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How to afford these common, nearly inevitable emergency home repairs

By Janet Schaaf of Mediafeed |

Slide 2 of 17: A home’s roof has a certain life expectancy, generally based on the material used. A roof made of asphalt shingles might last from 15 to 20 years, while concrete or clay-tiled roof could last for more than 50 years.Regular roof inspections are a good way to identify any minor problems, which may typically cost from $150 to $400. Minor repairs might include:Gutter cleaningPatching leaksReplacing shinglesRepairing flashingMajor issues found during a roof inspection might cost up to $7,000. These could include:Substantial water damageChimney repairSagging or shrinking roofEnvironmental issues, such as moldReplacing a roof, a major expense, may be necessary at some point in the life of a home. For an average-sized home, a completely new roof can cost $8,000 or more.Recommended: What are the Most Common Home Repair Costs?

1. Roof

A home’s roof has a certain life expectancy, generally based on the material used. A roof made of asphalt shingles might last from 15 to 20 years, while concrete or clay-tiled roof could last for more than 50 years.

Regular roof inspections are a good way to identify any minor problems, which may typically cost from $150 to $400. Minor repairs might include:

Gutter cleaning
Patching leaks
Replacing shingles
Repairing flashing

Major issues found during a roof inspection might cost up to $7,000. These could include:

Substantial water damage
Chimney repair
Sagging or shrinking roof
Environmental issues, such as mold

Replacing a roof, a major expense, may be necessary at some point in the life of a home. For an average-sized home, a completely new roof can cost $8,000 or more.

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