Roof Repair And Replacement: Knowing When To Repair & When To Replace Your Roof
Whether your roof is aging, or sustained damage from a storm, you may be wondering when it’s time to replace your roof, or if you can simply repair it. Well, there are a lot of factors to consider, but we can help!
When to Repair My Roof
Different types of roofs come with varying lengths of life expectancies. But those roofs only last as long as they should if proper maintenance and repairs are done to keep it in good shape until that day inevitably comes. It’s essential to make a note of any signs of something happening on your roof that requires a repair. This may include consistently clogged gutters, shingle damage, or rotting. Even poor installation can lead to your roof needing repairs much sooner than anticipated. Some things to look for that are easy fixes include:
- Clogged gutters. Consistently clogged gutters could mean loose granules are flowing into your gutters and keeping debris from flowing freely. An easy repair for this is installing gutter guards or spotting which shingles are showing loose granules and replacing those.
- Curling, scratched, bending, or even missing shingles. As shingles age, they can lose their firm shape and end up curling or bending back from excessive exposure to the sun and other elements. These areas can be easily replaced, but keep in mind those in direct sunlight are going to need roof repairs more often than the rest of the roof. It’s a good thing to note if you ever get a new roof installed.
- Loose nails. Poorly installed nails can be an easy thing to spot as you see an inconsistent layering of the shingles, or even notice some leaking in the attic. Loose nails could be due to how the roofing was installed, or the wrong ones were used based on the materials. This is a simple fix, but also a dire fix. As you notice loose nails, you should fix this right away to avoid any further shingle damage or leaking to the interior of your home.
- Leaking around the chimney or vents. If you notice any leaking in the interior walls of your home or even down in the basement, it can be a sign of failed flashing. Flashing is installed or should be installed around any chimneys, vents, or other openings on your roof. The shingles are laid over, and the flashing provides an added seal on those corners and edges. If the flashing fails, water can leak through the chimney or vent and make its way quickly into your walls and basement floor. This is a common repair as flashing is often the first thing to go on a roof, but again, it’s an easy repair and can be done within the day.
Signs Your Roof Needs a Full Replacement
Aside from catastrophic damage, the biggest reason you may need to have your roof replaced is that it has or is about to reach its anticipated lifespan. Suppose your shingle roof is nearing 15-20 years. Chances are a new roof is going to be your best bet and the best investment you can make in your home. An asphalt roof falls within this date range and is a good rule of thumb to age a roof. Discoloration, loose or curling shingles, and loss of granules are the first tell-tale signs that can lead us to believe it’s time to replace your roof.
If you notice a lot of your neighbors replacing their roofs, it can be a good sign that you should do the same. Many homes are built at the same time in small neighborhoods, so if their roofs are aging out, then likely yours is too. Plus, that’s a perfect opportunity to ask your neighbors who they recommend for roofers. Referrals can be one of the best ways to find a quality roofer in your area.
The last thing you want is for a big storm to come through, and high winds and large debris cause irreparable damage to your roof, and you have no choice but to replace it at a moment’s notice. You are much better off getting ahead of the game and scheduling a FREE estimate with us, get your financing options in order, and replace your roof on your terms.
