When it comes to roof damage, Baltimore is uniquely protected from meteorological factors that are to blame for most roofing problems in other cities across the nation. Sheltered from stiff northerly winds and lake effect storms by the Appalachian Mountains to the West, and protected from tropical storms and hurricanes by the Delmarva Peninsula to the East and South, B-Town sits in a sweet spot that is responsible for its mild, consistent weather. Of course, that doesn't mean the many thunderstorms that hit Baltimore from spring to fall can't take their toll on the roofs of Baltimoreans, but compared to a city like Boston with harsh weather that's the stuff of legend, the roofs on Baltimore's homes live a sheltered (pardon the pun) life. Don't think that means roof damage doesn't need to be on your radar, however. While climate caused roof damage isn't a major problem in Baltimore, it does happen, and other factors such as poor installation, roofing material failure, and the inevitable wear and tear of father time, can all lead to the need for roofing repairs as well.
Keep an Eye out for Signs that Roofing Repair in Baltimore is Necessary
Education is prevention, as they say, and knowing the causes and signs of roof damage in Baltimore goes a long way in preventing more serious problems down the road. Read on so you know what to look for when it comes to roof damage in Baltimore and when your home is most vulnerable.
- It's the Little Things that Matter MostIn the roofing business it's the little things that lead to large scale roofing failures. Loose, missing, and damaged shingles are all places where adverse weather can work it's way underneath your roofing and cause widespread damage to the rest of your roof, or even worse, find it's way into your attic or home in the form of roof leaks, moisture buildup, and water damage.
- Roof Repair often Requires you to Look WithinDon't mean to sound new agey, but certain signs of roof damage indicate problems within your home, rather than without. Curling and buckling shingles (they look exactly like what the terms indicate) are usually caused by poor attic ventilation. Poorly ventilated attics lead to moisture buildup and extreme temperatures, which then lead to curling and buckling shingles, among a host of other, less easy to spot problems. Curling and buckling are not what does your roof in. Like loose, damaged, and missing shingles, curling and buckling allows other factors, such as high winds, freezing temperatures, and moisture penetration, to do their dirty work.
- Call the Undertaker: Signs you Need a New RoofThere are several roofing problems that indicate your roof has simply reached the end of its life. Bare spots and clawing are more often signs of old age than anything else, especially if they're a widespread phenomenon on your roof. Always have your roof inspected by multiple contractors, however, before you commit to a new roof installation. In a best case scenario you might find out that a simple roof repair will do the trick, saving you thousands of dollars in final costs.
Diligence is the Key to Keeping Roof Repair in Baltimore Manageable
Once you know what to look for in order to spot roof damage, the next step is to be sure that you step back every once in a while and take a gander. High winds and hail storms are your roof's biggest enemy, so it's a good idea to take a minute after large storms blow through and make sure your roof didn't suffer any damage. Also, keep an extra close eye on your roof if you've just had it installed. Signs of poor installation usually show up rather quickly, and the quicker you spot them, the better chance you'll have of getting them repaired by your roofer free of charge. Finally, walk your roof twice a year in the spring and fall so you can get up close and personal with it and catch any problems you might miss from the ground. If your roof is too steep to safely climb up on, a pair of binoculars will do the trick as well.
A Final Word: Baltimore Roof Repair Costs and Timelines
ServiceMagic keeps a record of the final costs and project durations of all the roof repairs performed by the contractors in our system, and it's good news for homeowners in need of a roof repair in Baltimore. Roof repairs are one of the cheapest home improvements you'll run into as a homeowner at an average cost of around $400. Considering they help fend off new roof installations, which regularly run in the $5,000 to $10,000 range, it's plain to see that they can save you big bucks if you're diligent about staying on top of things. Add to that a lightning quick average completion time of one day, and Baltimore roof repair is far and away one of the most affordable, smart, and easy home improvements you'll run into in Crabtown and across the greater Baltimore-D.C. metro area complex.