Roof Damage? Learn if You Need to Repair or Replace

Your home is one of your primary investments, so it’s up to you to protect it by making necessary updates repairs.

Your roof plays a major role in the structural integrity of your home. Its also has a huge effect on your energy bills.

If you haven’t been paying attention to the of your roof, you need to inspect it for damage or deterioration. But after you do that, how do you know if it needs a full replacement or simple repairs? Making the wrong decision could be hard on the pocketbook.

When making any home improvements, educating yourself is always a smart move. That’s why we put together this guide on common types of roof damage the best course of action.

Let’s find out if your roof needs a full replacement or smaller repairs.

When to Replace

Sometimes a roof can’t be saved with only minor repairs. The of individual repairs would cost more be more time-consuming than a full replacement.

Severe roof damage effects other elements of your home like the attic, ceilings, walls. Replacing your roof when it’s in critical will add value to your home also protect it from further damage.

Here are some warning signs.

Age

How old your roof is has a lot to do with your decision to replace. Most roofs last between 20 25 years. Keep in mind this depends on the severity of the weather where you live.

Previous repair work comes into play here too. Find out how many layers of shingles your roof has. Even if a new layer was installed at some point, if it’s over 20 years old, it’s probably better to replace.

of the Shingles

When it comes to roof damage, shingles that have major buckling curling indicate a need for replacement. A good way to determine this is to look at the slopes of the roof, especially those that get lots of direct sunlight.

Also look for shingles with missing granules or loose granules in your gutters. This is an indication that your shingles have done all they can need replacing.

You’ll need to professional roofing to help you out.

The Extent of Water Damage

Sometimes water damage is manageable with quick fixes. Other times it’s too late.

Check for water damage to the underside of your roof along with the supports in the attic. If you notice roof damage that goes far beyond a minor leak, it’s time for a replacement.

If you have water damage in many locations, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire roof.

Roof Boards Failing

When you walk on your roof, do the shingles give a little or feel weak spongy. This is caused by deteriorating support boards. Whether a result of water damage or just old age, this problem indicates a need for a roof replacement.

Check the inside of your attic for any light coming through from outside. Also, check the interior roof supports for deterioration.

of Your Gutters

How are your gutters holding up? It’s essential to maintain high-quality gutters to avoid water damage foundation issues. If your gutters need replacing, it may be easier to go ahead have a new roof installed as well.

When to Repair

Deciding to make repairs depends heavily on the severity of the roof damage or deterioration. It’s possible that what seems like a major issue could be remedied very easily.

However, putting off small repairs almost always leads to more serious problems that require costly solutions.

Here are some conditions that warrant minor repairs.

Size of the Roof Damage

Consider the size of the damaged area. If you only have damage or deterioration in small, localized areas, repairs will suffice.

When compared to the size of the entire roof, if no more than 30% of the roof is damaged, than repairing is the way to go.

Small Leaks

Is a small amount of rainwater getting into your attic during a storm? You may simply need some shingles replaced.

Sometimes the source of a roof leak is difficult to find. If you notice water damage on ceilings or walls, you’ll need to check to see if water is running from the source of the leak in the attic to a different area.

Although water damage inside your home is a serious issue, it could be coming from a minor leak.

Ventilation Issues

Have you noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills? You could have air escaping from your home by way of the roof. As serious as this may seem, a minor repair will fix any small ventilation issues.

An experienced roofer will determine if you have holes or splits in your roof.

Storm Damage

Roof damage from high winds, rain, snow, hail are common but don’t always mean you need a full replacement. If you’ve had a major storm, look for things like missing shingles, leaks, or damage to exhaust pipes.

Hail poses the biggest threat to a roof. If you’ve had a major hail storm, call a professional to access what repairs need to be made.

Consider Your Options

When making your final decision whether to repair or replace, pay close attention to a few things. A full replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run. However, if you have a relatively young roof, minor repairs make more sense.

You should also consider how long you plan on staying in your current home. If you think you’ll be selling in the next few years, a full replacement adds value when trying to sell.

You also keep in mind that if you only repair some of the shingles, they will look mismatched. If you’re worried the aesthetic appeal of your home, a full replacement is the way to go.

If you’ve weighed your options are still unsure what the best plan of action is, Davis Contracting can help. We specialize in roofing repair replacements in the Greenville area. Contact us today.