Does Your Roof Need Repaired or Replaced?

No homeowner wants to discover that they have roof damage. Your roof is one of the biggest investments of your home, and it is one of the primary sources of protection for everything inside.

If you discover roof damage though, it does not automatically mean a full replacement. There are several options depending on various factors.

Here are some important factors to consider and how these factors help you find the right path to fix your roof challenges. 

1. Extent of the Damage

A leak coming from the ceiling or missing shingles can be worrisome, but these may not be signs of serious issues with the roof as a whole. The question is, how contained is the damage? A roofer will examine the area to determine the source of that leak or how many shingles are missing and why.

For instance, areas of roof penetrations — ranging from chimneys to roof vents — are common places to develop a leak due to the joints and bends involved. But these are also often localized problems that may not signify a wider issue with the rest of the roofing materials. However, similar results in other areas often mean underlying damage to the entire roof. 

2. Age of the Roof

How old is the roof? Different roofing materials have different lifespans. Asphalt shingles, for instance, usually last between 20 and 30 years while clay tile roofs may last 50 to 100 years. The closer your roof is to the end of its lifespan, the more cost-effective it is to entirely replace it. Structural failures are also likely to become common, costing more money in the near future. 

3. Cause of the Damage

It's important to also consider how the damage happened. Did the area suffer from a big storm? A single limb knocked down onto one side of your roof might cause localized damage that can be repaired.

However, if that storm carried large hailstones, a much wider area of the roof was likely damaged. Hailstone damage looks less severe on wood and asphalt shingles, but it can weaken their vital protective structure. 

4. Structural Problems

The extent of roof damage does not just refer to what is on the outside. You must also look underneath to see how far down the structure was affected. Shingles and tiles are only a part of the top layer of protection for residential roofs, as these sit on top of metal flashing, waterproof underlayment, water-resistant ice shields, plywood sheathing, and wood trusses. 

So if hail or a broken tree damaged the shingles or tile but did not penetrate down to the layers below, the fix may just be surface level. But if moisture, mold, or physical damage affects the supports, you may need to work up from there. 

5. Future Concerns

Do you live in a region prone to hurricanes and tropical storms? If so, you may not want to take chances with potentially compromised shingles. So you should upgrade your roofing materials to something more protective. On the other hand, if the damage is just from normal wear and tear, your particular risk of future trouble is average. 

Could your roof damage be a simple repair job, or is it time to consider replacement? Find out today by meeting with the team at Affordable Roofing and Gutter Services.

We'll put our expertise to work by assessing factors and finding the right solutions for your home. Call today to make an appointment or to learn more about our roofing services. We can answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have about our roofing services.