Have you recently noticed damaged or missing shingles on your roof? Or perhaps you’ve noticed even more extensive signs of damage, like sagging or leaking.
If so, you may be wondering whether a simple repair will be enough to keep your roof functioning properly, or if it’s time for a complete roof replacement.
Your roof is one of your home’s biggest and most important assets. A strong roof not only boosts the exterior appearance and curb appeal of your home, but also improves insulation and keeps your home dry and comfortable.
That is why it is so important to make the right decision when it comes to repairing or replacing your aging or damaged roof. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know in order to make the best possible choice for your home.
Repairing Your Roof
Missing Shingles: Is the damage to your roof limited to a handful of missing, torn or misshapen shingles? This may be caused by normal wear and tear. If the damage is localized or limited to less than 25% of the entire roof, a simple repair may suffice. A roofing professional will be able to determine if a repair will be enough to extend your roof’s lifespan while preventing further damage.
Durable Shingles: While asphalt shingles often have a lifespan of just 15-20 years, other materials (like slate and clay) can last much longer—even upwards of 100 years. If your roof is made from one of these durable materials and is only a few decades old, a full replacement is likely not necessary. Instead, your roofing expert may simply need to perform a few repairs.
Inconspicuous Area: One reason that homeowners may choose a roof replacement over a repair is because matching new shingles to the ones already on your roof can be tricky…even if you’re using the exact same product. This is because the appearance of your shingles may change as they’re exposed to the elements. If the damaged area is small or inconspicuous, and you won’t mind having mismatched shingles, go ahead a schedule a simple repair.
Replacing Your Roof
Natural Disaster: Is the damage to your roof the result of a recent natural catastrophe, such as a hurricane or tornado? If so, there is a strong possibility that you will need to replace your entire roof. That’s because structural damage may run much deeper than what you’re able to easily see, especially when it comes to moisture damage and insulation.
Water Damage: Speaking of moisture, water damage can be one of the most serious threats to the integrity of your roof. If you spot signs of moisture inside your home—such as brown spots or peeling paint on the ceiling or walls—it’s likely time to replace your roof. A professional can also inspect the underside of your roof to check for signs of water damage.
Severe Damage: If your roof is exhibiting signs of severe damage, including sagging or visible holes, don’t wait—your roof need to be replaced as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of serious interior damage to your home.
Roof Age: How old is your roof? Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material and traditionally last 15-20 years (although many new asphalt shingle products now last much longer). If your roof was constructed 15 or more years ago, it may be time to invest in a newer, more modern roof.
Cost Comparisons: Homeowners are often surprised to learn that in many cases, a complete roof replacement may only be marginally more expensive than a repair. If a large section of your roof is missing shingles, it’s usually worth asking about the additional costs of fully replacing your roof— the difference may not be as significant as you expect.
When to Contact a Roofing Professional
If you still aren’t sure whether you should repair or replace your roof, reach out to an experienced roofing expert who can perform a thorough inspection to determine the best course of action.
Unique Home Solutions, serving Indianapolis, Cleveland and the surrounding areas, employs factory-certified GAF Master Elite® contractors, one of the strictest forms of certification in the roofing industry. Our technicians can assess your roof and make recommendations on how best to proceed.
Contact us today to learn about our roofing services and 50-year warranty!