Is It Better To Repair Or Replace Your Roof?

Roofing is costly. When you have a roof problem, it’s typical to get a knot in your gut thinking about how much money you’ll have to pay. However, know that you don’t have to be concerned just yet. When a roof has a problem, there’s usually a far easier and less expensive option than totally replacing it right away. The key is knowing what to look for and responding quickly before a roof replacement becomes unavoidable.

So before you call a roofing professional, know what you’re getting yourself by checking your roof’s condition first to determine whether it just needs repair or a replacement. Here are the signs you should look out for:

Roof Repair Warning Signs

The following are common types of roof damage, and if found early, then they might only require minor repairs rather than a complete roof replacement.

Leakage

Roofs nowadays usually use rubber, tar, or plastic in sealing the surrounding area of some pipes and vents. However, these materials typically deteriorate faster than the roofing material itself so it is more prone to leaks and water damage. So if you notice water leaking in these areas, have them repaired immediately.

Normal wear and tear

Scratches and dents from falling branches, light hail damage, and minor wind damage are usually repairable. If the roof is only a few years old, fixing or reroofing a piece may be a more cost-effective option rather than totally replacing the entirety of the roof.  So if you suspect that your roof has been damaged by a storm, have it inspected by a roofing professional to establish the extent of the damage.

Problems with Installation

Look for a thick layer of tar covering the flashing. It’s usually a symptom of shoddy craftsmanship and can lead to major issues. Check at the bottom of the house for a missing flashing, or look behind the chimneys for the missing crickets. These missing pieces can be installed by a roofing professional for a fraction of the cost of a new roof.

Inadequate Ventilation

If you observe moisture on the underside of your roof deck or you notice delaminating roof plywood in the attic, your attic may require extra venting. Contact a roofing expert immediately to check your home vents and, if necessary, have them added or repaired.

Roof Replacement Warning Signs

Some roof problems are simply unfixable. There is no longer any amount of repair that can help fix them. So when these issues become apparent, replacing the entire roof becomes necessary.

Sagging

Roof deck plywood drooping between the rafters is a structural problem that can only be fixed by replacing the roof and decking planks.

Degeneration

Over time, the weather and the sun can take a toll on roofs. So if you notice curling or shrinking shingles, bare patches, or widespread algae or moss growth, then it may be time to replace your roof now.

Age

Unless your roof has 30 or 40-year shingles installed on it, asphalt shingle roofs which is the most common roof type used in the US today should be changed every 15 to 20 years. Start having yearly inspections as your roof approaches that age to determine when it should be replaced.

When Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof?

Knowing what damaged your roof and the extent of the damages it sustained could mean a lot in determining whether you should replace your roof or just repair it. So remember the following:

Determine the Reason for the Damage

The only time you can be certain whether it’s time to replace your roof is when it’s suffering from old age or structural issues. If you know that a storm caused minimal damage and that it was caused by bad installation, improper venting, or that the roofing materials have deteriorated, you may be able to fix it yourself so you don’t have to worry about spending a significant amount of money.

Determine the Extent of the Damage

Of course, if the damage is too severe to fix, the best alternative may be to replace the roof entirely. When your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, the most economical option may be to replace it rather than repair it since you might end up ripping it off in a few years anyway. Yes, the upfront costs might be expensive, but you can actually save more in the long run.

In addition, roof leaks in multiple locations and evident structural concerns are also signs that you need roof replacement rather than just mere roof repairs.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to have a formal roofing education to recognize when something is wrong with your roof. Sometimes, just by visually inspecting and conducting regular maintenance checks, you can already determine if you need to have it repaired or replaced.

If you are not sure about what you are doing and you are more comfortable having professionals inspect your roof, then contact a reputable roofing contractor in your area to conduct a thorough inspection and talk about your options. Liberty Roofing Pros are experts in residential roof repair and replacement.