Answering Your 6 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Roof Repair in Overland Park, KS

Timely roof repair in Overland Park, KS, is vital for homeowners, as the longer you ignore needed fixes, the more damage your home’s roof suffers and the more expensive your eventual repair bills! Roof cracks and holes also let moisture into the home, risking wood rot and other structural damage as well as unhealthy mold growth.

While an Overland Park roof repair contractor is the best source of information when it comes to your home’s roof, you might note some commonly asked questions about repairs and new roof installation. You can then discuss your property with a repairperson as needed and know that your home is always in good condition!

1. Can You Stay Home During Roof Repair in Overland Park, KS?

A roof repair contractor will usually inspect the home’s interior before work begins, to ensure no details are overlooked when it comes to damage and needed fixes. He or she will want to examine the home’s attic or upper stories, looking for signs of cracks that have reached the home’s interior.

If no such cracks and other damage are found in the home, he or she will usually not need to enter the house during repairs. In turn, you don’t typically need to stay home while the repair work is performed. If you prefer to stay home, note that roof repair work is often much louder than you might realize and can be upsetting to be around all day!

Homeowners should also note that children and pets should be secured during this work and nowhere near the home’s exterior as there is a risk of injury caused by falling shingles or tiles, nails, and the like, and you don’t want them toppling ladders and other equipment. Children and pets can also become agitated and upset by the noise and commotion. For everyone’s comfort, consider that you can stay at home during roof repairs but might prefer to take the entire family, pets included, elsewhere.

2. Does Insurance Cover Roof Repair in Overland Park, KS?

Whether or not homeowner’s insurance covers any damage to your property depends on your policy and the cause of that damage. Repairs needed due to a roof’s age, neglect, pests, and other such causes are not likely to be covered by insurance. Damage caused by a named peril, or something named on your policy, is covered.

If you’re not sure the named perils on your policy, check with your agent. He or she can explain your insurance coverage and what’s covered as well as what you need to pay out of your own pocket, whether that’s the entire cost of repairs or a deductible.

3. What Time of Year Is Best for Roof Repair in Overland Park, KS?

Winter is often too cold for roofers to work and increases the risk of exposing roofing materials and your home’s structure to moisture. Some summer days are too hot and humid for roofers to work and many contractors avoid large jobs during the hottest, sunniest days, to reduce the risk of heat stroke and other health concerns.

Many homeowners then schedule their roof repairs and new roof installation for spring and fall, when roofers are eager to get back to work and ensure they get enough work to compensate for slower summer and winter months. Mild spring and fall weather also means less risk of excessive moisture exposure and water damage to roofing materials and the home’s structure.

4. Can You Add a New Roof Over an Existing Roof?

Whether or not a roofing contractor can add a new roof over existing shingles or tiles depends on the condition of the current roof. Roof shingles and tiles need a solid foundation in good condition for them to adhere properly and to lie flat against the home. Applying new roofing over poor-quality materials often results in premature damage and the need for more repairs or a new roof altogether!

Local building codes also dictate how many roofing layers are allowed on a home, as shingles and tiles add to the weight of the roof. Too many heavy layers can then risk having the roof outright collapse! Even if the current roofing materials are in good condition, a contractor will need to abide by those local codes when it comes to adding new roofing layers.

5. How Long Does a New Roof Last?

One good reason to consider investing in high-quality roofing materials is that they will last longer and need fewer repairs than bargain shingles and tiles! Note standard lifespans for various roofing materials you might choose:

• Asphalt shingles, 7 to 30 years.
• Slate, clay tile, and copper roofs, 50 years or longer.
• Wood shake, 30 years.
• Fiber cement, 30 years.
• Metal roof panels, 30 to 50 years or longer.

Poor-quality installation can also mean premature repairs and new roof installation, so investing in a reputable contractor will ensure your home’s roof lasts as long as possible. He or she can also help you decide on the best roofing material for your home, considering the home’s structure and condition and your budget.

6. Does a New Roof Increase a Home’s Value?

Whether or not any home improvement project or upgrade will improve property values depends on the materials chosen, local home prices, and other such factors. However, most homeowners can expect to see about a 60% return of their roof replacement costs in terms of increased property values; in other words, your home’s value might increase by about 60% of what you pay for a new roof.

While you might be disappointed to learn that you shouldn’t expect to see 100% of your roof replacement costs returned in terms of increased property values, note that a damaged and outdated roof can decrease property values! Even a basic shingled roof of moderate quality can make a home more valuable and desirable to homebuyers than an old, leaking roof.

Roof repair in Overland Park, KS, is also an excellent investment for at least protecting home values. The longer you ignore those repairs, the greater the risk of secondary damage, which also affects property values. To protect your home and ensure it’s in good condition, schedule repair work as soon as you see any signs of roof damage!

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