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Roof Repairs in Bad Weather

Roof Repairs in Bad Weather


We’re staying home a lot more than usual these days due to the pandemic, making it the perfect time for roof repairs.

Utah features some extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather, though, so is it wise, and more importantly, safe? Right now we’re experiencing the dog days of summer, and soon we’ll get the brisk autumn rain before feet of frozen snow in winter. 

Is it possible to fix a roof during bad weather? Find out below. 

Roof Repair in the Heat

You might face some challenges and dangers if you attempt to repair your roof in the middle of the hottest summer day. Summer might give you more time to work on roof repairs, but there are also hazards. 

  • Oppressive heat can be dangerous for you or a roofing professional
  • Metal roofing can get hot enough to burn at a touch
  • Shingles can grow soft and even melt under hot conditions, as well as other materials, such as a sealant, that you might use.

Roof Repair in the Rain or Snow 

The ideal weather conditions for repairing a roof is a warm, calm day, but that may not work with your schedule. Although the rainy season isn’t the best time, you can still have repairs performed in the rain, as long as it’s not storming. This means that if a drizzle suddenly pops up while you're working or having a professional doing repairs, there shouldn’t be an issue. If the situation does occur, it’s important to cover your materials and prioritize safety. 

Water Damage Effects 

Your main concern when roofing in the middle of a storm, aside from wind or lightning, should be water damage. Unshingled roofs are exposed, so rainwater can affect the roofing structure. Should you leave it until the rain stops or shingle it in the rain? Here are some factors to consider: 

  • Shingles won’t fasten well if done in heavy rain, ​but there’s also an increased risk of fungal and organic growth on your roof or in the interior. Humidity is a factor when installing roofing materials and shouldn’t be attempted in high humid conditions. The inner components of your roof are susceptible to the effects of water damage, and if humidity is high, it can cause the shingles to warp and bulge. Further, they could easily slip off if fastening materials are done during colder weather.
  • Improper installation can void a warranty. ​If the installation is done in potentially bad weather, a roofing manufacturer may void the warranty, even if they provide service warranties. Technically, they have a set of advised conditions for installing roofing materials to ensure the best outcome and minimize any damage or installation issues.
  • Worker danger increases ​when the installation is done in rainy weather. Slippery conditions will be a bigger problem due to ice sheets forming on your roof from flowing water during the winter. Also, if hail falls, that can be a significant problem in the summer.

Contact The Roof Doctor 

The Roof Doctor specializes in roof repairs, and we’re more than happy to assist you. We’ll follow the best working conditions when we fix your roof. 

We serve Salt Lake city and County, as well as surrounding counties. Our licensed roofing contractors are extra cautious in these unprecedented times, so please reach out and get a free estimate today.

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Are Roof Repairs Tax-Deductible?

Are Roof Repairs Tax-Deductible_

As a homeowner, you may wonder whether making home improvements, such as replacing a roof, is tax-deductible? The answer depends on the kinds of improvements you make and how well you’ve kept track of your expenses. Here’s an idea of how improvements made to your home affects your taxes.

 

Is Replacing a Roof Tax-Deductible?

To quickly answer the question, no, you can’t deduct the cost the same year you spend the money; however, if you keep track of your expenses, they can help reduce your taxes in the year you sell your home. Let’s break down improvements vs. repairs.

 

Capital Improvements

Add the cost of capital improvements (something that adds value to your home, prolongs it, or adapts it to new uses) to your tax basis (the amount you’ll subtract from the sales price to determine the amount of your profit) in the home. Some of these improvements add value to your home:

  • A new central air-conditioning system
  • A swimming pool
  • A new roof
  • An addition to the house

Capital improvements aren’t limited to just big-ticket items. Other improvements that qualify include:

  • A home security system
  • An extra water heater
  • An intercom system
  • Storm windows

 

Also, if you get improvements that include or implement energy-saving home improvements, you can qualify for tax credits at the same time you make them.

 

Home Repairs

On the other hand, the cost of repairing your home is not added to your basis. These home repairs may include fixing a gutter, replacing a windowpane, or painting a room. 

 

Regardless if you make capital improvements or home repairs, you don’t need to save every receipt as you did in the past. Now, home-sale profits are tax-free for most homeowners, so there’s no guarantee that careful tracking your basis will matter.

 

Be Prepared

For any capital improvements you want to include in tax relief, it’s best to create a particular folder or use software that allows you to record all of your expenses you made in improving your home. If you’ve lived in the house for many years and the housing prices in your area have gradually gone up over that time, a portion of your sale could be taxable. If this is the case, you can reduce the taxable gain by including these improvements in the cost basis of the house.

 

If you operate a business within your home or rent out a portion, you might be able to write off or “depreciate” part of your home’s adjusted basis. If you go this route, remember, when you sell your home, you can’t exclude the amount of depreciation you took under the $250,000/$500,000 gain exclusion break.

 

Need Roof Replacement? Call Us

Do you need a roof replacement? If so, we invite you to reach out and contact The Roof Doctor. We can identify your problem and offer options that fit your needs, including your budget constraints. Call us today to learn more.