When a roof is damaged it’s difficult to determine if it simply needs a repair or if it needs a full replacement. Damage to a roof can be a little sneaky. By the time you’re seeing any leaks coming into the house there could be a huge issue in between the walls that you had no idea about. In this blog, we wanted to discuss the difference between a repair and a replacement.
What are some of the considerations?
- Age: The older your roof is, the less it’s able to withstand, even with regular maintenance. As the roof ages, it becomes vulnerable to storm damage, leaks, missing shingles, and more. Determining the age of the roof can help determine if a repair is possible or if it would be less expensive in the long run to have it replaced.
- Leaks: Leaks are not only irritating to deal with, but they could be an indication of something more serious going on. The sooner you determine the cause of the leaky roof the better. Even a small leak could lead to more extensive issues like:
- Rotting roof sheathing or framework
- Destroyed insulation
- Damaged ceilings
- Mold
How do you determine the extent of the damage?
- Aesthetics: Check to see how your roof looks. Does it look normal or are there areas that look worn out, old, or flat out missing? You’re also looking for moss, algae, or dark streaks growing on the surface.
- Structural: Inspect the condition of the materials, looking for issues such as:
- Curled up edges of the shingles
- Missing shingles
- Broken or cracked shingles
- Dented areas
- Rusted metal or panels
