Roofs are integral to a home, keeping the elements out and protecting those who call your home their own. But maintaining one of the most critical parts of your house can be expensive and time-consuming. And what happens if it gets damaged?
A damaged roof is a worrying thing to have, and it’s not just the cost of repairing or replacing it that needs to be considered. The roof’s state can affect your house’s value on the market and its ability to look modern and appealing. Calling a repair professional as soon as possible is highly recommended. Unfortunately, there are often more questions than answers when doing so. If you’re not sure if it’s better to repair or replace your roof ,read on for more info.
When Should You Repair a Roof?
Your roof helps lower your energy bills and also helps curb appeal. When it gets damaged, you need to repair it right away. Here are signs that indicate that your roof needs repair:
- If the leak is in an isolated area of your house, you should look at repairing it immediately. Leaks cause damage to the interior of your home and can cause mold growth if left untreated for too long.
- If you notice rusting metal flashing around pipes or chimneys, this could be another sign of something wrong with your roof structure underneath.
- If there is no visible damage, but you hear squeaks or other noises when it rains and snows, chances are good that an inspection will reveal an issue with the flashing around your chimney or skylight(s).
- Your shingles are curling up or cracking apart at the seams. These are signs that they’re no longer protecting your home from the elements—and therefore need replacing before they become more damaged.
- If your roof is less than 20 years old, consider repairing it. Roof repairs can extend the life of your roof and save you money.
Roof Repair Process
Roofs need repairs. The steps for repairing a roof are as follows:
- Roof Inspection.
- Removal of old materials.
- Prepping for shingles
- Repairing the roof
- Cleaning and Inspection
When Should You Replace a Roof?
The right time to replace your roof depends on several factors:
- The age of your roof is over 20 years old. It’s time to start thinking about replacing it if it’s older than that. As roofs age, they begin to deteriorate—and as they do, they’re less likely to be able to withstand the wear and tear of normal weather conditions. Most roofs last between 15 and 20 years before needing replacement; if yours has passed that mark, consider getting a new one.
- Leaks are in several spots on your roof. It can indicate that fundamental problems with your roof structure need to be addressed before any other work begins. If there are several leaks, call a professional immediately!
Roof Replacement Process
If your roof is damaged or worn out, you need to replace it immediately. The process of replacing your roof involves several steps:
- Remove the old roofing material
- Change flashing
- Install underlayment
- Install Shingles
How to Maintain the Roof
Roof maintenance is essential for your home security. A well-kept roof will not only protect you from weather elements, but it will also keep your home looking nice and secure. Here are tips that will help you maintain your roof correctly:
- Clean the gutters regularly: If you clean your gutters regularly, there is less chance of water damage to your roof. If leaves or other debris are in the gutter, they can clog up and cause water to leak into your home.
- Check for leaks: If you notice any leaks while checking out your roof, ensure they are repaired.
- Replace shingles: If you see any areas where shingles are missing, curled, or cracked, then ensure that those areas are replaced before they become worse!
- Inspect your roof. Do this at least once a year or after any storm or other event that could damage your roof.
- Re-seal any cracks or openings in the roof that may allow water to seep into the home.
If a small repair job fails to stop leaking, you’ll have to replace the roof. But that same leak could be proof of underlying problems in your roof’s shingles or flashing that require a total replacement. If you need to repair your roof, do so—but ensure you’re fixing the right things and replacing anything that might also need attention. If you need professional help coming to those conclusions, don’t hesitate to hire an experienced contractor.
