How to Know Whether to Repair, Patch, or Replace Your Roof

A house must be maintained regularly for it to not only have a pleasant appearance but to also keep its value high. However, some people consider it a significant investment and rarely maintain the house. Delay of repair issues and maintenance can become quite costly for you with time. A roofing company can guide you well on what kind of repairing your roof requires. Making the right choice in your quest for roof improvement is vital to reduce both short-term and long-lasting costs associated with home improvement. Below are some points that will help you assess whether to repair, patch, or replace your roof.

Warning Signs That May Indicate Something is Wrong

You must regularly lookout for any signs of damage on your roof, especially after extreme weather conditions like a stormy rain. Examine the roof for signs of water damage between the ceiling and walls. Do not just inspect your house from the inside. Check the exterior as well. If there is any discoloration, rots, or occurrence of water spots, the roof may be damaged. Another warning sign is when there is the presence of abnormality around the damaged shingles, for instance, cracks or cuppings. You need to act immediately if you see any of these signs. 

When to Patch Your Roof

Only consider patching when the damage is minor, i.e., a small portion of your house roof has been affected. Minor damages mean there is no need to replace the whole roof. For example, if brushwood has damaged a few shingles, or wind has blown away some loose shingles. In such situations, it is advisable to patch the roof. It is a cheaper and comparatively stress-free option. 

Partial Roofing is An Option in Some Cases

If the damage is limited to only one side of the roof, partial roofing can save a hefty amount of money. Refurbishing a section of the rooftop will make the blending of new fixes easier with older ones and make it less visible.

When to Opt For Roof Repair

In some cases, a roof repair is an ideal option. It costs less than changing the entire roof and will extend the life of your roof. However, it depends on the current condition of your roof. If your rooftop is under warranty, you can check for the repairs and contact roofing companies to get it repaired. Torn shingles can easily be removed and replaced with new ones instead.

If you plan to sell the house, ask roofing companies to order shingles similar to the old ones. Bulged and odd-looking patches are unappealing. Such issues can uninspire potential buyers’ interest in buying the house. Apart from that, ask about the building codes from reputable roofing companies. Sometimes local regulations allow up to two layers of shingles as more layers mean an additional weight on the roof.

When Do You Need to Replace the Roof?

At one point in life, your roof might need a replacement. You can continue to repair the roof but eventually, you will need to replace it.  Roofing companies usually suggest replacing the rooftop when your house’s 20 to 30 years warranty is about to end.  Various factors determine the replacement of the roof, and you should always consult an expert to seek permanent solutions to these issues. 

Some of the factors are:

Water Damage

If there are any signs of water droplets inside your home, brown spots on the ceiling, or the appearance of mold, you should consider replacing the entire roof.

Environmental Disaster

If a storm or hurricane has hit your locality, the destruction may be huge enough to require a total roof replacement.

Age

If your house is only a few years old and leaking, then that is a material issue or an installation defect. However, if it is decades old and roofing problems keep on reappearing, it is high time to change the roof.

Material Used

Compared to newer roofs, old ones were made from poor-quality materials.  In the past, roofs were made of slate and metal and couldn’t last long.  Newer types of shingles can last for over a century. Consult a roofing contractor to determine what kind of material will be best for your roof.