It is no secret that homes often require a lot of upkeep, but the roof is one part of the house that most homeowners commonly neglect. It usually goes unchecked until a serious problem arises as a result of the inadequate care it receives.
What homeowners fail to realize is that by performing routine inspections on their roofs, they could quickly fix minor issues to prevent them from worsening.
Unfortunately, most of them aren’t aware of what to look for to assess whether they need to have their roofs repaired or replaced by a professional.
Thankfully, this post provides some helpful information that will assist homeowners in making the best choice.
Criteria for Deciding Whether a Roof Needs a Repair or Replacement
Before purchasing roofing materials and tools, consider answering the following questions:
- How old is the roof?
- What is the current condition of the entire roof?
- How much damage is there?
- How long do you plan to live in the house?
- Can you make an insurance claim?
To get the correct information on insurance claims, homeowners must visually inspect their roofs and contact their insurance company for more guidance.
Homeowners should be aware that the type of insurance they have and the coverage these companies provide could differ vastly. Some insurance companies will only cover a portion of the damage, requiring policyholders to shoulder the remaining costs.
A professional roofing company will often provide a quotation for any repairs, which will give the homeowner a better idea of the extent of the damage.
Additionally, it will help in filing a claim for a damaged roof because insurance companies will require it so they can have a more accurate assessment.
Inspecting Both the Interior and Exterior of the House
Since getting up on the roof could be extremely dangerous, homeowners should consider their safety before doing so. According to Safety Culture, falls from a roof account for 34% of all deaths involving falls from heights.
One of the safest options would be to have someone join in on the inspection to ensure they can call for help when needed.
Although inspections might carry some risks, they are necessary to determine the condition of the roof before choosing repair or replacement.
It will always be advisable to do an inspection after a storm or a severe weather event. Homeowners should be aware of the warning signs of roof damage because some may be simpler to detect then others. The following should be done when performing inspections:
Inside the Home
- Check for water leaks in the attic
- Look out for mildew growth in the crevices
- See if there are any water stains on the walls
Outside the Home
- Observe the roof for any sagging, separated seams or joints, or damaged flashing
- Find any nails that should not be protruding from the roof
- Consider the condition of the shingles and if any are missing, bent out of shape, cracked, or torn
If any of these factors are present, homeowners should consider repairing these issues or getting a comprehensive quotation from a professional that will assess whether a replacement is necessary instead.
An article by The Spruce notes that the type of roofing material used will make a difference in the roof’s longevity and, ultimately, the cost of repairs or replacement.
Homeowners should thus research these materials to find the finest option for their home.
Other factors to consider that may lead to a roof replacement include the following:
- Increased utility expenses as a result of heat seeping through the damaged roof
- The roof is over twenty years old
- Similar homes in the area have long since replaced their roofs
- The homeowner intends to stay in the house for some time
- Home insurance doesn’t cover repairs
- The specific roofing materials required for the repairs are no longer available
- Shingles were harmed by moss that had formed on the roof surfaces
Doing an inspection would thus form a crucial part of the decision-making process, which homeowners should not neglect.
Consider all the Available Options for the Roofing Problem
Before contacting a professional for repair or replacement, homeowners should be aware of the specific needs of their roofs and be able to do regular maintenance on them.
However, when repairs or replacements are required, they should weigh the following advantages of both solutions:
Benefits of Roof Repairs
- It’s a less expensive option
- Minor repairs can help to postpone a total replacement as long as the issues are addressed
- When repairs are done professionally, they take less time to complete
Benefits of Roof Replacement
- All problem areas are solved at once. However, the costs and labor time could be significantly higher.
- A new roof can increase a home’s aesthetic appeal as well as its energy efficiency.
- Professionals will ensure homeowners won’t have to worry about roofing issues by providing a warranty for their work.
With approximately 108,069 roofing contractors in the U.S., according to House Grail, homeowners shouldn’t have any problems locating professional services near them.
Moreover, professionals would be the best to consult, as they will have the necessary experience to provide the best advice to their clients on whether they will need a repair or replacement.
The Final Word
As you can see, the choice between repairing or replacing your roof will largely depend on the unique condition it is currently in.
Whether the damage is significant or minor, homeowners should seek the advice of an expert, especially if they struggle to decide between the two options.
Not only will professionals guide their clients to make the best choice for their home, but they will also be able to provide homeowners with the assurance that their work is covered by a warranty.
By carefully inspecting the roof and checking for damage indicators, one can easily determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.
The key is to periodically maintain the roof by carrying out simple tasks like cleaning the gutters and clearing the debris if a homeowner wants to avoid repairs or replacement. These actions will help prolong the roof’s lifespan.
