Key Takeaways:
- The roof is among the most important parts of a house, and it is subject to many forces that can damage it over time.
- Deciding whether you need a new roof or a repair will suffice can be difficult.
- Roof repairs are usually less expensive than replacements, but they may not fix all the problems.
- Some signs that indicate a need for replacement rather than repair include extreme weather damage, leaks, inadequate ventilation, sagging, bare spots on asphalt roofs, and missing shingles.
Our roofs are frequently subjected to harsh weather conditions throughout the year; therefore, it is natural for them to deteriorate with time. Even with regular maintenance and inspections, you will eventually need to replace your roof. It is difficult to distinguish between a simple repair and a new roof installation. That’s why we’ve put together this guide—to help you decide whether you need a new roof or a repair. Let’s get started!
What’s Involved in Roof Repair?
A roof repair may be sufficient to cure mild or moderate damage. This home renovation method may restore and even prolong the life of your roofing system.
It’s a project that almost every homeowner faces at some time. Even if the damage appears simple enough to repair, it’s always advisable to employ a qualified roofing business to guarantee it’s done correctly.
Roof repair entails working on a small, isolated piece of your roof rather than pulling it down to replace it. Depending on the degree of the damage, the repair procedure may entail patching up holes and minor gaps and replacing damaged or missing shingles and other components. Of course, before you can repair your roof, you or a trained contractor must first identify and diagnose the problem.
Signs Your Roof Needs Repair
The following are examples of common roof damage. If found early, they may only require repairs rather than a completely new roof.
Natural Disasters
Scars from fallen limbs, light hail damage, and minor wind damage are frequently repairable. If the roof is only a few years old, fixing or re-roofing a part may be a more cost-effective alternative than replacement.
Leaks
Around certain pipes and vents, modern roofs employ rubber, tar, and plastic. These materials frequently deteriorate quicker than the roofing material and leak. They are quite simple to replace and are most likely all required if water leaks at these locations.
Installation Issues
Look for a lot of tar covering the flashing. It’s generally a symptom of poor workmanship and can lead to major issues. Look for missing kick-out flashing at the bottom or intersections of dormer walls, as well as missing crickets behind chimneys. A roofing firm may replace these missing parts for a quarter of the cost of a new roof.
Inadequate Ventilation
Suppose you detect condensation on the bottom of your roof deck, delaminating roof plywood in the attic, or difficulty keeping the second-story cool on hot days. In that case, your attic may require additional ventilation. Call a professional to check your home’s venting needs and, if necessary, have it added or repaired.
What’s Involved in Roof Replacement or Getting a New Roof?
When you repair a roof, you restore a small portion of the structure. However, if you replace it, you are replacing the entire visible region. This home improvement project necessitates removing everything to expose the deck before installing the new roof, and it may necessitate repairs to sheathing, rafters, and trusses.
A roof replacement is frequently more expensive upfront than a repair service since it requires significantly more labor. However, there are some situations where a new roof might help you save money in the long term.
When your roof is damaged by extreme weather, such as tornadoes, hail, or straight-line winds, you’ll want to get insurance since coverage will determine whether your roof is repaired or replaced.
When you find your roof sagging, you should think about replacing it. It’s a serious issue and an indication that your roof is about to collapse.
A replacement, like a roof repair, requires a thorough evaluation. A roofer will thoroughly inspect the degree of the damage to determine whether a repair is adequate or whether a complete replacement is the best option.
Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement
Some roof situations are irreparable. When these issues become apparent, then you need a new roof.
Age
A roof’s lifetime is the number of years (approximately) it will last. If your roof is properly installed and ventilated, it should last longer than the manufacturer’s estimated lifespan. With this in mind, you should replace your roof when it reaches a specific age. A roofing professional will advise you to replace your roof after it has reached around 85% of its recommended lifespan. For example, asphalt roofing should be changed every 15 to 20 years. When your roof reaches that age, begin regular inspections to decide when it should be replaced.
Sagging
Structural issues, such as plywood sagging between the rafters on the roof deck, may only be repaired by replacing the roof and decking boards.
Bare Spots
If your roof is covered in asphalt, missing granules or bare spots may indicate that the shingles are getting old and need replacing. Newer asphalt roofs will still be covered in granules, while older ones may have only a few.
Leaks
A leak in the roof can be caused by several factors, depending on where it is located and what type of roof you have. If the leak is from cracked or missing shingles, replacing them should do the trick. However, you may need a completely new roof if your home has a flat roof with tar and gravel.
Missing Shingles
If you have more than a few missing shingles on your roof, it’s usually time to get a new roof before the condition worsens. It is frequently indicative of an underlying issue.
Ending Note:
You’re undoubtedly well aware of how difficult this decision might be. If your roof damage is small enough, you may get away with a minor repair. However, if the damage is more than “minor,” you may require a replacement or a new roof.
Your best choice is to call a reputable roofing contractor to assist you in making this selection.
LD Total Roofing is your one-stop shop for all your roofing requirements in Palmetto, Florida. We take great satisfaction in providing our customers with excellent customer service and high-quality roofing.
