Should You Repair Your Roof Or Replace It?

An old or deteriorated roof can be a big problem for a homeowner. Without being repaired or replaced, a roof leak may lead to wood rot and structural damage. Knowing when to repair or replace a roof is an important part of being a homeowner and caring for a property.

What Causes A Roof to Deteriorate? How Can You Prevent It?

A roof can last anywhere from 20 years to 200, depending on the materials used and the maintenance practices of the homeowner. Deterioration may happen for many reasons. UV rays and exposure to the elements take their toll on roofing materials. Other events that can cause damage to a roof include big storms and natural disasters, ice dams, poor maintenance practices and pest infestation.

Establishing a regular maintenance schedule can prolong the life of the roof. This is what homeowners need to do in order to keep their roof in good condition:

• Clean the gutters regularly. Cleaning the gutters annually promotes good drainage, which can protect the roof from problems like ice dams and water damage.
• Inspect the roof annually. Homeowners can catch leaks in their early stages if they go into their attic and inspect their roof from the inside.
• Clean the roof as needed. Debris that falls on the roof can cause it to deteriorate quickly, so removing debris like sticks and leaves can help keep the roof in good condition.

A home that suffers damage may be paid for in part by the insurance company, but roof maintenance is an important factor in filing a successful claim.

What Are the Signs of Roof Deterioration?

The signs of roof deterioration are varied, depending on the type of roofing material that is installed. Common signs include:

• Curling, missing, cracked shingles
• Leaks in the attic, leading to leaks elsewhere in the home
• Mold in the house
• Stains on the ceiling in the home
• A musty smell in the air
• Frequent pest infestation in the attic

When Should You Repair Your Roof?

A roof repair is appropriate if the materials are not near the end of their expected service life. If an asphalt shingle roof is only ten years old, then then a repair is appropriate.

The exception to this is if the roof has been incorrectly installed. A poorly installed roof may need to be replaced far sooner than a roof that has been put on correctly. Generally, roof repairs are only made if there is a small section that needs to be fixed. If large swaths of the roof are in poor condition, a replacement may be necessary.

When Should You Replace?

There are many signs that a roof should be replaced.

• Frequent leaks. A roof should not need to be repaired frequently, so if the homeowner finds themselves calling for a repair person on an annual basis, this is a sign the roof needs to be replaced.
• Catastrophic damage has been done. If a tree falls on the house, or a comparable catastrophic event occurs, replacing is often just as cost effective as repair.
• The roof has reached the end of its service life. There's no point in trying to draw out the life of a roof if the materials are not expected to last much longer anyway, so many homeowners replace when the roof reaches the end of its service life.

Contact a Roofing Contractor

Replacing and repairing your Morningside roof when the time comes can help improve your property value. Contact a roofing contractor if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced soon.