When To Repair Or Replace Your Roof?

By Author: James Fields
Total Articles: 87
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A roof that's well maintained contributes to your home's optimal performance. If your roofing has served you for many years and begins to show signs of trouble, it could be time to consider a replacement. Roof replacements don't come cheap but may have better long-term value than low-cost repairs. You cannot judge from the outside the need to repair or replace your roof. A complete roof audit needs to be done to assess the existing roof's condition and make the right decision.

Let's begin with some minor damages that would warrant a roof repair.

1. Missing shingles

If you have missing shingles in small areas of your roofing, they can be easily replaced. Don't wait too long to replace missing shingles because those empty spaces can cause serious roof leaks that damage the roofing material ultimately and could force you to invest in a fresh installation.

2. Damaged flashing

This is another example of a quick roof repair issue that a contractor can fix. Damaged flashing needs to be repaired or completely replaced to avoid flooding problems.

3. Minor gutter damage

Roof gutters ...
... will need to be replaced several times over the lifespan of the roof. Gutter replacement is a quick fix that can be handled by an experienced roofing contractor.

When is it time to invest in a new roof?

If the damage to your roof doesn't fall under what is considered minor, it could be time to invest in new roofing.Some common signs that your roof needs to be replaced include:
Curling shingles
Shingles that are shedding their granules
Roofing that is too old and worn out (has passed or is approaching the recommended service life)
Significant damage caused by severe weather such as hail that caused severe structural damage on your roof
If you're spending too much money regularly fixing roofing problems that don't seem to go away.

As per a home contractor in NYC, there are several causes of significant roof damage, and we'll go over a few of them below:

Time

Every material used in your home's exterior is regularly exposed to wear and tear. Your roof cannot last forever. As soon as it approaches its recommended service life, it will begin to give in. For instance, roofing materials like organic asphalt shingles have a recommended service life of up to 20 years. Others, such as clay tiles and slate, can last up to 100 years. They may not reach this expectation if not adequately maintained over the years. So before you invest in new roofing, consider the age of your existing roof. Problems such as curling, missing shingles, and roof leaks are quite common in roofs that have exhausted their service life.

Severe weather conditions

Harsh weather is a common cause of roof damage. If your roof was exposed to severe damage due to a natural disaster such as hailstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires, the high chances are that you'll need to consider a replacement. This severe weather can rip off the shingles, damage the gutters, and cause serious leaks even on a newly installed roof.

Moss growth

If your home is built in a shady, dark, or damp area, moss may begin to grow under the roof shingles. Renovation Contractor in NYC says moss is dangerous on roofing material because it locks in moisture underneath the shingles, causing them to rot. Some roofing shingles are treated to prevent this, but it's a form of damage that, if ignored, can force you to replace the entire roof.

Poor maintenance
Regular roof maintenance is critical for it to live up to its full lifespan. The standard recommendation is for maintenance to be conducted at least once annually. Some roofing may require more regular maintenance, especially for homes built in areas that experience severe weather.

Is a new roof cheaper in the long run?

Sometimes it's best to consider replacing the entire roof, even if it's just a small section showing problems. It will likely be cheaper than handling one issue now and then in a few years. There are several variables to consider, and one of the most important ones is the weather in your area. If your home is susceptible to severe weather, patching a small section won't do you any good. A more cost-effective option would be to reroof with more durable material. This means that you wouldn't have to spend money every year dealing with the same roofing issue you've experienced. The goal of reroofing is to invest in a better quality material that will save you money in repair costs over the years.