Is It Better To Repair Or Replace A Roof?

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Is It Better To Repair Or Replace A Roof?

Roof Repair

Roof repair is a fairly typical home restoration project. Many homeowners deal with it at one time or another, either because minor repairs don’t require professional help or because more significant issues such as leaking roofs or storm damage need attention. Even though roof repair doesn’t involve substantial construction work, it requires specific skills and knowledge. Call Restoration Contractors today to avoid spending too much money on unnecessary repairs. We’ll send out a certified roofer to assess the situation and ensure you know what needs to be done.

Roof Replacement

When repairing a roof, you only fix a tiny portion of the structure. But if you’re replacing the whole thing, you’re replacing the complete visible area. This home restoration project involves stripping off everything to expose the roof deck before installing the new one. You might even see damage to sheathing, rafter, and trusses along the way. Because it’s a big job, a roof replacement is typically more expensive up front than a repair service. But there are times when a new roof could save you money over time. There are also cases where a new roof could enable you to recover costs associated with storm damage. And since it’s a significant undertaking, you’ll want to enlist the help of Restoration Contractors’ roofing professionals.

Partial ReRoofing

When faced with a leaking roof, homeowners often consider replacing the whole thing. But there are times when the damage is limited to just a portion of the roof. Partial reroofing could save money and hassle while still providing a quality repair.

The most common reason for partial roof replacement is storm damage. Roofers say the average homeowner spends about $5,500 on repairs due to hail storms each year. In many cases, the problem isn’t even visible until several months later, and the roofer must wait for the weather to clear out before he can inspect the damage.

If the damage is more significant but confined to one side, partial reroofings are an option that will cost hundreds of dollars less than doing an entire roof. A partial reroof job will also make it easier for the contractor to blend new material with old because slight color variations won’t be noticed.

How to Choose Roof Repair or Replacement

Making the right decisions about your home’s roof ensures your home’s optimum performance and safeguards your peace of mind. While it may seem simple enough to patch leaks and damaged areas, doing so could cost you more money. Here are three things to consider before deciding how to repair or replace your roof.

What Is the Current Condition of Your Home’s Roof?

Before making big decisions regarding your roof, look at what’s already there. If you have a leaky roof, does it cover a significant portion of your house? Are there signs of water damage? Do you see holes? These red flags indicate that something needs to be done soon.

How Much Do Repairs Cost?

If you decide to fix leaks and damaged areas simply, you might spend thousands of dollars over the next few years. Even though repairs can save you money, they won’t necessarily pay off in the long run. Not only do you have to spend money on materials, but you’ll still have to pay someone to install them.

Will Repairs Last Longer Than New Materials Would?

You probably don’t want to install a brand new roof every five years. But, depending on weather conditions and wear and tear, roofs tend to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, if you’re looking to improve your home, you might think twice about replacing a roof that’s been around for several decades.

How Old Is Your Current Roof?

Your roof might seem like one of those things you don’t think about too often, but a lot is riding on it. A good roof protects your home from the elements, keeps out pests, and helps keep your family safe. But just because something looks old doesn’t mean it’s worn out. Many homes look great even though they’re older than most people realize.

Roof age is based on several factors, including the type of roofing material used and climate conditions depending on where you live in Colorado. That’s why it pays to know how long your roof will last. Knowing what your roof needs and replacing it while it’s young could save you money in the long run.

Condition of Your Roof

The next thing to consider is how much damage there is to your roof. Roof conditions vary widely depending on where you live. Some roofs are built to withstand heavy snow loads, while others are designed to handle less severe weather.

For example, asphalt shingles typically don’t require immediate repairs if they’re damaged by light winds or hail. But, if your roof is covered in clay tiles, a strong wind could cause severe damage.

On the other hand, wood shake siding exposed to high heat or moisture can warp over time. This type of damage is often difficult to detect without a professional inspection.

Call Restoration Contractors today to schedule a free estimate if your roof shows signs of deterioration, such as missing shingles, broken flashing, cracked walls, or loose tiles. We’ll come out and assess the situation and help you decide what needs to be done.

Visual Roof Damages

When you see a roof that looks like it needs some repair work, chances are that it does. It could indicate aesthetic damage if you notice moss, dark streaks, or algae growing on or in between roofing materials. This deterioration occurs over time due to weather conditions and poor maintenance. A roof that looks old and worn may require replacement. However, there are ways to identify whether a roof needs repairs without tearing off shingles.

Structural Roof Damages

Roofing damages are common, but some issues require professional help.

