Is your roof having problems? Is the problem repairable, or does it need an entire roof replacement? You may be stuck here, not knowing which option to go for. But, most probably, you are thinking about a roof repair since it will save you money.
You might even need professional help to discern the solution to your roofing problem. Anyway, consider these factors when contemplating repairing or replacing your roof and the common roof problems.
Things To Consider When Contemplating Repairing Or Replacing Your Roof
Here are the things to consider when looking forward to replacing your roof.
The Age Of The Roof
Different roofing materials have different lifespans. For example, metal roofs last for 50 years, while asphalt shingles (3-tab shingles) last between 15-20 years.
Some signs of an old roof include:
- Sagging roof
- Lose of granule(granules in the gutter)
- Missing, curled, buckling, or blistering shingles
- Moss covering your roof
- Bald shingles
If your asphalt shingle is less than ten years old and has some problems, you may repair the damaged sections without replacing the entire roof. However, if in doubt about the age of your roof, call your roofing company, and they can help determine the age. Again, if you are unsure whether to repair or replace it, call them.
Some roofing companies may recommend a roof replacement to rip you off. So, you may need to consult several companies before settling for a roof replacement. You can also visit this website for more insights on repairing and when to replace your roof.
How Long Will You Live In The Home?
Roof replacement is an expensive venture that will consume both your money and time, not to mention the distractions and the noise. So, if you are planning to get a new home or move to a new town, you can avoid the hassle and do the repairs instead.
However, if you consider re-selling your home, an old roof is a total turn-off to buyers. Your roof determines 40 percent of the curb appeal of your home. Therefore, an old roof will lower your home’s curb appeal and turn off potential buyers.
So, you might consider replacing your old roof before putting it out on the market. Besides, a home with a new roof attracts a higher price due to its attractiveness.
The Intensity Of The Damage
Natural calamities such as hailstorms, falling trees, or heavy ice can damage your roof. The damage’s intensity helps determine the best approach; a repair or a replacement.
For instance, if a tree fell and broke a few shingles and damaged a section of the gutter system, you don’t require a roof replacement. Instead, you will need to replace the broken shingles and repair the damaged part of the gutter.
However, if the incidence has damaged several shingles and the underlayment, you should consider a roof replacement.
Roof Problems To Repair
So, if your roof is still new and has not been struck intensively by a natural peril, then you can go ahead and repair it. These are some of the common roof problems that need repair;
Clogged Roof And Gutter System
With time, dust, leaves, and twigs from the surrounding trees may accumulate on your roof and gutter system. The debris build-up restricts the smooth flow of water from the roof to the gutter system and, later, to the downspouts.
Keep an eye on your roof and the gutter system to ensure they are free from debris. In case of debris build-up, you should consider gutter cleaning to get rid of it.
Leaks Around The Pipe Boot
A pipe boot failure will cause a roof leak. This is because the boot’s primary function is to prevent water from leaking to your house; thus, it acts as a flashing. So, if the pipe boot fails, replace it with a functioning boot to stop the leaks.
Missing Shingles
Your roof might have a few missing shingles, that does not mean you need to replace the entire roof. Instead, let a professional inspect the state of your roof and the underlayment and then replace the missing shingles.
Leaks Around The Chimney
At times the flashings around the chimney may have rusted or slipped, thus not functioning correctly. If your chimney allows water intrusion, you need to fix or replace the flashing to prevent leaks.
Ventilation Problem
Your roof attic should be adequately ventilated. Poor attic ventilation may cause roofing problems; the trapped hot and cold air will shorten the lifespan of your roof. A professional roofer can correct the attic ventilation.
Air Gun Nailing Mistakes And Nail Pops
Air gun issues can arise when you constantly pull the trigger, resulting in wear and tear. For that reason, you should correct all the air gun mistakes and nail pops to install the shingles correctly. In that case, you must replace the worn-out trigger valve.
Damage Caused By Bad Weather Or Falling Tree
Bad weather or falling trees can cause damage to a section of your roof. The damage can be on a few shingles or the gutter system and not the entire roof. In that case, engage your roofer to determine the intensity of the damage. Also, they will advise you on whether to file for an insurance claim or shoulder the repair costs.
Poor Installation
Poor roof installation can lead to future roof problems like leaks. If a section of your roof was poorly installed, you should have it installed properly. However, if your entire roof was installed incorrectly, the situation may call for a whole roof replacement.
Final Word
You can repair your roof without replacing it. However, it’s good to consider the cause of your roof problems. For example, if the roof is damaged because it is old, you might need to replace it altogether. On the other hand, regular roof maintenance prolongs the lifespan of your roof and saves you the cost of replacing the entire roof. So, only go for the option that suits your roof problems and age.
