Keeping your roof in good condition helps protect your whole house, and can help to put off the need to replace the roof some time soon. There are a lot of things that can make your roof need to be repaired, and depending on the size of your roof, its basic condition, the materials it makes, and what causes the need to be repaired, the cost of those roof repairs can vary enormously. While the only way to know for sure how much your roof repair is going to cost is to make a professional estimate, you can help determine [UPDATED] what your final cost will be ahead of time by looking at various factors.

 

National average of the cost of roof repair

 

The national average cost of roof repairs ranges from $316 to $1,015 according to HomeAdvisor, with most homeowners paying around $652. The total range, however, which takes into account how large your roof is and how widespread the repairs are, can range from about $150 to $1,900.

 

Factors such as where you live, whether it’s shingles, flashing, or other materials that make repairs necessary, and what kind of roof you’ve all got to do to determine the final cost of your roof repairs.

 

The average cost of roof repairs in the Washington DC area

 

The area where you live may also have an impact on the cost of roof repairs. This can be due to the climate, the average labor cost per hour, and the most common types of roofing material used there.

 

In northern Virginia and Maryland, the average cost of roof repairs ranges from $284 to $829, with most homeowners paying around $556 – slightly lower than the national average. Remember, the only way to get an accurate idea of what your roof repairs will cost is to have a formal estimate made by a roofing repair professional.

 

Causes of repairs on the roof

 

There are several main causes of roof repair that most roofs are going to fall into. None of these is terrible on their own, but if left alone and not repaired, the damage could spread to other parts of the roof, requiring a replacement of the roof.

1. Missing shingles: No matter what type of roof you have, you may lose some shingles over time, especially if you have lighter shingles like asphalt on your roof, because they are more likely to blow away in a storm or high wind situation.
2. Cracked, toothed or damaged shingles: Your shingles may also be damaged while remaining in place on your roof. For example, a hail stone can knock granules off a shingle, causing it to deteriorate more quickly, or it could crack or break a roof tile or a slate.
3. Leaking flashing: Flashing surrounds your pipes with vents, chimneys, and skylights, and may crack or cause leaks separate from the rest of your roof.
4. Ice dams: Ice dams are made of water that melts and freezes at the edge of your roof, forcing the water back under the shingles and causing damage.
5. Valleys: Wherever you have a valley or a low spot on your roof, the water could collect there, damage the shingles and flash.
6. Low slope roofs: Low slope roofs are more likely to cause damage in high wind conditions, especially if they use shingles that could be removed.

Any of these signs, including water coming into your home from the roof or signs of water damage in your attic, should be addressed immediately.

 

The Leak Finding

 

Sometimes you have water coming in, or you see evidence of water stains, but you don’t know where the water came from. Sometimes it’s possible to locate the leak, which can help you get a better estimate of how much work you’re going to have to do, the cost, and allow you to cover the leak with a tarp if the roof repair contractor can’t get out to deal with it right away.

 

If at all possible, take a look at the bottom of your roof to see if you can find out where the water comes in. Remember, though, that even if you find evidence of a leak, it doesn’t mean that the damage is confined to one area; your contractor should still look at the entire roof for other signs of damage before letting you know what the cost of repairing your roof will be.

 

Typical locations to search for leaks include:

 

1. Beneath the skylight
2. Around chimneys and other areas where flashing is being installed
3. In the valleys and other low areas of the roof
4. For the slits of the shingles themselves
5. For the missing granules on your shingles’ surface (your gutters being full of granules is also a sign that your shingles are degrading and may require repair)

 

Common roof repair for different materials

 

At the end of the day, what causes your leak and what needs to be done to fix it, as well as what it costs, is determined by what kind of material your roof is made of. Roofs can be made of many different materials, including slate, tile, metal, wood and asphalt, all of which require specific types of repairs.

 

Shingle Asphalt Roofs

 

According to Home Advisor, the asphalt shingle roof will cost around $250 to repair the most common types of problems. The most common problem is that shingles are torn off by high wind, requiring replacement.

 

Metal roofing

 

Metal roofs usually cost about $300 to repair. This is usually due to a seam problem, either because they were not properly fastened and sealed when they were installed, or because expansion and contraction caused them to loosen and lose their seal over time.

 

The Wood Roof

 

Wooden shake roofs cost about $360 to repair on average. The most common problems are either due to moss build-up, which may cause shake to deteriorate, or due to insect activity on shakes that have not been properly treated or made with cedar to help prevent problems.

 

Roofs of Slate

Slate roofs are among the most expensive to repair at an average of $530. The most common problem with slate roofs is improper installation, which could cause the tile to stick up slightly if it is nailed too hard. Slate roofs are also prone to ice dams, which can damage the roof deck below the slates if the water is underneath them.

 

The Tile Roof

 

On average, tile roof repairs cost about $350, and there are a number of common problems that can occur in tile roofs. Tiles may deteriorate in the heat of the sun, crack or break, which may allow water to infiltrate. Some tile roofs also leak right from the time they are installed, allowing water to the underlay beneath them that covers the roof deck. Over time, this underlay could fail, leaving the house with water.

 

Flat Roofs – all sorts of

 

Flat roofs made from tar, foam or vinyl will cost around $400 to repair on average. Any aging flat roof may begin to bleed slightly in the middle, which may lead to a puddle or a build-up of water that cannot run out. Some types of flat roofs may also develop cracks in the roofing material, or if the roof was not cleaned properly before the material was applied, it may not be properly adhered to, leading to failure and leakage over time.

 

Other repairs on the common roof

 

In addition to the roofing material itself, there are numerous other places where water could infiltrate your home, which would require a roof repair.

1. Fascia and Soffits: Fascia and soffits below the edge of your roof that help protect your roof deck may begin to deteriorate or rot over time due to insect activity or water damage. They’re pretty easy to fix, and they cost about $10 to $30 per board.
2. Roof Trusses: the roof truss is what keeps your roof up. Over time, the damage to water could weaken or soften the truss, which could undermine the integrity of your roof. Your roofer can determine if repairs to the trusses are necessary, and can quote the cost of repairs after the damage has been assessed.
3. Roof Gutters: Your gutters are an important part of your roof, helping to keep the water out of the edge. Over time, they could begin to pull out or develop cracks or rust that would require replacement or repair. Roof gutter repair will typically cost anywhere from $4 to $7 per section.
4. Flashing: Flashing is sometimes the cause of a leak and costs about $200 to $500 to be repaired depending on where it is located. Flashing can be found around chimneys, vents, and skylights, and over time cracks or holes may develop.

 

Labor Cost

 

After taking into account the material costs of your roof repairs, you will also need to take into account the labor costs. Most roof repairs cost between $45 and $75 an hour, with prices varying depending on the location, access to the roof, and what kind of damage needs to be repaired.

 

Get the Estimation

 

The only way to truly find out the extent of the repairs your roof needs and get an accurate idea of the cost is to have an estimate made by a reputable roofing company. While you may be able to see some damage and get an idea of what needs to be done, your roofer may see damage that you’re not aware of.

This article was paraphrased. Original source: nvroofs.com