When your roof is damaged, it can be hard to tell if you need a full replacement or just a few repairs to get it back into working order. If you ever find yourself in this position, there are a few clues you can use to figure out whether you should repair or replace the roof. Of course, you could always call a professional roofer out to check on the damage for you, but knowledge is power, and knowing enough to diagnose some basic issues will afford you some sense of independence.
Replacing a Roof
Replacing a roof is a more expensive approach than repairing it, but it may be necessary if your roof is in really bad shape. You need to replace your roof if the decking below the roof is damaged, if you’re seeing zig-zag patterns in your shingles, or if you’re seeing lots of hail, sun, or wind damage. These are all signs that you have excessive damage, and repairing is no longer a viable option. Even though replacement is more expensive, if you have storm damage, your insurance company may pay for most of the costs. Make sure you consult a professional roofer before you make any decisions.
Repairing a Roof
Conversely, if you’re simply missing a few shingles or have some localized damage, you can likely just replace the shingles in question and move on with your life. Repairing is much cheaper than replacing, and it’s also much faster. Of course, you have to have some basic knowledge in order to make the repairs yourself, or you can hire a professional roofing company to help out.
What repairs should you make on your roof?
Shingle replacement: If your roof has gone through many years of usage and your shingles are gone or damaged, you need to replace your shingles. Shingle replacement is a major repair because you have to take off the old shingles and put on the new ones. Shingle repair: If your shingles are damaged or worn out but not completely gone, you can easily get a new edge on those shingles so they look new again. Roof flashing replacement: If your roof has some piping or flashing that is damaged or missing, you can easily get that piping or flashing repaired so it looks new again. – Roof patching: If your roof has minor damage, it can be easily repaired so that it looks as good as new. Roof leaks: If you notice that there are any leaks coming from your roof, you should get them repaired as soon as possible. Roof damage: If any form of damage is seen on your roof, you should get it repaired immediately.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to repair or replace your roof, the most important thing you can do is ensure that it is functional and keeps moisture out of the house. There are certainly some strong indications of when you need to repair and when you need to replace, but there are plenty of indicators that aren’t so simple to decode. For those issues, you may want to rely on the opinion of a local, professional roofer instead of making the choice yourself. Remember, your home is your castle. Don’t let rain and snow destroy it.