Residential roofs tend to last between 30 and 50 years, depending on the material used. However, just because a home’s roof shows signs of wear and tear while in this age range, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it needs to be replaced entirely. In many cases, you can give it many more years of use by simply repairing it instead.
The question is: how do you decide? How do you determine whether you need a roof repair or roof replacement? We’re going to tell you how right now!
Signs You Need Roof Repair
First, let’s discuss the signs that you need roof repair. In these situations, you would be better off opting for a repair as opposed to a full roof replacement.
There Are Shingles Missing From Your Roof
When strong winds blow, they can rip shingles right off the tops of buildings and houses. As such, small portions of the roof are left uncovered.
Unless a tremendous number of shingles have been ripped off, this is generally a cause for repair instead of replacement. This is because the repair is as simple as adding a new shingle to the uncovered spot, something that is both quick and easy to do.
Only Small Amounts of Your Roof Are Affected
Let’s say that a tree branch fell down onto your home and cracked or pierced a number of the shingles on your roof. You might think that this necessitates a replacement.
In some cases, this will absolutely be the case. However, if the damage affects less than 30% of your roof, odds are that the problem can be fixed with a repair as opposed to a replacement.
You Plan on Staying in Your Home for a While
Another thing that can justify a repair instead of a replacement is if you’re planning on staying in your home for a while. Let’s say that you plan on living out the rest of your days in your home.
In this case, you would want to get as much use out of your current roof as is technologically possible. Doing so will save you money in the long run. Of course, to do this, you would want to repair your roof instead of replacing it.
But if you were planning on moving out of your home within, say, the next 5 years, you might be better off replacing your roof instead, even if the roof possesses only small amounts of damage.
The reason for this? Replacing the roof could up the resell value of your home, and therefore be financially advantageous for you.
Signs You Need Roof Replacement
Now, we’re going to get into the common signs of a need for roof replacement. These include the following:
Your Shingles Are Curled at Their Edges
A sure sign that you need to replace your roof is that your shingles are curled at their edges. If this is happening, it’s because your shingles have incurred substantial water damage. This occurs over many years of use and is a natural part of a shingle’s timeline.
There’s nothing you can do to uncurl curled shingles. As such, the only viable option is to replace the shingles entirely.
A Large Portion of Your Shingles Are Cracked
Not only do you need to look out for curled shingles, but cracked shingles as well. If a shingle is cracked, it’s not only lacking in coverage from water but from the heat and cold as well. In short, it’s not doing what it’s supposed to do.
Now, a cracked shingle here and there doesn’t necessarily call for a full roofing replacement. But if a large portion of your shingles is cracked, say, over 30%, it’s more beneficial to have the entire roof replaced as opposed to only the affected shingles.
A Large Portion of Your Shingles Are Missing Granules
If you use asphalt shingles on your roof, they are undoubtedly covered in rough entities known as granules. The purpose of these granules is not only to alter the aesthetic of the shingles but to protect them from sunlight.
Unfortunately, over time, due to weather exposure, these granules will slowly fall off. This will negatively affect the energy efficiency of the shingles and thus put greater strain on your HVAC system. The result, of course, is higher energy costs.
For this reason, once a shingle has lost the large majority of its granules, you need to replace it. If a large number of your shingles are missing their granules, you should just replace your roof in its entirety.
Your Roof Is Aesthetically Displeasing
Another sign that you need to replace your roof is that it’s aesthetically displeasing. In other words, it’s bad to look at, and doesn’t measure up to the appearance it used to possess.
This may not seem like a great reason to replace an entire roof. However, the roof comprises a large portion of a home’s exterior appearance. If it looks bad, the exterior of the home overall is going to look bad as well.
Let’s say that your shingles have faded. This alone could be reason enough to make a roofing replacement. In the end, it depends on your preferences and standards.
Need Roof Repair or Replacement in Champaign, IL?
Is your roof showing signs of damage? Need roof repair or replacement in Champaign, IL? If so, we here at Freeman Exteriors are the people to see.
We’re well-versed in the repair and replacement of all types of roofing materials. Regardless of whether you need to repair or replace your roof, we have you covered.
Contact us today for a free estimate!
