Of the 75 million single-family homes in the United States, 7% of them will need to be replaced each year. That’s upwards of 5 million homes, wow! Although this number seems incredibly high, in the grand scheme of things, the number of homes that need a little TLC is pretty standard.
Think about it- your roof faces the brunt of storms, wind, hail, heat, and sun all on its own. Imagine how you’d look and feel after a hurricane with no protection, or a heatwave with no sunscreen! It is completely natural for your roof to wear out over time due to harsh weather conditions.
Even with regular inspections and maintenance, you’ll need to have a roof repair or roof replacement at some point down the road. At RoofCrafters, repairing damaged roofs or possibly installing a better system for your family is our forte.
So the big question is, should you repair your roof? The answer is going to depend on a few factors such as age, frequency of repair, the type of damage that’s been done to your roof, the extent of that damage, and if it’s a possibility that your roof was installed improperly. Let’s dive in!
The Age of Your Roof
Like everything else in this life, your roof is not immortal. It has a certain threshold of time until it's no longer useful and must be replaced. While some materials are premium and are made to last longer than others, even those will eventually need to be replaced.
One of the key factors that determine whether or not it’s time for a roof replacement is its age. You should look into replacing your roof when it’s nearing the end of its expected lifespan that your original contractor shared with you, even if it appears to be in good condition. As we all know, looks can be deceiving.
You should generally start looking for a new roof when it reaches the 15-20-year mark if you have an asphalt shingle roof. Unfortunately, insurance companies offer little or no coverage for roofs older than 15 to 20 years old. So, your home, as well as your wallet, will thank you if you stay on top of the task of replacing your roof before it’s too late.
Frequency of Roof Repairs
All good roofs must come to an end. if your roof suddenly develops frequent leaks, it indicates a problem with the roof's infrastructure and could point to faulty installation. We recommend contacting a credible roofing contractor to inspect the roof and have them explain what you need to do.
It could be that the roof only needs a repair, not a total replacement. If that is the case, your contractor will explain the next steps to you. Your accountability will save you time and money if you abide by frequent inspections and repairs. Go you!
The Type of Roof Damage
Some signs of roof damage show up inside the house on the ceiling, while others could be in the attic under the wood decking. For example, if your ceiling is sagging, discolored, or has peeling paint, you likely have a roof leak that will require replacing the entire roof.
Other signs such as extensive granule loss on your asphalt shingles might be visible on the roof’s surface and cause significant loss of life to the material. To prevent frequent roof leaks from damaging the inside of your home, it’s time to start considering a total roof replacement.
Even something as simple as a few cracks in your roof can allow moisture, debris, and pests to enter your home which can often cost a lot of money to resolve. If your roof is cracked or has missing granules or curled shingles, you may want to call a roofing contractor ASAP.
Improper Roof Installation
Although there are uninsured contractors who offer installation with no warranties at a lower price, saving money on a roofing job is not the best idea in the long run. While it may seem like you are saving some money during the installation process, contractors charge according to their expertise and skillset. A cheap roof quote oftentimes means cheap work.
While an inexpensive contractor will get the job done for less money, you are likely to pay more for roof repairs and maintenance in the long run. Remember, insurance does not cover improperly installed roofs. If your contractor doesn’t have a warranty, you are even more likely to pay out of pocket for unexpected repairs.
The Extent of The Roof Damage
Regardless of how new your roof is, external factors such as strong winds, rain, hail, fallen tree limbs, and fires can be extremely destructive. After any extreme weather incident, be sure to call a reputable roofing contractor to examine the damage.
If your roof does become damaged due to weather, a contractor can repair small damages, such as strong winds blowing off a few shingles. However, large-scale damage requires you to replace your whole roof. If you decide to repair extensive damage instead of replacing the entire roof, it results in poor system integrity and increases the possibility of more problems down the line.
Scheduling Roof Maintenance Will Save You Stress
At the very least, you should have a roofing contractor inspect your roof once a year. Your maintenance schedule and how promptly you address repairs are of the utmost importance. If you fail to protect your roof the way it protects you and your family, you could be paying for expensive repairs. You may even need a total replacement if the damage is exceedingly extensive.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. When Was Your Last Roof Inspection?
You should contact a roofing contractor to inspect your roof annually to check for any problems and address them swiftly. As a precaution, you should conduct visual inspections yourself to monitor any significant impact damage or mold growth to diagnose potential problems.
2. How Often Do You Clean Your Roof?
Debris accumulates on your roof and causes all sorts of problems. Not only does it trap water, but it also adds more weight to your roof which can cause leaks. Neglecting the gutters can be detrimental to your roof, so you should have them cleaned out to remove any debris trapped inside them. Doing so prevents any blockages and allows the gutter to drain easily instead of pooling and backing up on your roof.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Roof?
General wear on top of mother nature's impact leads to roof damage. Regardless of what type of roof you have, it is inevitable that you will need to call a contractor to repair it at some point in time. If you notice any damage, you must invest in roof repairs or a total replacement, because leaving problems unaddressed leads to higher repair costs in the long run.
That being said, we do not recommend opting for a budget contractor or conducting DIY repairs since both can be dangerous for your home and your family’s lives. Always invest in a credible and experienced roofer with a history of delivering great results
If you need help deciding if it’s time for a new roof or if you know you’re overdue for a repair or two, RoofCrafters is here to help. Put our 30 years of experience to work for you. We'll come out and help you determine if you need a new roof or just a small roof repair.
If you're curious and wish to learn more about your roofing project and other roofing services provided by RoofCrafters, feel free to browse the extensive resources listed in our learning center. We recommend reading, "How Much Does a New Roof Cost" next to help you get an idea of what a new roof will cost you. Hope this was helpful.
