systems work for residential roofing by eliminating water accumulation on the roof and redirecting it away from the structure. If the drains and gutters aren’t kept clear, this can cause water to back up under shingles and ponding on flat commercial structures, both of which lead to leaks and professional roof repairs.  
• Inadequate Ventilation: Roof ventilation is important to maintain a healthy roof. When the ventilation is inadequate, the roof can suffer damage as the underlying roofing materials begin to deteriorate, leading to leaks that require roof repair. 

 Is partial roof repair possible?

It may be, depending on the type of roofing material and the extent and location of the damage.  On a residential roof, if the damage is in or near a roofing valley or is more than 25% of the entire roof surface, the insurance company will typically authorize a complete roof replacement as opposed to doing only roof repairs.  Roofing on a residential structure, matching the repair material to the existing material may be possible. This can impact the overall appearance of the home, thus making full replacement the better option compared to just roof repairs.

Concerning a commercial structure roof, if 25% or more is damaged, complete roof replacement is best as opposed to partial roof repairs. The damage on a commercial structure being repaired can depend on the type of membrane installed on the roof and the condition of the overall membrane. 

How much do roof repairs cost? 

This can depend on the type of roofing material and how much damage exists. If any reconstruction is required for the roof support and underlying materials, the cost of roof repairs is higher. 

What should be done for a roof leak while waiting on professional roof repairs? 

Roofing doesn’t seem to have any problems until there is a weather event in the area, which usually results in roof repair needs by many in the area. This can delay a professional getting to your home or business, but in the meantime, you need to take the following steps: 

1. Move any items that can be damaged by a leaking roof. This includes electronics and furnishings, and for a residential property, this includes items in the attic. 
2. Contain the water leaking by placing a tarp under the leak and either a bucket or pail on top of the tarp. Watch the containers and empty them when needed.
3. If the ceiling is bulging, poke a hole in the ceiling, allowing the water build-up to drain into the container.
4. If possible, climb the rooftop and position a plastic tarp over the damaged area, nailing it in place with 2×4 boards and nails.
5. Make documentation of the damage, taking pictures or videos for insurance purposes. 
6. If you haven’t already, call a professional roofing contractor then call your insurance company. 

Taking It To The Bank

If your business or residential roof only needs some minor repairs and your insurance company pays for them, they will send a check to you and your mortgage holder.  This is to ensure that the work needed is completed. If you own the structure outright, they will send a check to you, and it is yours to do as you please. If you decide not to have the roof repairs done and use the money elsewhere, you may be at risk of your insurance policy being canceled should you ever file another roof repair claim. This can also jeopardize you getting insurance coverage anywhere else. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out to us for more information to help you in the process of getting the roof repairs you need. Call us today at (937) 761-2994 or (614) 373-2519 if you would like to speak to one of our roofing professionals.