In some situations, you may look at your roof and recognize that it is getting way beyond time to do work on the roof, and you need to replace the whole thing. But there are times when the roof just needs a few minor repairs, and it can last for several years still. But how can you make that decision as a homeowner to help protect your home?
You may have to make a big decision to help determine whether your roof can be repaired or replaced. There are a few things that you can consider when it is time to decide between replacing the entire roof or just doing some repairs. Some of the things that you should think about include:
The Age Of The Roof
You should always look at the roof’s age on your home. When the roof reaches a certain age, it is not going to be able to handle some of the damage that can come it’s way through the weather, and it is time just to get the entire roof replaced. The length of time the roof can last will often depend on the type of material that is used. If you are not sure about the age of your roof, then you will need to bring in a professional who can take a look.
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle that you can use on your home. The lower-end varieties will usually last a minimum of 15 years, while some of the heavier and more expensive varieties are able to last 40 years. No matter how old your roof is, you can take a look at it and notice some signs of aging on the roof to tell you it is time to replace it as well. These signs include:
- There are a lot of little granules in the gutter
- The shingles start to blister
- There is moss growing on the roof
- The roof is sagging
- You have spots where the shingles are completely missing
- You have spots where the shingles no longer have granules on them and are bald.
- You notice that the shingles start to buckle or curl
When you start to see some of these signs on your roof, it is time to bring in professionals to take a look at the roof and see how much work needs to be done. You may find that having more than one company look at it can provide you with the best estimates on the price and amount of work to get done.
How Long Will You Stay In The Home
If you moved into this home and you plan to be in it for a long time, then it may be a good idea for you to replace the roof to get the most value out of it. When someone decides they will just be in the home for a short time or they plan to sell in the next few years, they won’t waste the money on a brand new roof, letting the new owners decide whether to take on that project or not.
If you plan to stay in the home for a long time and the roof has already gone through several repairs, or you know the age of the roof, and it is older than 15 years, it is a good idea to at least get it inspected, whether you decide to replace or repair it. Keep in mind that if you plan to sell the home, though, having a roof that needs a lot of work can make it harder to sell the house.
What Is Your Budget
You may have to consider what your budget is before you choose to replace or repair your roof. Some homeowners may need a roof replacement, but their budget won’t be able to handle it. Even if it is more affordable overall to do the entire roof, if they can’t come up with enough money, then it may not be possible to do the full roof.
When this is the case for your home, then it may be a good idea to do some of the repairs to help preserve the roof and make sure that it doesn’t get worse. Your roofing contractor will be able to take a look at the roof and provide some advice on the best repairs you can do and the best routine maintenance for the roof to make sure that it will keep your home protected while keeping with your budget.
How Much Work To Get Done
Sometimes the decision will depend on how much work needs to be done on the home. When there is a lot of work that you need to get done on the roof, it makes more sense just to replace the whole thing rather than replace it over time. You will have to work with a roofing professional to see whether it is a good idea to do the repairs or do a complete roof replacement.
When there are just a few spots that need some work, it makes sense to call out a roofing contractor just to fix those areas rather than asking for them to handle the whole roof. But when there are large areas that have a mess across quite a bit of the roof, then it is often best to consider the different options available to replace the whole roof.
Whether you would like to repair your roof or you think it needs a full replacement, it is essential to find the right residential roof service to help you get it all done. Our team will be able to come to provide an inspection of your roof to see what type of work is the best to help provide you with a good deal of protection. Routine maintenance and repairs can make the roof last a lot longer, giving you some of the strength and safety you need for your home.
