To determine if it’s the right time to replace your roof, there are several factors you’ll have to consider. You may want to start looking out for obvious signs that your roof needs a replacement. They include excessive wear and tear, loss of granules, excessive damage after a storm, severe leaks and issues that arise due to poor installation. In many cases, roofing is replaced when repairs are no longer a valid option.
Popular roofing materials like asphalt shingles need proper maintenance and annual inspections to help extend their lifespan. Major repairs may not be needed if the roof hasn’t been exposed to storm damage and is yet to exceed its service life. However, if a storm-related event such as hail or high winds occurs, the roof should be inspected to determine if there’s a need for a replacement.
Don’t overlook some areas of your roof
There are some areas of your roofing that can easily be exposed to damage but go unnoticed. They include areas such as the chimney, pipe jacks, attic vents, and furnace. If poorly maintained, these areas may contribute to serious leaks that damage your roofing material forcing you to replace the entire roof.
Preparing a roof before a potential storm hits
Before the storm season begins, it’s important to reach out to a local roofing contractor to have an inspection done. Preventative maintenance and inspection are key if you want the roof to get through the stormy season. It’s an easy way to reduce the need for a replacement after the storms.
Find the ideal roofing material
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to roofing materials. Asphalt shingles remain the most affordable for residential roofing. You may also want to choose a roofing material that has a longer lifespan such as metal and tile. It all depends on your budget and needs.
Over time, all roofs will require replacement due to excessive deterioration. However, some roofing systems need a replacement before they reach their full-service life. Replacing your roof too soon can be a waste of money. Waiting too long can cause serious roofing problems like leaks and costly water damage. That’s why you need to figure out when the best time to re-roof is.
7 Critical factors that help determine if it’s time to repair/replace your roof
It’s never advisable to postpone a roof replacement especially if the roofing system has completely deteriorated and is causing one problem after another. The cost of roofing material has skyrocketed over the years, that’s why most people prefer repairs. However, a contractor may push you to invest in a complete re-roofing after reviewing some of the factors mentioned below:
1. Your roof’s age
Most roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years. Common roofing materials like asphalt shingles that are used in residential buildings can last for about 15 years depending on how well they were maintained. As the roof begins to approach the end of its service life, you’ll start dealing with one roofing issue after another. If the roof has passed its service life and is no longer in good shape, replacing it makes more sense instead of spending so much money on repairs.
2. The extent of the roof leak
When you notice a leak somewhere on your roof, it’s important to have an inspection done. This will really help you to determine the extent of the leak and what action to take. Roof leaks normally occur along the flashing points. If that’s the case, you may just require a simple fix to stop the leak. Isolated leaks on the roof can be dealt with easily. However, if the leaks occur at several points in the roof, it could be time to consider a complete replacement.
3. Are you planning to sell the home in the next few years?
Do you intend to be in the home for the next 10 years or so? If your roof is generally in good condition and you plan on selling the property within the next few years, a few repairs could do. However, if you’re still planning on living in that home for a long time and the repair problems are becoming too much, consider re-roofing.
4. The roof’s energy efficiency
Roofing systems can have environmentally friendly features that help you cut down on your heating and cooling costs. As the roof deteriorates, it becomes less energy efficient. You may need to upgrade to a new roofing material that is more energy efficient and save on costs.
5. Improve the roofing system quality
One of the ways to instantly boost the value of your property is by improving the quality of your roofing material. If your home is old, chances are that the roofing system used has become updated. Roof replacement allows you to invest in a more modern and resilient roofing material that will serve you for longer than the existing one. This is especially important if you live in an area that’s often exposed to severe climates like hail and storms. You need a roofing material that’s designed to withstand such severe weather.
6. Removal or adding an extra layer?
Would you prefer removing the existing roof completely or laying the new one on top of another layer of shingles? Each of these has its pros and cons. For instance, if you keep the existing roof, damage on the roof deck or sheathing can easily go unnoticed causing greater problems in the future. Removing the existing roofing material is an additional cost. Make sure you take this into account when deciding whether to re-roof.
7. Spending money on too many repairs?
Most importantly, check other structures of your roofing system such as the gutters and downspouts. They may also require a replacement if they are extensively damaged. Hire a reputable roofing contractor who will provide you with a roofing estimate that suits your needs.
Repairs are less costly but think of them as a short-term solution. A new roof could be a huge investment in terms of costs but it will serve you for years.
