Your roof is probably the most important part of your home. It provides protection against the elements and helps keep your home insulated. However, to maintain your roof’s level of quality, you should have it inspected periodically. If you don’t clean out your gutters, for example, water can accumulate, causing any number of problems. Icicles and snow buildup can lead to ice dams, which can tear off gutters and loosen shingles. Therefore, whether you’re just looking to have a seasonal inspection of your roof or you’re experiencing problems, the following will explain the costs involved in having a local roofing company come to your home for a service call.

When to Contact a Roofer

There are a quite a few problems that can occur to your roof, depending on the climate you live in, that will need the attention of a roofing expert. For example, if you live in a city with harsh winters like Minneapolis, Minnesota, you’ll want to contact a local roofer for an inspection after a storm. Aside from powerful winds and hail that can damage shingles, even minor debris such as branches and leaves can get blown onto your roof and cause your gutters to back up, so it’s important to have your roof inspected. One telltale sign of possible roof damage is your siding. If it’s damaged, apart from needing to hire a painter, it may also indicate roof problems.

Cost of a Service Call

Many roofers will provide a free inspection of your roof, but be careful whom you allow up there. Make sure that the roofer is licensed and bonded before he inspects your roof. Additionally, you should be especially cautious if you receive unsolicited free offers. If a roofer offers a free inspection, ask him how many roof inspections he has performed in the last week and how many ended without needing repairs. If he gives you a number, ask for the names and numbers of the customers to verify. If he can provide these, it’s a sign that he’s reliable. Also, whenever a roofer is inspecting your home, be there to observe the inspection. This will prevent the roofer from claiming you have damage that isn’t really there.

Minor repairs can cost anywhere between $100 and $400, depending on the degree of damage and the size of the affected area. Labor can cost anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job. If a new roof is necessary, be prepared to pay between $4,000 and $15,000, depending on the size of your home and the type of roofing you select. Clay tiles can cost at least $5 per square foot, cedar shingles usually run about $4 per square foot, and metal panels will typically cost between $4 and $5 per square foot.

Tips

It’s important to repair roof damage as soon as possible. If left untreated, the damage can get worse and increase the cost of the eventual repair. Damaged roofing can often cause leaks, which in turn can lead to serious structural problems. Also, if your roof is damaged, your home won’t be properly insulated and you’ll spend more money than you need to on heating and cooling your home.

If you suspect that your roof might be damaged, contact a roofing professional as soon as possible.