Should I Repair Or Replace My Roof?
As a homeowner, discovering a problem with your roof can be a stressful experience. The thought of the expense that comes along with fixing or replacing your roof can cause a knot in your stomach. However, theres no need to panic just yet. When it comes to roof problems, replacement isnt always necessary. Acting quickly and knowing what to look for can help determine whether to repair or replace your roof. Let’s take a closer look at the signs your roof needs repair and replacement, and how to make the best decision for your home.
Signs Your Roof Needs Repair
There are a few types of natural damage that can occur to your roof, such as minor hail damage, fallen limb scars, or minor wind damage. If caught early, these types of damages can simply be repaired rather than replacing the entire roof. If your roof is only a few years old, repairing or reroofing a section can be a low-cost option over replacement. However, if you suspect storm damage, it’s important to have your roof professionally inspected to determine the extent of the damage.
Leaks are also a common issue that homeowners face. Modern roofs use rubber, tar, and plastic around pipes and vents, and these materials often degrade faster than the roofing material itself, leading to leaks. If you notice water leaking at these spots, they’re relatively easy to replace and likely all that’s needed.
Problems with installation can also cause damage to your roof. Look for large amounts of tar covering flashing, which is often a sign of poor workmanship and can lead to big problems. Additionally, missing kick-out flashing at the bottom or dormer wall intersections and missing crickets behind chimneys can also cause issues. A roofing company can install these missing items for far less money than a new roof.
If you notice condensation on the underside of your roof deck, delaminating roof plywood in the attic, or have trouble keeping the second story cool on hot days, your attic may need more venting. Call a professional to assess your home’s venting needs and have it added or repaired if required.
Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement
Unfortunately, some roof conditions simply can’t be repaired. Replacement of the entire roof is necessary when these problems become evident. Asphalt shingle roofing needs to be replaced every 15 to 20 years unless your home has 30 or 40-year shingles on it. When your roof gets close to that age, start having yearly inspections to determine when to replace it.
Structural problems such as the roof deck plywood sagging between the rafters is only fixable by replacing the roof and decking boards. Roofs take a beating from the weather and sunshine. If you find curling or shrinking shingles, an abundance of shingle granules in the gutters, bare spots, blistering, or extensive moss or algae growth, it may be time to replace the roof. More than a few missing shingles on your roof means it’s probably time to replace it before the problem gets worse. It’s often a sign of an underlying problem.
Know When to Repair or Replace Your Roof
Knowing what caused damage to your roof and how badly damaged it is could mean the difference between shelling out for a new roof or paying only for the cost of repairs. When your roof suffers from old age or structural problems, it’s the only time that there’s no question about whether it’s time to replace it or not.
If you know that a storm has caused minor damage, shoddy installation is to blame, improper venting or that material other than the shingles have deteriorated, you may be able to get by with repairing it. Of course, when the damage is simply too much to repair easily, replacing the entire roof may be the best option. It’s not always easy to determine the extent of roof damage. Sometimes, when your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, the most cost-effective approach might be to replace it now instead of repairing it, only to tear off the repair again in a couple of years. Leaks that appear in several places, visible structural problems, and shingles that are curling at the corners are sure signs that repairing the roof is no longer an option and you must replace it.
When to Call a Professional
While a formal roofing education isn’t necessary to understand that something isn’t right with your roof, it’s important to take action quickly. Visually inspecting your roof from the ground and in the attic each year will tell you when you need to take a closer look at your roof’s condition. Call a trusted roofing contractor to perform a thorough inspection and talk to you about your options when that time comes.
Conclusion
When it comes to repairing or replacing your roof, it’s essential to know what to look for to make the best decision for your home. With the help of Exterior Home Solutions LLC, located in Richmond VA, you can rest assured that your roof will be in good hands. Our roofing replacement services are second to none, and we’re dedicated to helping homeowners make an informed decision about their roofing needs. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection and take the first step towards a worry-free roof.