Should I Repair My Roof or Replace It?

Roofing repair or replace

Roofing concerns and considerations always seem to begin with the above question. Most people who didn’t get to their roof during the warmer months will usually scramble this time of year to cram in their project before winter hits, so determining whether to repair the existing roof or to replace it becomes the center of many of the roofing calls we tend to field right up until Thanksgiving. Today, we’ll examine a few things to consider before making your final decision.

Your roof is NOT a fine wine

The most prominent factor upon which the repair versus replace debate will be settled should be the age of the roof. If your roof is flirting with old-age, which by roofing standards is in and around twenty years, you’re going to want to think about replacing. We’ve seen homeowners run into headaches when they begin to repair an elderly roof. The temptation to repair an older roof because maybe just a handful of shingles flew off can at times be too strong to pass up, especially if your current roof seems to appear fine to the naked and untrained eye. What may seem like a reasonable and frugal decision can take a disastrous turn rather quickly, as you’ll find yourself constantly trying to keep pace repairing your roof as it continues to fail. You will end up saving yourself much more money by biting the proverbial bullet and replacing your older roof rather than replacing it.

Common Signs of Roof Damage and How Serious it is

While your roof might not be the sexiest part of your home, it is still arguably one of the most important. Here are some examples to look for when comparing is your roof’s damage can be repair or whether you might need a full replacement:

Lifting and curling

If upon a casual inspection you discover more than a few lifting and curling shingles, you’re going to want to start shopping for a roof replacement. If, however, your roof is under ten years old and you’re noticing this lifting and curling, you should contact the roofing contractor who installed the roof. Shingles that fail before the fifteen-year mark are trying to tell you that either the shingles—or the roofing contractor who installed them—were defective.

Laying over an existing layer

Before we go any further, this might also be a good time to discuss whether to strip your old shingles or to lay another layer over them. Both avenues are acceptable; however, you must first determine how many layers are currently on your roof. If you have one layer of shingles on your roof you can simply have another layer installed right on top of it. Getting what is referred to as a layover is fine unless you live in an area susceptible to high winds. Shingles grab much better when fastened to the house as opposed to another shingle, so please just keep this in mind when making the layover versus strip decision. Whether you decide to layover or strip, our Protec shingles will give you decades of peace of mind. Constructed with harsh winters and occasional bashing at the hands of an unpredictable hurricane season, the Protec roofing system is the smartest choice for your roofing concerns.

Two layers of shingles is the max

Let’s say you already have two layers on your roof. In that case, there is no debate to be had. You must strip both layers off. Not only because it’s the better idea, but a roof with more than two layers conflicts with building code. Having three or more layers of shingles on your roof is not only a fire hazard, but will also compromise the amount of weight your roof can carry. Shingles may not appear very heavy, but spread out three deep over an entire house would be like parking a Buick above your living room. Allow us and our sixty-plus years of experience to show you the best avenue to take when addressing your roof.

4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof

Leaks in the Attic

Leaks do not always mean that the entire roof needs replacement. However, an old roof should be replaced as the best way to control the leaks. This is because barely repairing it does not guarantee there won’t be future leakage. 

Always have leaks sealed up immediately because water seepages can cause a dangerous build-up of moisture in the building.

Presence of Rot, Mold, or Mildew

Rot is often indicative of decaying materials and is mostly found on rooftops. This suggests that the rooftop is no longer as strong and reliable as it should be. Mildew and mold, on the other hand, thrive in moist places. They are very unsanitary but are good signs you need to replace the rooftop.

Cracks

Your rooftop is ready for a replacement when pieces of it begin to fall off. The disintegration is a factor of harsh storms and heavy rainfall. Since it will be hard to determine what parts are fully intact, it is safer to have the entire roof replaced. Replacements will also minimize the risk of injuries or harm by the loose pieces.

The Age of the Roof

Usually, roofs are made with an estimated period of durability. Therefore, there is no gainsaying that you should prepare to replace your roof after twenty to twenty-five years of installation. Whether it was maintained or not, it is unsafe to continue to use such roofs.

Need Help With Roof Repairs or Replacement?

Once you’ve decided to replace your roof you want to fill two criteria: a reputable roofing contractor and a quality product.  With that said, may we introduce ourselves? We here at RIHI have been installing roofing systems for over sixty years. We’ve installed roofs on everything from three-story Victorians to shotgun ranches to mobile homes. We’ve seen and done it all! Not to mention we use the highest caliber roofing shingles you can find. Our Protec roofing system was engineered with southern New England weather in mind—whether it be hurricane style winds or brutal nor’easter blizzards.

When we meet again we’ll look at a few other roofing issues that will help you with the repair versus replace struggle. Until then, you can always reach us at 401-739-1001 for your own free in-home evaluation and estimate.