Your roof is what protects your home from the elements and keeps you safe. Knowing when to repair or replace your roof is an important decision that can impact your safety and your wallet. There are a lot of factors that determine whether you should replace or repair your roof, we’ll go over the most important ones in this post.
Should I Repair or Replace my Roof?
The only way to know for sure if you need to replace or repair your roof is to schedule an inspection with a certified roofing company. Regardless, we will go over what you should be looking out for when deciding to repair or replace your roof.
Extent of Roof Damage:
If the damage is widespread or affects vital structural components, a replacement is likely necessary. A few missing shingles might call for a repair, but widespread shingle loss indicates a more systemic problem. Leaks are a sure sign water is penetrating your roof system, and a full replacement might be necessary. A good rule of thumb is if more than 25% of your roof is damaged you should get a full replacement.
Age of Roof:
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 15-20 years, while metal and tile roofs can last 25-35 years. If your roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan and showing signs of wear, a replacement might be the smarter long-term decision. Keep in mind Florida is known for it’s severe weather and sunshine, this can significantly reduce the lifespan of your roof.
Cost:
Sometimes the cost of a repair is much more appealing than a replacement, but if your roof is in need of a replacement, delaying can lead to more expensive costs in the future. Furthermore, if you are looking to sell your home in the near future, a roof replacement can be the perfect way to increase your property value.
Signs you Should Repair Your Roof
Here are some key signs that your roof might need repair, rather than a full replacement:
Missing or Cracked Shingles:
A few missing shingles can likely be repaired, but widespread shingle loss indicates a more serious issue. Cracked shingles also expose the underlayment to the elements and need attention.
Curling or Buckling Shingles:
This signifies the shingles are breaking down and losing their ability to shed water effectively. This can quickly become a problem, especially with the amount of rain Florida receives.
Granule Loss on Asphalt Shingles:
Asphalt shingles lose granules over time, but excessive loss is a sign the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. However, if the asphalt beneath the granules is still in good condition, a repair might be possible.
Leaks:
Leaks are a sure sign water is penetrating your roof system, but the source of the leak may be repairable. For instance, a leak around a vent pipe might be fixed with sealant, while leaks due to widespread shingle failure might necessitate a replacement.
Flashing Issues:
Flashing is the material used to seal around roof penetrations like chimneys and vents. If the flashing is cracked, loose, or rusted, it can allow water infiltration and may be repairable.
Sign you Should Replace Your Roof
These are some signs that you may be better off with a roof replacement rather than a repair:
Aging Roof:
If your roof is reaching the end of its expected lifespan, it’s a good idea to get a replacement. Delaying a replacement will most likely end up costing you more in the long run due to the amount of repairs that will be needed.
Extensive Damage:
If you find that more than 25% of your roof is damaged, you should think about replacing the entire roof. It also depends how the damage happened. If the damage was due to falling debris, you may be ok with just a repair. If the damage happened naturally over time, that could be a sign your roof is starting to fail and is in need of a replacement.
Leaks:
While leaks can be fixed with a simple repair, sometimes leaks are a sympton of a bigger problem. Widespread leaks or leaks that reappear after repair are signs of a more systemic problem necessitating a replacement. Patching leaks in a roof that’s already failing in other areas is unlikely to be a permanent solution.
Increased Energy Bills:
A roof that’s not functioning properly can allow heat or cool air to escape, leading to higher energy bills. A new roof with proper ventilation can improve energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills.
Structural Issues:
If a roof inspection reveals underlying structural problems, such as rotting trusses or damaged decking, a full replacement is necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of your home. These underlying issues can worsen over time and lead to a collapsed roof.
Conclusion
The only way to know for sure whether you need a roof replacement or a roof repair is to have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof. In this blog post we went over what to look our for when deciding between a repair and replacement, but make sure to heed the advice of the company your hire to take a look at your roof. At Kelly Roofing we offer free roof insepctions. We’ve been serving Florida for over 50 years and have built a strong reputation. When you’re ready to have your roof inspected, give us a call and we will help you make the best choice for your roof, safety, and budget.
