Home roof repairs have been something many homeowners struggle with throughout their lives. From flat roofs to pitched roofs, there are several different reasons why a roof might need to be repaired. Whether you live in an older home or have a mobile home, chances are your roof needs some repairing. Here is a look at some of the most common types of repairs homeowners seek out when making their home repairs.
Flat Roofs: This type of roof is probably the most common on the market. Many homes that are built today contain at least one level of flat roofing. Flat roofs are usually constructed using one long continuous roof and many times there is no attached shingle or metal sheathing used in the construction of the roof. Instead, the roof is a flat and open-cell made from either plywood or fiberglass. From time to time, a layer of metal or shingles may be used to keep water from collecting on the ceiling and under the flat roof.
The most common type of repair for a flat roof is the replacement of the actual shingles. Although it is possible to purchase pre-fabricated shingles, they are often expensive. Instead, many homeowners opt to purchase new roof shingles to give their roofs the opportunity to be completely replaced. New shingles can be installed on the roof, or the existing shingles can be removed and replaced with new ones.
If your current flat roof is more than 10 years old, then there is a good chance it needs to be replaced. Most flat roofs are made of metal, which rots after just a few years. If your roof needs to be replaced, you should take a look at how well it is holding up. One way to determine this is by looking at how many shingles it can hold.
Another type of small problem that can grow into a larger one if left untreated is pitch roofs. Pitch roofs are usually found on houses that have not been built properly, especially those constructed on sloping lots. Unlike flat roofs, pitch roofs are designed to have more space between the walls, creating an open space between them. Over time, though, space can grow to be too large and cause a problem with ventilation and rainwater drainage.
Homeowners who are considering replacing their current roof should take a close look at what repairs are needed to the structure. If a small problem begins to develop, such as a leak in the attic or a leaking foundation wall, there is no need to replace the entire roof. In fact, this would be a bad idea. Instead, the homeowner should consult with a licensed home inspector to see what repairs can be done to resolve the problem before making any type of major renovation. If the current roof is beyond repair, then a new roof may be the only option. There are several different types of roofing systems available to homeowners; however, none of them are considered a permanent solution.
Homeowners who are interested in flat roofs should be aware that they can be a dangerous choice due to the increased risks of falling objects and natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Flat roofs offer little protection against severe weather, so they are not a great choice for the area that is most prone to inclement weather. Additionally, flat roofs are usually more expensive to install, so homeowners may have to take out a second mortgage to pay for the installation costs of a new roof.
Mobile homes are another popular choice for people who want to renovate their roofs. Because mobile homes are built on stilts, they present a unique set of issues that must be addressed before putting a brand-new roof on the structure. Because mobile homes are pitched roofs, they present the same problems as regular roofs, such as leaky ceilings, improper flashing, and overcrowded spaces. As with flat roofs, mobile homeowners will need to purchase a new roof or else repair the existing one, which can cost a lot of money. Fortunately, most mobile homeowners can afford to pay for roof replacement or repair, because the cost of living in an RV is often cheaper than it would be in a house.