Many homeowners notice when their roof starts showing signs of deterioration. However, it can be a little difficult to decide whether the roof should be repaired or replaced. A professional roofing contractor will be able to give you the right opinion on what steps to take if you notice your roof doesn’t look right.
Knowing the appropriate time to have your roof replaced is very important because if you re-roof too soon, you will have wasted your money… waiting a little too long, though, could leave the roof in a decrepit state where it could collapse. So, timing is of the essence.
The right time to repair your roof will depend on various conditions that may have affected the roof. These factors may include misaligned or missing shingles, extreme weather problems in your area, and how vulnerable your home is to other severe damages.
If you have been thinking about replacing or repairing your roof, it is best to get in touch with a roofing contractor who can give you expert guidance.
Here are some things to look for, by the way…
Conspicuous Roof Leaks
If you have observed a leaky ceiling somewhere in your home, it means the problem is more widespread than it seems, and therefore you will have to re-roof or repair the roof as soon as you can. Also, a good way of identifying a leaking roof is when you can see water stains running down the walls of your home or across the ceiling(s).
It will be a bit tricky for you to be able to know the source of the leak, but you can rely on an expert roof contractor who will find it. No matter the source of your leaking roof, it is important to solve the problem once and for all.
A small roof leak that is ignored may lead to serious problems such as:
- Formation of mold
- Deterioration of ceilings which can be unattractive and embarrassing
- The rot of roof sheaths and frames
- Moisture leading to damage of your insulation
Age And Condition Of The Roof
The age of a roof is something to consider when dealing with roof problems. The longevity of a roof depends on the type of materials that were used and how professional the original installation was. If you can hardly remember how long ago the roof was installed and you are sure it is damaged with age, this may be a good sign to have your roof replaced soon.
It is better to replace an old, failed, or damaged roof than consistently pay for repairs. You will save more this way whether you are planning on selling your home soon or continuing to stay there for decades.
To What Extent The Roof Has Been Damaged
A roofing contractor will help clarify the extent of your roof deterioration. Then it will be left for you to decide whether to repair or replace the roof, putting your budget into consideration.
Roof damages may occur depending on the type of roofing materials that were used in your home and how sufficient the installation was. Therefore, signs of deterioration may be classified as structural or aesthetic damage.
Structural damage:
- Wood shingles have curled edges
- Bald spots and absence of granules on shingles
- Metal shingles or panels become rusty
- Broken asphalt, wood, or tile shingles
- Asphalt, wood, tile, or metal roofing components are perforated or dented
Aesthetic damage:
- Worn out or old roofing materials
- Noticeable algae, dark smears, and moss growth appearing on the roofing materials
Geographical Area
If the area you live in gets hailstorms, tornadoes, and/or hurricanes, then you will have problems with your roof. Due to storms, shingles or any other roofing components may be ripped off or misaligned and may cause serious hazards in the future, such as roof leaks or other issues if something is not done.
Damage caused by heavy snowfalls and falling debris will also cause problems with your roof and ruin its appearance and longevity.
Roof Repair/Replacement Cost
One of the greatest considerations for homeowners during re-roofing and/or repairing a roof is the cost involved in carrying out the process. Generally, repairing the roof will be less expensive than totally replacing it. Nevertheless, consistently paying for repairs will add up, perhaps high enough to exceed the rate at which you would have paid to have replaced the entire roof.
An expert roofing contractor can share various options that will be useful to you. He or she will probably offer you an estimate to guide you on evaluating these financial options.
Even though having your roof completely replaced is more expensive, it is the best option; Having a new roof can provide peace of mind since you will be protecting your valuables, yourself, and your entire household from future damages.
Conclusion
If you have been trying to decide whether to repair or replace your roof, then the best advice you can get is from a highly skilled roofing professional. A professional will honestly provide you with the most logical options.
