Once you start seeing the signs of the wear and tear that happens to all roofs over time, your first thought might be to consider repairs. While having your roof looked over by an expert and repairing the damages offers a solution, you might come to find that the ruin is a lot more than you thought. Sometimes, repairs don’t cut it, and you’ll need to go the replacement route instead. To stay on top of things and know when it might be time to replace your roof, consider the following situations that might not be fixable with repairs.
Extensive Damage
The first signs that you have damage on your roof will probably be when you notice those missing or visibly damaged shingles. These things may be game for repairs on their own, but a further inspection may lead you to find more significant damage. Discoloration on your ceiling, for example, is a red flag for spreading destruction, and if you notice wood rot or mold in your attic, it’s probably a sign that your roof has significant problems. When the damage is extensive, the chances are that you need to replace your roof in its entirety.
Disaster
No one can stop Mother Nature, and sometimes our fate under the weather is cruel. When disaster strikes, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or raging storms, your roof is more likely than not going to have to endure a lot of impacts, be it by debris in the wind or by pummeling rain. You’ll want to have a roof inspection as soon as possible and will most likely need to replace your roof regardless of whether or not you think you can get a little more life out of it with standard repairs. In this kind of circumstance, replacing your roof is also the safest option for you and your family.
Age
One of the first questions you might hear when dealing with a roof inspector might be, “how old is the roof?” Before you call in anyone for repairs, you’ll need to consider the age. Roofing with asphalt shingles typically has a 15-year lifespan, while concrete tiles can last about 40 years, and slate tiling can last upwards of 80 years if given the proper care. Once you know the age of your roof, you can determine whether it’s time to replace it or not. If your roof is at the end of its life, it’s going to give eventually, so you’ll want to have it redone.
Potential Selling
We understand that not everyone stays in one place forever, but if you’re going places, you’ll need to consider whether or not you’ll be selling your home. Old roofs or those with visible damage are undesirable to potential buyers, which is going to make things very difficult if the money you earn from selling your home is what you need to help you move into a new one. Replacing your roof with one that’s brand new doesn’t only show prospective buyers that you put effort into your home. It also increases your property’s value by eliminating any severe issues your roof may have before it goes up for sale.
All roofs come to an end eventually, and while repairs can be temporary fixes, a replacement is sometimes necessary to rejuvenate the life of your roof. If you need to replace your roofing or aren’t sure whether repairs or replacement would be the better option, give us a call. We’ll help you figure out how to make the roof over your head secure and undamaged.