Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

No roof, no matter how well laid, lasts forever. Eventually you’re going to have to repair or replace it. But it can be hard to tell whether your roof needs a spot repair or a full replacement. Here’s what to ask yourself when you’re trying to figure out roof repair.

How Old Is It?

If your roof is more than 20 years old, realistically, it’s probably time to start replacing it even if it still seems sturdy; most shingles have about a 20-year life expectancy. Wear and tear is one of those forces that doesn’t seem to be doing much damage until suddenly a whole lot of damage happens all at once. If it’s a decade old or less, you’re probably looking at a repair unless you’ve experienced some major damage.

How Is It Looking?

Honestly, there are some jobs you can just eyeball, and your need to get a new roof is one of them. If your roof has shingles that are warped, curled, or otherwise distorted, or your roof is looking worse for the wear around key leak points like chimneys and skylights, it’s probably time to get a new roof. Similarly, when you’re up cleaning the gutters, take a good look at the shingles as you’re mucking them out; if you see a lot of wear, or you’re finding pieces of shingle in your gutters, it’s probably time to call the roofers.

Does a Replacement Make Sense Financially in the Long Term?

Even if your roof is relatively sturdy, just aging, it might be worth it to you to replace it anyway. Why? Just like any other industry, roofing technology has advanced substantially over the years; what was cutting edge in roofing a decade ago has been updated and improved. You can get roofing that resists damage and fire, cutting your insurance costs, and you can add green features to your roof that might qualify you for federal tax credits. Look into what’s available to you financially; it might make a lot more sense than you think.

Are you ready? Click to find a trusted roofing contractor

Are You Finding Signs of Water Damage Inside Your House?

If you’re finding signs that water is getting inside your house, such as dark spots on your ceiling or damp spots near your fireplace, you’re going to need to act fast. As a general rule, if there’s water (where it’s not suppose to be) in your house, it’s probably going to come back to a problem in your roof; get out the flashlight and look around in your attic, or get out the binoculars and take a look at your roof from the outside. Look closely for signs of damage both on the top of your roof and underneath it, if possible; stains, gaps, holes, and other damage is usually a smoking gun.

Is It Just One Leak, or Several?

If you’re finding just one leak, especially if your roof doesn’t seem to have much in the way of wear otherwise, then you’re probably safe just repairing that specific leak, which can be a quick and relatively low-budget job. If you’re finding multiple leaks at once, or you find yourself repairing a single leak every other month, it’s going to be more cost effective to replace the entire roof.

If you want to replace your roof, make your first stop Trusted Home Contractors. At Trusted Home Contractors, we’ve got the best certified contractors in your area. Make sure the job’s done right: Hire your roofer through Trusted Home Contractors. End

Photo credits: Focx Photography, lovestruck

Tweet