It’s a question that plagues homeowners across the country: when should I repair my roof vs. replace it? Of course, many situations can require a replacement, but often maintenance and repairs can prolong the life of your roof without having to make such a significant investment. This guide will help you decide if your home needs a new roof or if repairs will do the trick.
Signs It’s Time to Repair or Replace Your Roof
Many tell-tale signs indicate your roof needs some attention. Some may be more severe than others, but all of these signs mean you should get a roof inspection and take action right away.
Signs of Water Leaks on Your Ceiling or Attic Floor
You notice obvious signs that water is leaking inside or into your attic, such as stains on walls or ceilings in rooms below where you find damage. While this can also indicate a more serious structural problem with parts of your home’s ceiling or foundation, it should definitely be addressed.
Signs of Inadequate Drainage on Your Roof & Gutters
In addition to other obvious signs such as puddles in your yard after a heavy rainstorm, you may notice areas where water pools and doesn’t drain off the roof or gutters that are clogged with leaves or other debris. If your gutters are bad, they can cause water to back up and leak into your attic or pool around shingles, which means they may need attention.
You Notice Skyrocketing Heating Bills
Another significant sign that your roof needs attention is a drastic increase in heating costs. If you notice an unexplained spike this winter, it could mean either the need for repairs or replacement depending on what other signs your home may have. An aging roof can cause heat to escape, as well as holes created from storm damage and loose shingles.
There are Loose, Missing, or Curling Shingles
One of the most common signs that your roof needs repair or replacement is visible damage like cracks and missing shingles. This will not necessarily mean your entire roof needs replaced, but you should call a contractor to inspect it for damage.
If your roof is mostly intact and in good shape except for some loose or missing shingles, then the fix may be as simple as re-roofing over those specific areas. For instance, if there are several broken shingles on one area of your roof, it can be a good idea just to replace those and then re-roof the rest.
You Get Ice Dams Every Winter
Ice dams are a major problem on roofs that aren’t adequately insulated or have gaps in their insulation. An ice dam is an area where water backs up on the roof, freezes over, and then melts when it reaches warmer parts of your home’s attic—which can cause some severe damage if they’re not addressed. This usually occurs in homes whose attics aren’t properly insulated on the roofline or whose roofs are located in colder climates.
You’ve Experienced Storm Damage
If your roof has sustained damage due to a storm, such as high winds, hail, or other weather-related damage, it will need repairs. Even if the rest of your home is still in good shape and no leaks appear after rainstorms or snow melts, you may want to consider a replacement for safety purposes.
Important Considerations When Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Roof
There are more things to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof besides just the extent of your damage.
The Age of Your Roof
One of the most important factors to take into account is how old your roof is. Most roofs should be replaced after 20 years, such as asphalt shingles, but this number can vary depending on the materials and climate where you live. If you’re unsure about when it’s time for a new roof, consider getting an estimate from a contractor who will look over your home’s current age and condition.
Your Roof’s Warranty
If your roof is still under warranty, you can take advantage of that and have repairs made for free. However, be sure to check the fine print because some warranties may only cover a certain amount of coverage or require proof from an inspection report before they’ll make any necessary repairs. It’s important to note that the sooner you get repairs made under your warranty, the better.
How Long You Plan to Live in Your Home
If you’re planning to sell your home soon, the age of your roof might not be as important. Suppose major repairs are necessary and can’t wait until after selling. In that case, it’s a good idea to consider replacement instead so that buyers don’t have any concerns about potential problems or safety hazards. Also, a roof replacement can boost your home’s curb appeal and value so you can up the selling price.
Your Budget
Of course, you should also consider your budget when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof. Keep in mind that while repairs are usually cheaper at first, they can become costly over time if the problem isn’t solved properly and could even lead to further damage requiring more extensive replacement work down the line.
Your Roof’s Integrity
If any damage or wear and tear to your roof severely affect its ability to protect your home from leaks and severe weather, it should definitely be replaced. Repairs may only buy you time in this case, and a new roof can ensure you have peace of mind.
Next Steps
If you have found any of the above signs in your home’s roof or want to make sure your roof is in good condition, you should get a professional roofing inspection. Reach out to Apple Roofing, and we can come up with a plan of action to inspect your roof, give you our recommendations, and schedule your FREE estimate!
