Roofing

When is a Full Roof Replacement Better than Paying for Damage Repairs?

A proper roof replacement can effectively protect your home against severe weather conditions and other natural elements. It can also stay effective and in good condition throughout its expected life span as long as regular care and maintenance checks are done regularly. Minor roof repairs are also expected during a typical maintenance check, but over time, they can get more serious, frequent, and costly.

Some roof repairs are needed to ensure the damage doesn’t get worse and affect the rest of your home. But what happens when your roof suddenly suffers from significant damage due to severe weather? You’ll need to figure out if the repair costs can properly fix your roof, but depending on the amount of damage your roof sustained, it may not be as practical as a full roof replacement.

Choosing to get a roof replacement is a big investment, so plan carefully to make sure that it’s worth it for your home. If you’re considering a roof overlay to save money, keep in mind that it will last only around 20 years, maybe even less. This is because installing new shingles over old ones can compromise their durability and longevity over time. This is why many professional contractors don’t recommend this!

To help you determine whether your roof needs repairs or a full roof replacement, Deschutes Roofing shares what you need to look for:

Roof Rot and Sag

Roof rot can be one of the most visible signs that indicate you need a full replacement. Roof repairs won’t easily address rot damage, so don’t think twice about getting a replacement. This is because repairs won’t address your roof’s issues in its current condition. But with a professional roofing inspection, they’ll thoroughly look for any sign of rot as well and make the necessary repairs depending on the level of damage.

On the other hand, roof sagging may not always be visible unless thoroughly inspected. A roof that’s sagging or drooping can indicate a collapse at any time, so to avoid risking your family’s safety, make sure to get a professional to conduct an inspection. They’ll determine if your roof is even slightly sagging and provide the best solutions for your roof.

Hail Damage Repairs

Hail damage on your roof can warrant either a repair job or a full replacement. Smaller hailstones can leave dents or dimples on your roofing system, which can often knock the granules off the surface. This won’t immediately need a replacement, but it can affect your roof’s protective layer over time. And when a shingle loses its protective layer of granules, UV rays from the sun can damage the exposed areas.

Larger hailstones can do more significant damage to an asphalt shingle roofing system. They can leave larger marks or even puncture the shingle, which won’t always be obvious unless inspected by a professional. So, if you recently weathered a hailstorm, make sure to get an inspection from a roofing contractor who you can trust!

Roof Age

Another factor to consider is the age of your current roof. Some roofs may go through most of their lifespans without suffering any significant damage, but different roofing materials will have varying life expectancies. Asphalt shingle roofs, for instance, typically last around 25 years, while metal and tile roofs will last much longer.

One of the best ways to determine if your roof is due for a full replacement is by checking the records of your roofing system. You’ll gain more insight into how long ago it was last replaced by a professional roofing contractor, as well as find out any previous repairs that have been made up to this point. This will also help determine how many years it has left so you’re able to plan out when you should get it replaced.

Roof Ventilation Issues

Sometimes, your roof’s vents may need extensive repairs to keep the air circulating in your attic and your home energy efficient. If you have problems with your roof vents and you choose to delay repairs, the air won’t circulate properly and can build up moisture within your roof during the winter months. This can cause rot, mold, and mildew, compromising the inner structure and causing it to sag.

To check for damaged roof vents, your hired roofer will look for cracked housings on plastic roof vents. They’ll also look for signs of broken seams if you have metal vents installed. Caulk is sometimes used to address any leaks, but this isn’t the best solution as the damage will only worsen over time. The damage can also affect other parts of your roof, which will lead to more costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. Any damaged vents must be replaced to save yourself additional problems later on.

Curling Shingles from Water Damage

Shingles can be damaged in many different ways but most can be repaired by a trusted roofer. However, some types of damage such as curling shingles can mean a sign of bigger issues such as water leaks, which can affect your roof’s inner structure. It can also indicate improper roof installation or ventilation problems. This can also happen if you’ve installed over your old roof, which isn’t recommended. Having curling shingles won’t be resolved with just a roof repair ; you need to get a full replacement as soon as possible.