Repair or Replace: What’s Better for My Roof?

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There are a lot of factors that come into play when you, the homeowner, decide whether to replace or repair the roof of your house. Replacing or repairing your roof can be a challenge because of the cost. This article will help you decide whether to replace or repair your roof depending on the extent of the damage.

However, a good rule of thumb is that if the repair cost is over 30% of the roof replacement cost, you’d want to consider replacing the entire roof. But before you decide to repair or replace your roof, you need a local roof contractor — residential roofers in Greenville to inspect your roof.

When to Repair Your Roof

Consider repairing your roof in the following situations.

Nail Popping in Shingles

Thousands of nails hold the roof deck and the shingles in place. Through expansion and contraction, some ‌nails become loose, puncturing the shingles. The punctures in the shingles give water a direct entry into the roof structure. And when water enters the roof deck, it destroys the plywood, weakening the roof’s base. Sometimes your roof might be young in its 5th to 10th year, but nail pops can wreak havoc on your roof system.

You can see nail pops from the ground. When detected early, nail pops damage can be repaired without spending vast sums of money on replacing the roof.

Leaks in the Attic

Unlike the other signs discussed throughout this article, checking for interior staining has to be done inside the house. Flashing is a critical piece of the roofing system. Roof contractors place flashing around areas where joints meet, like chimneys and skylights.

To check for leakages, go to the attic and look at the other side of the roof deck stains. These stains are prominent in areas like chimneys, plumbing boots, and gas beds. Improper installation of ventilation tools causes leakage.

When Your Budget is Tight

If you can afford it, a new solar roof would always be the best option. However, not everyone can cover the costs. Actually, money is always a factor when deciding whether to replace or repair your roof. And when you’re on a shoestring budget, repairing is your best option to keep the roof functioning for a while.

Benefits of Roof Repair

Boost Property Value. Having a regular roof maintenance schedule improves and extends the lifespan of your building. Being proactive means you don’t wait for things to worsen before you seek local roof experts’ advice on how to resolve it.

Maintaining a regular repair also boosts your property value. This shows potential buyers how valuable your property is before they even walk into the house. A better roofing system is a sign of a great structure.

Repairing your roof saves you money: “A stitch in time saves nine.” Repairing leaks in your roof can save you thousands of dollars to replace the entire roofing system. Get your roof checked by an expert and repair it in time to prevent further damage.

Roofing contractor

When You Have to Replace Your Roof

Here are signs that it’s time to replace your roof.

End of the Roof’s Lifespan

Like anything on this plant, the roof above your head also has a lifespan. Here’s how to find out when your roof is coming of age. The shingles ‌deteriorate, and algae ‌grow on the roof.

When you notice these signs, it’s time to call on the experts to have your roof. How do you know for sure your roof is getting old? Look through your papers and know that there was a complete roof replacement last time.

Granule Loss

Shingles are made of fiberglass mat and asphalt topped with mineral granules. The initial installation of the roof loses granules. But when the roof is getting to the end of its life expectancy, it sheds more granules.

The shingles tabs ‌develop dark bald patches. If you start to see more granules in your gutter every time you’ll clean each season, your roof is losing its integrity. It’s a complete roof system failure, and you need a total roof replacement.

Shingle Curling

Shingle curling is when your roof shingles curl at the bottom edges. This happens through natural activities like expansion and expansion with temperature changes. The shingle curling will appear as the roof ages from 20 to 25 years, spreading through a wider area.

Cracks accompany shingle curling. If shingle curling happens on an old roof, you need to consult an expert roofer to check your roof.

Hail Damage and Natural Disaster

If a hail storm has hit your house, the damage might be minimal in most cases. Maybe one or two shingles were affected. But a series of hail storms can puncture holes into your roof, collecting water and further damaging the plywood beneath.

When a tree falls onto your roof, this can cause significant damage. In situations like these, you need to replace your roof if the repair will change the roof’s structural integrity.

Structural Problems

Structural or significant installation errors in your roofing system are vital signs that tell you it’s time to replace your roof. These structural and installation problems include:

  • Installing on the wrong slope.
  • Missing components and accessories.
  • Improper attic ventilation.
  • Damaged flashing.

These errors can cause the roof to droop. When the roof sags, it gives way for water to settle on it, causing more damage to the whole roof system.

Benefits of Replacing Your Roof

There are many benefits of replacing your home’s roof.

Better Energy Efficiency

An old roofing system is not energy efficient. It usually lets precious air and heat slip through the gaps. Replacing the entire roofing system can save you money because a new roof is energy efficient, keeping your home warm and cozy.

Improves Curb Appeal

A new roofing system gives your home a new feel and makes it look beautiful. The roof is one of the most visible features of the house, and a beautiful and structurally functioning house has a higher market value. The perceived increase in value comes from the curb appeal of your house.

Safety

Old roofs do little to protect your house from falling debris or trees, but New roofs are strong. They prevent water from entering the house and protect your family, keeping you all safe.

Deciding to repair or replace your roof, you must consult a local roofing expert certified by the popular brands to inspect your roof for you. It’s equally important you find a local roofing contractor with excellent reviews from customers.

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