When is it Time to Repair or Replace Your Roof?

There is a lot more to a home's roof that many may not realize. Trusses are covered by wood decking which is covered with an underlying membrane. There are valley flashings, chimney flashings, roof vents, drip edges, and more. When most people think about their roof, however, they generally only consider the roof surface, most often asphalt shingles.

This is the most visible portion of a roof that faces the brunt of the sun's heat, wind, rain, snow, and ice. Like most aspects of a home, repairs can become necessary due to age or damage that has occurred. How does a homeowner decide though, when a roof replacement is a better option to a repair? Here are the factors to consider.

Overall Age

A big factor to consider, when deciding whether a repair or replacement is a better option, is the age of the current roof. Slate roofs can last for 50 years or longer. Even asphalt roofs are designed to last for decades. Depending on weather conditions, however, roofs may need repairs or replacement much sooner. The older the roof, the more likely replacement will be the best option. Replacement should be chosen when an asphalt roof reaches 20 years old.

Looking Beyond Wear and Tear

As the weather takes its toll on an asphalt roof, shingles may begin to cup or curl. As shingles age, the gritty, sand-like surface will begin to fall from the shingles and begin to gather in gutters or on the ground. Shingles can fade, dry out, and begin to chip. These are all signs the roof is reaching the end of its useful life and should be replaced. Replacing a roof, or even making extensive repairs, should never be undertaken as a DIY project, but rather left to the help of a contractor.

Changing Aesthetics

Even if there is a spare bundle of shingles in the garage or if similar ones can be found at a home improvement store, new shingles will rarely “match” existing ones. That means the more areas that need repair the more mismatched your roof will appear. Repairs may be functional but if the appearance suffers too much, replacement may be the better option. This is particularly true when the mismatched roof begins to affect the value of a home.

Damage

Many times, the question of repair vs replacement arises following storm damage. If the damage is minimal or restricted to a less visible area of the roof, or if the roof is less than ten years old, repair is probably a solid option. If the damage is more extensive and includes damage to the wood decking underneath; replacement will likely be prudent.

Leaks

Leaks can manifest themselves on the interior of a Devon home through stains on the ceiling. They also can cause sagging or bumps on the exterior surface of the roof. Any leaks need to be addressed immediately. If the leaking is extensive or widespread, roof replacement will probably be required.

Few features of a home cover more square footage than a roof. It offers protection for those living inside, the structure itself, and all of its contents. It is also a significant factor that affects the value and appearance of a property. The National Roofing Contractors Association even promotes a National Roofing Week each June. Whether you are a homeowner or considering buying or selling a house, knowing when to repair or replace a roof can have significant benefits.