How much is the charge to fix a hole in my roof?

Most of the time when someone finds a hole in their roof, the first question is how much it will cost to fix it. Seems simple, right?

However, roof problems are not linear, especially in Houston, where the heat, moisture, and storms frequent the area and worsen the damage of even small holes.

A hole in a roof is not just an opening. It is a clue about a problem. Something is broken, shifted, or impacted hard enough to lose a part of the roof system. The real challenge is to determine how extensive the damage is. You know, like ‘what seriously needs to be done in order to bring the roof back to a protecting state.’

Why is this question so common?

The dreaded ‘Roof Hole’:

A hole is visible means a failure of the outer layer. However, what is just as important is understanding what happened beneath. A roof is built of layers, and what lies beneath is just as important. Shingles or panels are the first layer, and they are protective of the underlayment. Layer two is the underlayment, and it protects the decking. Layer three is the decking, and it protects the framing, which finally leads to the insulation. If water gets past one of these layers, then repairs need to go deeper than the surface.

Where do you start first when looking at the roof?

Precision Roof Crafters starts by looking to see what the failure is and how the roof responded to it.

• Breaks in surface versus a systems failure….

Not all holes are the same. Some only involve the top roofing material, while others can have compromised underlayment or who knows what else. A surface repair only goes to the very top, it does not restore the integrity of the structure.

• Inspected condition of the Decking beneath the opening.

Decking gets inspected incredibly closely when there is a hole. Moisture can weaken wood and cause it to deteriorate, and unfortunately not a lot of people can see this from below. If the decking shows flex, or if there are darkened areas, then this is a clear indicator that the repair scope must change.

Inverted water paths and excessive moisture spread.

A lot of times, water will travel sideways before it comes down into the attic. Water can follow seams, fasteners, and wood framing. This is a huge reason why interior stains in the home do not align with the visible hole in the roof. Factors that expand or limit repair scope.

The surroundings of a hole can determine how complex a repair can be. If a hole is in a more open space, such as a field, it can be easier to repair than if the hole was surrounded by valleys, ridges, vents, or flashing.

• The type of roof can also determine repair complexity. Metal panels, asphalt shingles, and roof tile systems all respond differently to each other. Some have overlapping parts that can be adjusted and need to be adjusted. And flat systems have their own unique challenges.

• The age of the roof is also a major contributing factor. If the roof is more seasoned, it may be more difficult to repair, but if the roof is newer, it may be easier to do the repairs.

• The age and the steepness of the roof can also heavily affect the scope of work done.

How Precision Roof Crafters approaches hole repairs:

• The first thing Precision Roof Crafters does is take some documentation. They take photos of the issue and take pictures of underneath to examine the issue.

The goal is to look at the issue from a systems-based approach rather than solely disregarding the other elements of the roof.

• They take care to properly check flashings and other sealing details. They check the surrounding area to ensure the roof is designed to drain as it should.
  
  

Some Insurance reality with Roof Holes in simple terms:

• Over time, holes from these kinds of events will appear ducts to shield the holes from the elements. Coverage depends on cause and policy terms.

• Precision Roof Crafters will document their findings and explain the condition of your roof to you. Coverage decisions will be determined outside of the inspection.
  
  

What you can do, as the homeowner, before the initial roofing inspection? 

• If there is a hole, do not attempt to climb on the roof. Protection on the interior of the house will limit the damage, but it will not be a substitute for a repair.

• Try to remember when you first noticed the problem and whether there have been any recent storms. For a quicker inspection, you may want to clear access to the attic.

Typical scenarios that cause roof holes in Houston:

Here in Houston, storm debris, flashings that have failed, vents that are broken, pest traffic, and moisture that has been there for a long time can cause holes both big and barely noticeable. Flat roofs that are not sloped can have punctures from equipment or can have stress from pooled water and human foot traffic. Older roofs that are made of asphalt can tear in the wind (if there are high winds in the passing storm). These are all just a few of the many scenarios we could list.

As your Precision Roof Crafters Specialist for more information.

So what comes next?

We are Here to Help You, 24/7!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions - Updated)

• Is every roof hole an emergency?

Not every hole causes immediate interior damage. Even so, every hole should be inspected quickly due to Houston weather.

• Can a hole be repaired without replacing the roof?

Yes, in many cases. This is very dependent though.

• Why does decking matter when fixing a hole?

Decking is meant to hold the roof system in place. If it is compromised, surface repairs alone do nothing.

• Should homeowners attempt a temporary fix?

Yes, in some cases temporary fixes may slow down water intrusion. But a professional repair is still required.

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