A brittle roof is one of the most common issues homeowners encounter. Although brittle roof damage may appear to be small and easily fixable, that's not always the case. There are factors that you may want to take into consideration before deciding on repairing your roof.
Sounds fun, right?
We get it. Thinking about whether you can repair your roof or not isn't the most exciting task, but it's an important one. At RoofCrafters, we've been repairing roofs for three decades. We've seen firsthand that decisions that homeowners make can impact their eligibility for a proper repair.
You're in the right place to learn about brittle roof repair. In this article, we'll guide you through understanding if your brittle roof can be repaired, how to conduct a brittle roof test and the ways a professional can effectively address this common issue. Ready to dive in? Let's start unraveling the mystery of brittle roof repairs!
Key Considerations Before Repairing a Brittle Roof
When faced with a brittle roof, repairing it hinges on several critical considerations. An initial roof evaluation will help in your decision. Before fixing things, answer four brittle roof questions to see where you stand.
These questions are:
- What is my budget?
- When was my roof installed?
- What's the frequency of maintenance and size of the damage?
- Does the location of my home matter?
We've also put together a repair or replace my roof test to help you determine if you need a small roof repair or a full roof replacement.
By answering these questions, you can decide if repairing your brittle roof is possible. This will help you make an informed decision for your home's roofing needs.
Budgeting for Roof Repairs: Cost vs. Need
Before you address any roof issues, it is important to determine your budget. This is especially true if you have a brittle roof. The money you're willing to spend affects how much repair work gets done and if it's the cheapest option. If you want to save money, fixing your roof might be the best option.
Yet, it's important to consider the long-term implications. If a roof is old or damaged, it may be best to replace it. While the initial investment for a new roof is higher. It could offer more value over time, eliminating the need for frequent repairs. This decision is a delicate balance between immediate costs and future savings. Understanding your budget constraints is the first step in making an informed choice.
The Impact of Roof Age on Repair Decisions
It's best to make a repair decision based on the average lifespan of your roof. Every type of roof has its lifespan, including yours! Here’s what the average lifespan of some of the common types of roofing materials:
- Asphalt Roofs: Shingles last between 15 to 20 years. If your asphalt roof is nearing this age range, it may be time to consider a replacement rather than a repair.
- Slate Roofs: Known for their durability, slate roofs can last over 100 years. With such longevity, repairs can often be a viable option.
- Metal Roofs: These have an impressive lifespan of over 50 years. Offering a good balance between durability and maintenance.
- Tile Roofs: Lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years. Tile roofs are a long-lasting option that might warrant repairs over replacement in many scenarios.
Each has different maintenance and repair needs if the roof has become brittle.
Evaluating Roof Condition: Maintenance and Damage
Depending on how often you hire a professional for maintenance of the roof, you can minimize most repairs and avoid premature roof replacements. Think of it as a haircut; the more you delay your hairstylist appointment, the more time and effort your haircut will need.
Additionally, if you don’t take care of your roof, well all kinds of bad things could happen, right?
The size of the damage will also contribute to the overall decision. Is the damage small enough for a repair? Or will a replacement be needed? For example, if one or two shingles have gone brittle, it may be easier to repair them. However, if most of the roof is in a brittle state, you may consider replacing the entire roof at this time.
The Role of Location: Weather and Environmental Factors
Where you live affects how to fix your fragile roof. The weather and environment can affect how long and well roof repairs last. In places with mild weather, small fixes can increase how long a roof lasts.
Homes in areas that have bad weather may need stronger repairs to handle storms. In these situations, the roof is more likely to get damaged, so it's smart to talk to a professional roofer. Professionals can assess your situation and determine if you need repairs or a new roof.
Performing a Brittle Roof Test: Step-by-Step Guide
To determine whether or not your roof’s material is brittle, you can perform an easy test. To do this, lift a part of the shingle and move it at a 45-degree angle 2-3 times. If the roofing material shows more visible cracks and seems, then it is beyond the repairing stage.
A total roof replacement may be necessary. However, if it remains in a similar state, you might still have time left on the roof and then you can probably make the repairs. Fingers crossed!
Repairing a Brittle Roof: Effective Methods
After considering the factors mentioned earlier, you can decide whether your roof is repairable. If you believe your roof is in a state that can be reversible with a simple repair, there are three things you can do to start the process.
Let's start with replacing a part.
Partial Roof Replacement: When and How to Do It
If a small part of the roof is damaged beyond repair, you can look for similar parts and replace them. Replacing a part of a shingle is comparatively harder because you will have to match your roofing material’s exact color, size, and shape.
In addition to this, if many parts are brittle and you replace all of them, then your roof repair will probably not match and look, well, like a sore thumb. Remember the look of your roof adds value to your property, so it’s often best to let the professionals handle these small repairs.
Quick Fixes: Gluing Shingle Corners
If the corners of the shingles or tiles are bent, you can easily take care of this problem yourself. Using a caulking gun, apply a roofing sealant at the bottom of the shingle. Press it down with a spare brick and leave it to dry for 24 hours.
This is a quick remedy; however, using the correct sealant and tools is important to increase the roof’s lifespan.
Addressing Cracks: Sealing and Repair Techniques
One of the most common signs of brittle shingles and tiles is cracks. If you wish to take care of these issues yourself, you can do a quick repair yourself. Follow these simple steps to repair a brittle roof:
- Apply glue or roofing sealant on the cracks
- Press the shingle or tile down and hold firmly or place a heavy object for a few minutes.
- Apply the sealant once again on the top of the crack.
- Spread the glue using a trial.
- You can also sprinkle leftover granules over the sealant to hide the sealant completely.
Timely Actions: The Importance of Prompt Roof Repairs
If you notice your roof is brittle, you should reach out to a reputable contractor as soon as possible. Delaying a repair can worsen the state of your roof. Causing a need for a total roof replacement. Not to mention, it could be dangerous. The longer you let your roof deteriorate, the higher the chances of roof leaks and unwelcome pests and mold!
Now that you have a new sense of hope and knowledge provided to you by this article, you're ready to make an informed decision about your brittle roof. If you're ready to schedule an inspection with a professional to assess your damage, click the button below.
If you think you need a little more time and knowledge before you can reach out to a professional, feel free to browse the extensive resources we have available to you in our learning center. We recommend brushing up on roof maintenance tips so that in the future you can swear off brittle roofs for good!
