Whether roof repair or replacement is in your future, a damaged roof can lead to costlier repairs if not promptly addressed. Signs of roof damage require urgent attention.
Water damage, mold, and other costly repairs can soon follow damage to roof. The good news is that not every roof repair requires roof replacement.
If you have a damaged or weather-damaged roof, the information in this blog can give you an idea of what type of repair may be needed.
Signs of Roof Damage
There many reasons that you may be filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage.
Following a wind storm or other severe weather event, it may be clear that your roof has sustained damage. Broken shingles on the lawn are one sign of damage to the structure.
A leaking roof is a common sign of roof damage. A sagging roof is a telltale sign of a serious roof problem.
Other times, signs of roof damage may be less obvious. Shingles may be folded or bent. Roofing material may be dislodged. Sometimes, damage may even be noticeable from inside.
Top Reasons You Need to Replace Your Roof
When repairs are not enough to safely restore your roof, you will need to hire a company to remove and replace the entire structure. The recommendation for roof replacement typically follows a damaged roof inspection.
Extent of Damage
A roofing contractor may also consider how extensive roof leaking is when giving a replacement recommendation. Significant amounts of mold and/or damaged insulation may necessitate a total replacement.
Age of Your Roof
If your roof is only a few or several years old, the problem may be related to how well the shingles were installed. Newer roofs rarely suffer from age-related wear and tear. If your asphalt shingles are more than a few decades old, it may be time to consider replacing the entire structure.
Roof Material
The type of material your roof is made of can be a significant factor. Slate can last several decades or longer. An 80-year-old metal roof may be past its prime.
Top Reasons You Need Repairs for a Damaged Roof
Roof repairs are reserved for minor damage. If your home was hit by a minor windstorm or fallen branch, you are probably eligible for this cost-effective option. Repairs are also saved for situations where the underlying structure of a roof is secure and sound.
Newer Roof
Unless there is severe damage, a new or newer roof will often be repairable. If a recent wind storm has blown a small number of shingles off your roof, you may be eligible for repairs. A roofing professional will need to inspect your roof beforehand to ensure that you do not need an entire replacement.
Partial Replacements
Another option that is less expensive than replacement is a partial replacement. if the damage is isolated to one section of your roof, it may be beneficial to place part, but not all, of your roof.
Another benefit of a partial replacement is aesthetics. Matching individual tiles or shingles can be difficult. Replacing a larger section allows for more pleasing and less noticeable blending.
Benefits of Repairing a Roof
Repairs are typically cheaper than replacements, at least in the short term. Repairs may be advantageous if you are planning to sell your home in the next few years.
Benefits of roof repair include:
- The option to maintain an otherwise good roof
- The option of enjoying the benefits of repairs on short notice
- Significant cost-savings
- The ability to keep a classic or unique roof intact
Repairs also come with the benefit of shorter construction timelines. When weighing the merits of repairs, trust an experienced roofing professional.
Benefits of Replacing a Roof
There are times when completely replacing a roof comes with benefits. If your roof is past its prime, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire structure than to repair it piecemeal.
Personal Considerations
Sometimes, personal considerations play a role in repair considerations. If you are not satisfied with the color or look of your roofing, replacement may be worth the extra cost. It may be time to change up the type of roofing your home has altogether.
If you are looking to spruce up your home’s curb appeal, your choice of roofing material is a leading factor to consider.
Moving or Staying?
The length of time you plan to live in your home is another factor. Minor repairs may be stop-gap measures that require continual maintenance. If you plan on living in your home for the indefinite future, replacing your roof can help you stop putting off the inevitable.
Sell-By Date
Another factor to keep in mind is the roofing material’s sell-by date. As a rule of thumb, replacing may be more beneficial once this date has passed.
Local Building Codes
City codes change, and homeowners have to keep up. If your current roofing material is not up to code, updating to energy-efficient or higher quality roofing materials can help you stay ahead of unwanted code violations.
Don’t Put Off Repairing a Damaged Roof
In some cases, a damaged roof can be fixed without the need of replacing the entire structure. In other cases, it can be more cost-effective, long-term, to remove the slate, metal, or shingles and replace the entire roofing structure.
Trust your local roofing professionals to guide you through the process. Amenity Roofing Siding & Gutters specializes in residential roofing. We also offer high-quality commercial work.
Has your home or business experienced roof damage? Contact our roofing professionals so they can guide you through the repair or replacement process.
