A leaking roof is the most obvious sign that it’s time to replace your roof, but it’s hardly the only one. Many of these signs will eventually lead to a leaking roof, but identifying these problems early enough can prevent water damage and save you money for your roof replacement project. Sometimes this early intervention can also be the difference between repairing your roof and replacing your roof. You should consider part of this decision, however, the age of the roof, otherwise you may find roof repair a constant burden and not make your home eligible for reduced insurance premiums.
Signs of an Impending Leaking Roof
· Missing, torn or cracked shingles and tiles expose the roof to water damage and rot, and make nearby shingles more susceptible to being blown away. Old shingles will curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away by wind gusts.
· Rusted or missing flashing can result in a leaking roof. Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes and often is found in the valleys where roof sections meet.
· Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for evidence of decay or damage. Broken pieces of paint and scraps of roofing may be visible.
Roof Replacement Vs. Repair
When deciding if you should repair or replace your roof, ask yourself the following questions:
What time constraints are you under? If there aren’t any, you can choose either option. But if you need to fix a leaky roof by next weekend or you’re leaving on vacation in a couple weeks, you may not have time to wait for a contractor
to schedule a roof replacement.
How old is your roof? If it’s relatively new or even in the middle of its life cycle, a repair might be okay. But if it has a 20-year warranty and it’s 18 years old, replacing the whole roof may be the way to go.
How big of an area is currently in need of repair? If you only need to fix one or two small areas, your roof may just need to be repaired. If it’s more than, say, 30 percent of your roof, you might strongly consider a roof replacement.
Do you have any moisture damage to your roof deck? If the underside and supports of your roof show significant moisture damage, shingling over them won’t solve the problem. Roof replacements can include fixing these areas, so that’s
likely your best option.
Free Consultation
Whether roof repair or replacement is necessary, it is important to take action immediately. The longer your roof is left damaged, the more exposed your house is to the elements. Call our office at 954-507-6429 to schedule a free consultation
at your home. One of our roof specialists will meet with you and evaluate your roof to help you decide which option is right for you
