Is Your Roof in Need of a Repair or a Replacement?
Keeping up with your roof maintenance is one of the biggest tasks every homeowner faces. Just because you have a brand-new roof doesn’t mean you’re in the clear for avoiding problems. Storm damage, manufacturer defects, and neglect can all impact the life of a roof.
The best thing you can do for your roof is to be aware of its condition and how it’s holding up, regardless of how new your roof is. Being mindful of problems can mean the difference between a simple repair or a total replacement.
Is your roof doing its job? Here are a few key points that can help you tell if your roof is in need of a repair or a replacement.
Assess Any Interior Damage
Just because you don’t have an interior leak doesn’t mean your roof is doing its job properly.
It’s important to inspect your attic for water damage or even standing water. If there is evidence that water has been there, it’s time to call in a professional roofing contractor to assess the problem.
If you can see stains where water has been on your interior ceilings or walls, this could indicate water damage from the roof. You may have water coming in from a structural problem or missing shingles and aren’t aware of it until you see evidence or damage that the water has caused.
Interior damage could indicate a roof replacement, which may be more cost effective than an extensive repair, especially if the moisture has been causing more damage than you realize.
Check for Shingle Problems
Shingles can provide insight into the health of your roof. They’re an essential component of your roofing system, keeping moisture out and protecting the structure underneath.
Noticeable shingle problems, including cracked or curling shingles, shingles that are missing or loose, or mold or mildew on your roof, are all signs that the shingles may have reached the end of their life and need to be replaced.
If your roof is relatively new, shingle damage could be a manufacturer’s defect and may be covered under warranty. If your roof is getting up in years, these types of shingle damage may indicate it’s getting close to replacement time!
Consider Storm Damage
Your roof was designed and installed to protect your home from the elements. However, no roof is completely impervious to all damage, including damage from storms.
Storms that bring high-speed winds, driving rains, hail, and debris such as tree limbs on your roof can all cause damage. Extensive storm damage is best repaired by the company that installed your roof, but you shouldn’t need a total replacement unless the damage is so extensive that your roofing system has been compromised.
Storm damage may only constitute a repair if your roof is in good standing. Roofs that are old or show extensive damage may be in need of a replacement after a bad storm.
What Does Your Roof Need?
Although keeping up with your roof’s performance is a good idea for every homeowner, it’s always best to consult with a professional roofing contractor to determine exactly what your roof needs.
These skilled craftsman can tell if a leak is present, if your roof just needs an easy repair, or if a replacement is in your future. They can also conduct closer inspections that may be too risky for many homeowners to attempt, such as getting up on a steep rooftop.
Contact your local roofing professionals today to gain greater insight into the health of your roof and best determine what it needs to continue protecting your home!