You’re probably right if it seems like the hot summer months are coming earlier each year. Excessive heat and damaging winds can cause serious damage to your roof, whether that be through discoloration, cracking, or collapse. Considering it’s one of the biggest investments in your home, you’ll want to ensure you have a roof that is providing the proper protection or a means of protecting your investment in other ways. When choosing between a roof replacement and repair, many people are overwhelmed with the options and project scope. Roofing is a very big job requiring extensive work and skill. This guide will help you with the decision-making process.
Signs of a Roof Repair Needed
Roof replacement is a big investment. It can be daunting to know when you need to replace your roof versus repair it. Many people think they need to replace their roof when a small repair would suffice.
Curled Shingles
Curling is a sign that the shingles are aging, but it does not mean that you have to replace them immediately. If the rest of the roof is in good condition and you plan to keep your home for several more years, consider a roof repair instead of a replacement.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles can be caused by several reasons, including wind damage or animals. Missing shingles do not mean that you have to replace your entire roof; however, if there are missing shingles in multiple locations, then this could indicate that there may be larger problems with your roof’s integrity.
Worn-out Flashing
Flashing is a metal strip that covers the top edge of a chimney or other protrusion from the roof. It keeps water from entering the building through the gap between the chimney and the roof. Over time, flashing can become worn out or broken and may need replacing.
Signs of a Roof Replacement Needed
While roof repair can be a great option for homeowners who want to save money, there are some cases where you may want to consider a roof replacement instead. Here are some signs that your roof needs to be replaced:
Damaged Chimney
If your chimney has cracked or deteriorated in any way, you may need to replace it. This is especially true if your chimney is no longer serving any purpose and is just taking up space on your roof.
Roof Leaks in Attic or Ceiling
Water damage in the attic and ceiling is another sign that you need a new roof. If water pours into your home from above and causes damage, it’s time to replace the roof before the problem gets worse.
Hairline Cracks in Cement Tiles
Cement tiles are very durable, but they can crack over time due to extreme temperatures or age. Cracked tiles make your home vulnerable to leaks and other problems, so it’s important to replace them before they become damaged beyond repair.
Age
If your home is older than 20 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement. Roofs last about 20 years before the materials begin to deteriorate and cause leaks and other damage. If your roof is older than that and has been leaking or damaged by storms, then it’s definitely time for a replacement.
Factors That Can Determine Whether You Need a Roof Replacement or Roof Repair
What’s the Problem?
If you’re dealing with a leak in your attic, for example, then this could mean that there’s a hole in one of your shingles or tiles and that water is entering through an opening in the roof. In this case, you’d probably want to opt for an entire roof replacement because it would fix the problem area and prevent further issues from occurring down the road.
Extent of Damage
If there are only minor damages to your roof, then it is likely that you just need some repairs. In this case, it is best to hire a professional contractor to assess the damages and repair them accordingly. However, if there are major damages on your roof, like holes, leaks, or cracked shingles, then you should consider replacing it entirely instead of having repairs done on it. This is because having even one hole in your roof can cause more damage later on, especially during rainy seasons when water can easily penetrate through it.
Your Budget
A budget is another important factor that determines whether you should go for a new roof or repair your existing one. If your budget is limited, replacing an entire roof may not be feasible. However, if your budget allows it, then replacing the entire thing will give you peace of mind in knowing that your home is protected against any kind of weather condition and damage from insects or rodents.
Safety
Another major factor in determining whether you need to replace or repair your roof is safety. If there are any leaks in your home due to damaged shingles or other issues with the structure of your home, then it could lead to serious damage within your home and even cause injury or death if not addressed quickly enough.
Homeowners with a solid investment in their property are catching on to the importance of roof replacement vs roof repair. What you might not realize, though, is a large number of misconceptions when it comes to identifying whether you are actually in need of roof repair or a complete roof replacement. It’s important that homeowners understand the difference between these two options, so they know what their financial responsibilities will be when it comes to either option.
