Wintertime Roof Repairs

Don’t try to get through the winter with a damaged roof. Winter roof hazards will make things worse if there is existing damage to the roof. It might cost you more if you try to wait for spring.  Don’t let the lack of financing stop you from replacing your roof or getting the roof repair done right away.  TGUC Financial can help you finance roof repairs or roof replacement.

Winter Dangers to Your Roof

  • A hail storm may have damaged chimneys and vents. Moisture can seep in the damaged areas and freeze. The moisture will expand when it freezes causing a leak to your roof.
  • Ice dams form on the edge of the roof from the melting and freezing cycle of snow. The ice dam can cause water to seep under the shingles. The melted snow under the shingles can refreeze and cause damage to the roof.
  • The most extreme winter threat to your roof is collapse from the weight of snow accumulated on it. This is especially a threat if your roof already has damage. Poor drainage from damaged, inadequate, or blocked gutters can contribute to this problem.

Roof Repair and Replacement Cost

Roof Repair Cost

Repairing your roof will cost about $100 to $400 for minor repairs, up to $1000 for moderate repairs, and up to $3000 for major repairs.

  • Minor repairs would include repairing leaks.
  • Moderate repairs would involve replacing a large section of asphalt shingles, wood shakes or cedar shingles, flat and single-ply roofs, and leaks around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
  • Major repairs include repairing metal roofs, slate and stone-like roofs, and major skylight repairs which may include replacement of the skylight.

Roof Replacement Cost

Roof replacement costs are based on the square footage of the roof needing repairs. The roofing materials (usually shingles) are sold in units called squares. A roofing square is ten square feet. The average home has about 17 squares of roof. Prices vary based on materials used. These are the price ranges for a square of different materials:

  • Basic 3-tab shingles  have a 25-year life expectancy and cost $350 to $440 per square.
  • Architectural shingles have a 30-year life expectancy and cost $400 to $560 per square.
  • Premium shingles have a 50-year life expectancy and cost $500 to $750 per square.
  • G-90 steel shingles or stone-coated steel tiles cost $700 to $1000 per square.
  • Aluminum shingles cost $750 to $1100 per square.
  • Cedar shingles or shakes cost $760 to $1200 per square.
  • Standing seam roofs cost $850 to $1200 per square.
  • Concrete tiles cost $800 to $1400 per square and need a reinforced roof-frame.
  • Natural slate tiles cost $900 to $1800 per square and also need a reinforced roof-frame.
  • Synthetic shakes and slate tiles cost $760 to $1200 per square.
  • Clay tiles cost $1000 to $1800 per square and need a reinforced roof-frame.

In addition to the materials cost, consider the labor to be 1-½ times what the materials cost. To estimate the cost of your roof replacement, here’s a roofing estimate calculator.

Financing Your Roof Repairs

TGUC Financial is here to help you with financing for your roof. There are several ways to finance a roof repair. If you have enough equity in your home, you can take out a home equity loan, commonly known as a second mortgage, or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Both of these will allow you to borrow up to 85% to 100% of the value of your home. If you do not have the equity in your home to borrow against it or if you have a bad credit score, you don’t have to forgo that roof repair (and you shouldn’t – it will only get worse). TGUC Financial has finance programs for those with bad credit or those who don’t have collateral for a home equity or other type of secured loan.

Roofing Replacement All Year Round

Some parts of the country are good for replacing roofing all year round because of their mild climate. Other parts of the country, such as Denver, have a surprising amount of days in the winter when roofing can actually take place. The key is the temperature of the roof. The temperature of the roof needs to be at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The asphalt shingles have self-sealing strips. The roof temperature must be 40 degrees for the shingles to stick. But the roof can be 40 degrees when the air temperature is as low as 20 degrees. This happens often during the winter, especially if there is sun shining on the roof. The sunshine warms the roof to the necessary temperature. The strips are heat activated and the warm sun will cause that activation.

There are other reasons why replacing a roof in winter is better.

  • If you are repairing or replacing the roof as a result of an insurance claim it is often quicker. There are less people making these claims and the insurance company can move quicker.
  • It is easier to schedule an adjuster because they also are less busy in the winter.
  • Most people have roof replacements in the warmer months.  Thus, roofing materials are more available in the winter.

It is always better to get a roof repair or replacement done sooner rather than later. These things never get better on their own, only worse.

TGUC Financial and Roof Repair and Replacement Financing

Your home is one of your most important investments.  To keep the value of your home, a good roof is necessary.  A damaged roof will allow damages to spread to under the roof.  This problem will only get worse in winter.  If your home needs a new roof, waiting until spring may not be a bad idea. TGUC Financial can help you finance roof repairs or roof replacement. If you can’t get a home equity loan, don’t give up. Contact us for the roof repair loan options you need. Don’t delay getting your home repaired for financial reasons.