Your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home. It provides many benefits, including:
- Protection from the elements
- Insulation for temperature control
- Structural support for your home
Over time, your roof will begin to show signs of wear and tear. It’s important to address these issues promptly in order to maintain the integrity of your roof and avoid potential damage to your home. However, it can be difficult to determine when to repair or replace your roof. Here’s we break down the main things to consider when deciding between repair and replacement.
When Is It Time To Repair Your Roof?
Roofs aren’t built to last forever, especially without the maintenance and care they need. And being that they’re your home’s first line of defense against wind, hail, and rain, they take a beating that can lead to damage that requires repairs. But storm damage is just one aspect of roof repairs—it’s essential to know when and how you may need to repair those shingles.
You should repair your roof if you notice:
- Discolored spots on the shingles from hail damage
- Minor occurrence of missing or damaged shingles
- Signs of leaks in the attic
- Loose or curled shingles
- Cracked or loose flashing
- Damaged pipe boots or vents
- You notice issues right after a roof installation (due to poor workmanship)
- Your roof experiences damage early in its lifespan
Any of the above issues can indicate you need to repair your roof. Roof repairs for a few shingles here and there are simple and affordable and are most likely covered under warranty. But if your roof is old and shows signs of regular wear and tear, it might be time to venture into roof replacement territory.
The Downfalls Of Doing Repair After Repair
If you find yourself making multiple repairs to your roof, you’re probably just losing money. Poor workmanship at the initial installation of your roof can cause many issues. A quick, cheap repair can cause more problems than it solves. Inadequate flashing or damaged shingles will often continue to deteriorate.
Not only that, but constantly repairing your roof can also lead to higher energy costs. Damaged shingles and flashing allow air to escape from your home, making it harder for your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can result in increased electricity and gas bills.
If you find recurrent leaks or notice high energy bills, it might be worth looking into the actual workmanship of the roof and ensuring you get these repairs while you’re covered under a workmanship warranty.
Word to the wise: Never choose a contractor without a workmanship warranty.
One of the biggest reasons it can be bad to do repairs on top of repairs with your roof is that you are throwing money away. Eventually, the repairs will start to add up and cost as much or more than a roof replacement. If you are out of warranty and think you’re saving money by paying out of pocket for minor repairs—in the end, you could probably stand to get more return on your investment out of a new roof.
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Roof
The signs you need a complete roof replacement are not always obvious. They could be as minor as feeling a cold draft here and there or as major as recurrent ice dams every winter that tear down your gutters.
Here are some signs you might need to replace your roof:
- Your roof is over 20 years old
- You’ve had more than three repairs in the past five years
- The shingles are missing, cracked, or curling at the edges
- There’s a lot of moss or algae growth on the roof
- The roof decking is rotting
- You have a leak in the living space
- Your attic is extremely hot or cold
- Ice dams are a common occurrence
Any of these signs could mean it’s time for you to replace your roof. It’s important to remember that not all roofs need to be replaced at the same age, and depending on your home’s environment and weather exposure, your roof might need to be replaced earlier than later.
Pro tip: It’s important to have a professional roofer inspect your roof regularly to catch any issues early on and determine if it’s time for a replacement.
Things To Consider Before Getting Your Roof Replaced
A full roof replacement is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home and also one of the smartest. It’s essential to get it right and give your home the protection it needs. Here are some things to consider before getting your roof replaced:
- Type of shingle: There are many different types of shingles, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Be sure to research and choose the best option for your home and budget. It’s important to research and choose the best option for your home.
- Roofing material: In addition to shingles, there are other roofing materials available such as metal or tile. Consider which type will be most durable and suitable for your home’s location and style.
- Material and labor warranties: Make sure to understand the warranty offered by the roofing company, as well as any additional warranties on the materials used.
- Cost: While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, a roof replacement is not an area where you want to cut corners. Keep in mind that a quality roof can last 20-30 years or more, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Roofing contractor: Make sure you hire a licensed and experienced roofing contractor who is reputable in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and check the credentials of the roofing companies you’re considering. Also consider getting quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices.
- Time frame: Be aware of how long the replacement process will take and plan accordingly. It’s important to have a safe and secure place to stay during the roof replacement if necessary. Plan to go on vacation, stay with family or friends, or rent a hotel room while the replacement takes place.
These are all critical things to consider before getting your roof replaced. Replacing your roof is a big investment, so make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and that it’s something you’ll be happy with in the long run.
Maintenance Tips For Prolonging The Life Of Your Roof
We all wish that our roofs could just be installed and then we never have to worry about it. But this isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your roof. To ensure you don’t get bogged down with repairs or early replacement, keep these maintenance tips on hand so you can keep your roof in tip-top shape and extend its lifespan:
- Clean out your gutters. When gutters get clogged, water backs up and can’t flow properly. And the only place that water has to go now is back into your roof or attic.
- Get regular inspections. Prevention is vital to ensuring your roof is working properly. Getting inspections every few years or doing your own visual inspections can catch issues early before they become expensive repairs.
- Trim overhanging trees. Large debris like branches and even toppled trees can land on your roof during intense wind storms, damaging shingles, or even the roof structure. It’s vital to keep these things free and clear from your home. Keep an eye on any large branches that look unsteady and get them trimmed.
- Re-insulate your attic. A poorly insulated attic can cause a slew of roofing issues, from trapping moisture to causing leaks and even raising energy bills. If you must, get your attic better insulated to prolong the life and condition of your shingles.
- Stay aware. Lastly, you should just stay aware of any changes in temperature, energy bills, the look of your shingles, etc. When you’re out gardening or mowing the lawn take a walk around the property and spot check your roof for issues. Act fast because time is of the essence for roof issues.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can prevent potential problems and extend the life of your roof. Remember that proactive care is always better and more cost-effective than reactive repairs.
Let Us Help You With Your Roof Needs
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home. It protects you from the elements and keeps your family safe and comfortable. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get your roof replaced or repaired. Trust in a reputable contractor with experience and expertise to ensure your roof is installed correctly and stands the test of time.
If you are still unsure whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, Dreamworx Roofing can help! Our professional team can inspect, diagnose, and solve any roofing problems you may have.
Contact us today to get the ball rolling on an estimate. We can’t wait to help get your roof back into the shape it once was!
