Even when you invest in the best roofing materials and stick to a routine maintenance and inspection schedule, your roof will eventually wear out from decades of exposure to storms, harsh UV rays, and other weathering effects. Knowing when to invest in roof repair or a complete replacement can prevent costly structural damage. When an older or damaged roof goes without repairs or is patched when it requires replacement, the results are plenty of leaks that cause rot, mold, mildew, and more. Don't know what to look from when diagnosing your roof's condition? This article will cover everything you need to know to choose the best time for repairs and roof replacement services.
Signs of Trouble
The first step in roof repair is noticing there is a problem. By the time you have obvious symptoms of roof damage, such as water stains on interior ceilings or a wet attic area, there is often hidden damage that costs more to repair. Take the time to view as much of your roof as possible from the ground to check for signs of damage like:
- Cupping, curling, or wavy roof shingles
- Darker or lighter patches, indicating uneven shingle wear
- Granules building up around the drip edge of the roof or in the gutters
- Moss and algae growing on wood shake and asphalt shingles
- Accumulation of debris like pine needles and leaves, especially in the valleys of a roof
- Missing and broken shingles
- Discolored and loose flashing and seals around vents and other roof protrusions
- Dips and rises along the slopes of the roof, indicating soft and rotting plywood
Other factors are not visual, but still easy for the homeowner to track. Most residential roofs covered in asphalt shingles last about 20 years and need at least minor repairs at that point. A 30- or 40-year-old metal roof likely needs replacement in the next few years. Flat roof repair is often required as soon as 10 years after installation, so check with the recommendations for your specific roof type before assuming its average lifespan.
Roof Inspection Value
While you may notice extensive damage or signs of wear along the edges of a roof, it's harder to see the peaks and valleys and downright impossible to see most of the shingles on a two-story or higher home. Flat roofs are also nearly impossible to inspect from the ground. A professional roof inspection allows you to send an experienced service technician up to assess the situation rather than risking your own safety by trying to climb on the roof. Almost all roof types are damaged by foot traffic over the surface, making it better for an experienced roofer to handle the work of checking every part of the structure for signs of damage. A roof repair technician is also experienced in catching the very first signs of damage or wear so you can choose a small and affordable repair rather than having a full roof replacement as your only option.
Repair vs. Replace
You may think your roof just needs a few patches here and there, but it's best to get an expert's opinion first. You may notice certain signs of more serious and underlying damage like water penetrating into the plywood decking of the roof. Once a substantial portion of the decking or overlying shingles are damaged, it's far more cost and time efficient to simply replace the roof. Damaged and incorrectly designed valleys and other essential features can also increase the chances of damage and should be addressed with a roof replacement instead to redesign problem areas.
Roof replacement does cost more than a roof repair, but it can lower your future costs. If a roof is damaged enough that it will need ongoing repairs as different areas wear out or start to leak, you may as well just replace the roof and save yourself from dealing with annual or even seasonal repairs. Smaller repairs still add up over time, while a roof replacement is a brand-new roof with all of the relevant warranties. Factor out the cost of replacement versus your expected repair costs over a few decades to determine which is the more affordable choice for your home.
Get Roof Help
Knowing where to turn for roofing help can reduce the stress of being a homeowner. Exterior Medics is ready to help homeowners in the Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia areas restore the beauty and value of their homes with timely roof repairs and replacements. Whether you just need a single leak patched or want to know what's going on with your shingles, we can help. Schedule a roof inspection today to find out what's really going on above your head before you have to deal with stained ceilings or musty odors.
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