Roofing problems aren’t always easy to spot. If you’re looking for signs of structural damage, here are things to look out for.

Broken Shingles

Broken shingles are a sign of storm damage. They could indicate hail damage, windstorm damage, or even fire damage. In addition, the pattern of missing shingles could indicate a leak. Look closely to see if there are gaps where shingles used to be.

Cracking Shingles

Cracking shingles are usually caused by water seeping into the attic space beneath the roof deck. This can cause moisture to expand under pressure and crack the shingle. Look for cracks near the ridge line because it’s often the most vulnerable area. You might also notice cracks along the edge of the shingles. These are called “fish mouth” cracks. They happen when shingles bend around nails.

Dented Shingles

If you find dents in the shingles, check the underside of the roof to make sure no water leaks behind the shingles. Water can weaken the adhesive holding the shingles together. Also, check the seams between the shingles. They should be tight and smooth without any visible separation.

A Leaky Roof

A leaky roof is one reason many call their local roof repair experts. A leaky roof can quickly become a big mess, whether it’s a leaking skylight, flashing issue, or damaged shingle. But finding the source of the leak isn’t always easy. You might think there’s just one place where a leak comes from, but sometimes it’s several different places. And even though leaks are usually caused by damage or wear and tear, some issues can still be repaired without replacing the entire roof.

Wind-Damaged Roof

A wind-damaged roof is one of the most common roof damages homeowners face. When it occurs, it can be hard to know whether the damage is structural or cosmetic. You’ll want to call a professional roofer immediately if there are visible signs of damage such as missing shingles, loose flashing, cracked tiles, holes, or cracks.

If you’re unsure about what type of damage you’ve sustained, here are some things to look out for:

Loose Shingles

This could mean that the shingles have blown off or that the nails securing them have pulled away from the wood decking.

Missing Roof Tiles

These might have been knocked off during high winds or blown off by the storm’s force.

Cracked Tile Surfaces

You might see small cracks along the edges of tile surfaces. They could indicate that the tiles have shifted slightly or even broken completely.

Holes in Roof Decking

Small holes in the roof decking can occur when large pieces of debris hit the surface while flying through the air.

Damaged Fascia Boards

If you notice that the fascia boards are showing signs of being pushed up against the house wall, this could mean that the roof has been lifted.

Old Nails

Exposing old nails to rainwater over time can cause damage to roofs and siding. If you discover nail heads protruding above the surface of your home, it may be time to call a professional.

Curling Shingles

Seeing curling shingles on your home could mean more significant problems lurking underneath.

Shingles curl because they aren’t lined up properly, are old, or weren’t installed correctly. They might also try to tell you how well your roof vents work.

If you notice that your shingles are curled, it’s best to get them inspected by a professional. Don’t just assume that the issue is minor; if it’s severe enough to cause damage, it could lead to leaks, which can cost thousands of dollars to fix.

Roof Cement and Metal Flashings

Metal flashing protects roofs against rainwater, snowmelt, and ice dams. But it doesn’t do much to keep windborne debris from blowing under the shingles, causing leaks. And it won’t stop those pesky raccoons from digging up the insulation. Roof cement is often used to seal around chimney caps and gutters. They’re also applied over tar patches and asphalt shingles to prevent leaks.

The problem is that roof cement dries to a hard surface, making repairs harder. If you try to scrape away the hardened material, you’ll likely just spread the cement deeper into the wood. Plus, the cement itself is prone to cracking during extreme weather conditions.

So what should you do? First, take note of how fast the cement dries. If it’s taking longer than 24 hours, chances are good there’s something wrong. Then, call a professional. Your local Colorado roofer at Restoration Contractors knows precisely how to apply metal flashings safely and effectively.

Roofing Systems That Last

Roofing systems can last up to 30 years, but there are several components on your roof that do not last as long. This includes shingles, flashing, gutters, downspouts, ventilation, skylights, etc. If you notice a problem with any of these items, it’s essential to address it immediately. Otherwise, problems could develop over time.

If you’re looking to save money while maintaining the integrity of your home, consider repairing rather than replacing your roof. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a roof repair costs less than half as much as a replacement.

Why Choose Restoration Contractors

Restoration Contractors is locally owned and operated in Denver, Colorado. Our team comprises experienced restoration and roofing professionals who take pride in our craftsmanship. We offer a wide variety of quality services, including the repair or replacement of shingles, gutters, downspouts, skylights, windows, doors, vinyl siding, and more. We are fully licensed and insured. We provide free estimates and are always willing to go above and beyond to ensure you are satisfied with your project. Contact us today at 720-222-0809.