Roof Repairs or a Roof Replacement: Which Is the Right Solution?
Having to decide between roof repairs and having a roof replaced is a position most homeowners will find themselves in if they live in their homes long enough. It can be a difficult position if you don’t know what you need to know.
Felgemacher Roofing & Siding of Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY, would like to share information to help you decide between roof repairs and a roof replacement.
Leading up to the repair vs. replace question
Before you make any decision about your roof, schedule a roof inspection by a licensed, local roofing contractor. Only an experienced professional can determine:
- What’s happening with the roof
- The amount of damage that exists
- What’s causing the damage
- How to resolve the problem
General guidelines for roof repair and replacement
While each roofing situation is unique, here are two helpful rules of thumb to guide your decision to repair or replace your roof.
- If an unexpected event – earthquake, lightning strike, falling tree – caused the damage, roof repair may be all that’s needed.
These types of events often only affect a part of the roof. Assuming the overall roof is in good shape, the damage can be repaired without putting on a whole new roof.
- If the problem is roof-wide and caused by old age, poor-quality roofing materials, or shoddy workmanship when installing the roof, the right solution may be a roof replacement.
Age, material, and workmanship issues will likely lead to gradual deterioration throughout the entire roof. Fixing one area will only be followed by fixing another, and then another, until you’ve paid three times the cost of a new roof.
Signs that your roof needs to be inspected
As noted, only a proper roof inspection can tell you exactly what’s going on with your roof, but there are some signs of roof damage you should watch for.
- Missing shingles
- Rotting in places along the roof’s edge
- Areas of the roof that appear sunken
- Water in the attic; water stains on walls and ceilings
- Roof sections that have pulled away from the chimney or vice versa
- Musty odors permeating your home
And, of course, you should be aware of sudden, unexpected roof damage. After a storm, take a good look at the roof and see if you can spot anything unusual. If you notice something, schedule an inspection with a licensed roofing company in your area.
Quality roofing shingles should serve you well for 15 or more years. The roof structure below the shingles should hold up for a lot longer than that. But stuff happens, so be prepared to act fast and avoid bigger trouble down the line.
Roofing service in Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY
If you live in the Rochester, NY, or Buffalo, NY, areas, Felgemacher is ready to help with professional roof inspections, expert roof repairs, and complete roof replacements. Learn more by giving us a call or using our contact form.
