How do I know if I need a roof repair or replacement?

It is inevitable, at some point, your roof will need a repair or replacement—whether it is from years of wear and tear or a storm dropping a branch through your ceiling. The latter makes it pretty obvious you need to take action, but what about other instances? How do you know when you need to repair or replace your roof?

If you are on the fence about whether to call in a roofing expert, the following tips can help guide you.

 

What are the most common signs a roof repair or replacement is necessary?

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Roof leaks
• Sagging roof—this usually indicates a structural problem
• Shingles flapping in the wind
• Curling at the ends of shingles (shingles are meant to lay flat and in line with the slope of the roof)
• Shingle granules coming out of downspouts 

 

What are uncommon signs of roof deterioration?

• Downspouts are dented from hail—this means your roof needs checked for hail damage
• Drywall on your ceiling is discolored, meaning a leak may be coming in from the roof
• Leaks and damage around step flashing and pipe flashing—the material applied to seal areas where your roof meets side walls and pipes

 

When is the best season for fixing my roof?

Shingles can be installed much of the year, but it is recommended to install shingles when the temperature is right for adhesion between the shingles. Many types of roofs are not dependent on adhesion between roofing materials, however, and can be installed year-round.

 

How long can a repair or replacement wait?

The best time to replace or repair your roof is immediately, so you avoid major issues that stem from having a damaged or dilapidated roof. In other words, do not wait until there is a major issue before fixing your roof!

As soon as you notice a problem with your roof, contact your trusted roofing contractor. Roof problems can escalate quickly and cause even more damage if not addressed. Leaks especially should be addressed as soon as possible because they will only get worse with time and can lead to structural damage and mold issues.

That all being said, temporary fixes can be put in place if you would rather wait a few months before replacing or finding a more permanent fix for your roof. Settling on a temporary fix is dependent on the level of risk you are willing to take.

 

How do I know if I simply need a repair vs. an entire replacement?

Now that you know the signs of a damaged roof and the best time to fix it (immediately!), you are likely wondering: Do I need to fix a little or A LOT?

Here are things to consider when deciding between a repair vs. a complete overhaul:

The age of your roof. If your shingle roof is close to 20 years old or nearing the end of its warranty, it could be at the end of its lifespan and need to be replaced. Clay tile roofs and metal roofs last longer—from 50 to 100 years. Roof repair costs will start to add up at the end of your roof’s lifespan, so it is often more cost effective to replace the entire roof at this point.

The extent of the damage or condition of the roof. Is it just a few shingles here and there? Repair. Has it started to affect the structural integrity of your roof? Replace. A leak that won’t go away is usually just a repair, but multiple leaks could mean a replacement. Also look for curled, missing, or cracked shingles. How many are damaged? If the damage only covers a small space of your roof, it can usually be repaired or patched. If a large portion of your roof is damaged or most of the shingles are in poor condition, then a replacement is needed.

The cause of the damage. Storm damage from high winds is one of the main reasons many homeowners get a replacement. Often, your insurance will help cover the expenses caused by storms. Things like normal wear and tear or tree branches falling may only require a repair.

Insurance coverage. What is your insurance paying for and what is your deductible amount? The answers to these questions can impact your decision on whether you repair or replace your roof today. Many repairs will not reach the deductible amount. Get more details on what insurance covers in our blog on roof insurance. 

Your shingle condition. When checking the slope of your shingles, some may be in acceptable condition and will not need replacing, meaning a repair is all that is needed. However, if the shingle that was previously installed is not being produced anymore and no match can be made, a whole replacement would be recommended so your roof does not look patchy and multicolored.

 

Your best bet—contact a roofing professional today for a free inspection

Most trustworthy and good roofing contractors offer free inspections. If you are unsure what your roof needs, call the professionals at Hopkins Roofing and we can guide you toward the right roofing solution!