When you start to see problems with your roof, you’ll inevitably have an internal debate about whether you want to repair or replace it.
Roof repair and roof replacement are two very different processes, one of which is far more costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are signs you can look for to determine whether your roof is just in need of repair or whether you’ve got to tear it down and build a new one.
In this post, we’re going to look at some of these signs so you can make the best decision for your home. Your roof is an essential part of your home when it comes to protection against rain, snow, hail, and falling tree branches, so you need it to be as sturdy as possible.
Keep reading, and you’ll have a greater understanding of what your roof needs and when it needs fixing.
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Repair or Replace: How to Choose the Right Option
To make the right decision on your roof, you need to examine it more closely. You can’t simply perform patchwork on a severely damaged roof because it’s going to give way eventually.
On the other hand, if your roof is relatively young and showing signs of premature wear, you might be able to salvage it with some savvy repairs. Regarding weather-related issues, you may need to replace a few shingles unless widespread damage has occurred.
Next, we will discuss some of the signs you need roof repair versus some of the signs that you need to replace the whole thing.
Signs You Should Repair Your Roof
If you see any of the following problems when inspecting your roof, then you’ll need roof repair, but not necessarily a replacement. Get the repairs done quickly to avoid further damage.
Damaged Shingles
By inspecting your roof regularly, you can keep tabs on the health of your shingles. If you start to see some of the shingles fading in color, falling off of the roof, or curling, then you’ll need to replace some of them.
This is a common yet minor repair that you can do on your own. So long as there aren’t a lot of shingles going missing or curling, then you can replace the damaged ones, and your roof will live to fight on.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters can become a problem because they’ll create an overflow of moisture around the roof and foundation of your home, which will lead to more severe problems. Cleaning them regularly will help, but if you notice a lot of shingle granules, this means that your shingles are slowly deteriorating.
Again, if it’s just a few shingles, you can replace them as they wear out. When it’s a widespread problem, you’ll need to start thinking about a roof replacement.
Algae Growth
When you start to see dark spots of moss and algae growing on your roof, it usually means that there’s moisture trapped on and beneath the shingles. If you leave it there to grow, this will weaken the roof’s structure, and you’ll end up with sagging.
As we’ll discuss, sagging is a serious sign that should be dealt with immediately, but you can clear moss and algae off with a homemade solution and a hose. If you want to keep it from coming back, you can install strips of zinc or copper-coated sheet metal below the top ridge of either side of the roof.
Signs You Need Roof Replacement
Most minor issues can be solved with roof repair, but there are other things you need to take into account. Here are some considerations and signs that you might need roof replacement rather than just repair.
Age of Roof
The average asphalt shingle roof lasts between 20 and 25 years, so if your roof is getting on in age and you’re experiencing problems, then it’s best to get it replaced.
Certain other roofing materials are designed to last much longer than a shingled roof. Clay or concrete tiles and metal roofing tend to last in the 50 to 75-year range, requiring fewer repairs and less maintenance overall.
Light and Leaking On the Inside
One of the first places you’ll notice serious roof damage is in your attic. If you start to see leaking, or worse, light coming in through the roof, then you’ve got problems.
Light coming in means that there are sizeable gaps in the structure of the roof, which isn’t good for things like energy bills and bad weather. If you notice moisture and leaking inside, you could end up with rotting beams, which would compromise your entire house. Moisture also leads to mold, which can have serious health implications.
Sagging
If you look at your roof from a distance and see sagging in the middle, you need an immediate roof replacement. This signals a bad deterioration of the roof’s structure, meaning it could collapse at some point in the near future.
Sagging usually occurs when an excess of moisture (from moss and algae) is left to eat away at the roof. You can prevent it by clearing up the moss and installing metal strips, as discussed above.
Roof Maintenance Will Make It Last
The key here is roof maintenance. If you take the time once per year to have your roof inspected by a professional, it’s going to last a lot longer.
When you ignore your roof, this is when you’ll end up having to make regular repairs, and if you neglect those, then you’re going to need to replace the roof before its 20-25 year lifespan is up.
Roof repairs are necessary for having a shingled roof, but roof replacement is costly and time-consuming. If you don’t want to replace your roof, go here to find out more about properly maintaining your roof.
Find a Roofing Service Near You
Whether you need to repair or replace your roof, you’ll need help doing it. A good handyperson can handle some DIY roof repairs, but most people will need professional help. Find a great roofing company near you to inspect, repair, and should you need it, replace your roof.
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