Repair or Replace? Finding the Right Roofing Solution

How do you determine if you should replace or repair your roof? Air or water leaks can cost you a lot and constitute health risks to your family. If you find yourself in this situation, you have two options, and you need to choose the best one for you.

This piece will delve into the factors you need to consider before you reach a final decision.

How Extensive is the Damage?

If visible damage exists on the roof, you need to know its extent. A roof repair will help you in replacing the single shingles that are chipped, pried loose or cracked. However, patching over the damaged part of your roof or replacing a single shingle has some risks. For a roof that has been exposed to heat, snow, and rain, the new shingles may not fit well. You can get a roofing expert to help you inspect your roof and recommend the best option.

Is the Roof Buckling or Warping?

Roof shingles can break, crack and become loose due to many reasons. These are significant signs that something is deeply wrong with the roof. Buckling shingles are caused by poor ventilation and installation. Shingles that buckle are caused by poor fastening during installation, using nails that area too long, or poor back coating. It is important to see if this is the case for your roof.

Sign Of Extensive Water Damage

Never underestimate the destructive capabilities of water. If you cannot get to the extent of water damage yourself, you can hire a roofing company to do it. However, if there are visible signs of water damage such as peeling paint, sagging, or black spots on the ceiling, it may be time for you to replace the whole roof instead of repairing it.

Has a Recent Weather Disaster Hit the Roof?

Severe storms are nothing new, and many of them can hit your roof hard especially if the roof is old. Check to see if the roof has suffered damage due to a harsh winter or any weather disaster.

The fact is that you cannot continue to repair your roof forever. At some point, you will need to replace it. In order for you to determine that, it’s critical for you to know the age of the roof. For example, a good shingle roof has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. Therefore, even if your roof is not showing any sign of failure yet if it has reached 20 to 25 years of age, you should be getting prepared to replace. With a replacement, you can take advantage of the new Zincalume® and Colorbond® metal roofs which are more durable and fancy.