Roof repairs can be very simple, extremely difficult or anywhere in between. They can be very successful and sometimes a complete waste of time and money. Most roof repairs are temporary in nature. The first step in fixing a leak is to find out exactly what is causing the leak.
Finding this can sometimes take longer than doing the actual repair! Basically, if the roofing contractor is not totally sure he found the cause, he probably didn’t and any work that was done was done in vain.
Finding the exact cause of the leak cannot be understated in importance. But doing the repairs properly is also very important. Non-standard repairs such as waterproofing materials or loads of sealant (silicone) on metal roofs is a bad idea and can often end up making the problem worse or create a new problem.
Sealants have their place, but the average roof repairman or handyman will tend to go overboard so it is important to get someone who knows what they are doing. The other thing to consider is cost. Yes, a roof repair will generally be cheaper than a roof replacement but why not get a quote for both.
You may find that a Colorbond roof replacement is a better option and more cost effective in the long run!