If your roof is failing, it’ll let you know. But chances are, if you let it get that far, you’re way too late. The key to a secure roof is knowledge, regular maintenance, and fast action. Before it’s too late, take steps to enhance your understanding of roof repair, and save yourself thousands.
Signs Your Roof Needs Attention
Getting rained on while sitting in bed is a clear sign of roof failure, but it doesn’t have to come to that. It doesn’t take the world’s greatest handyman to spot the early warning signs either. Don’t wait for failure. Be proactive by familiarizing yourself with these early warning signs.1
- Visible damage: This is one of the easiest ways to determine if your roof requires some extra TLC. A visual inspection can go a long way. Be on the lookout for signs or curling or buckling shingles, sagging, or cracked and missing shingles.
- Water damage: Water knows how to find faults in a roof. So don’t ignore signs of water damage. Leaks in the ceiling or attic can be obvious. Subtler signs of water damage include stained walls or ceilings, as well as the appearance of mold or mildew.
- Age of the roof: Roofs are built to last, but even the most rugged materials break down over time. As a concerned homeowner, your first duty is to understand the age and composition of your roof. A wood shake roof can be expected to last 30-years, while the lifespan of a tile roof can sometimes exceed 50-years.2
- Other indicators: There’s always more signs of excess wear and tear, some of which might not be obvious. Granule accumulation in your gutters can signify worn shingles. A spike in energy costs can happen too.
Assessing the Severity of the Damage
If you have to ask, you likely need professional assistance. Still, it’s always a good idea to understand what you’re getting yourself into before getting quotes from a handful of local roofers. So let’s take a closer look at the difference between minor and major repairs.3
- Minor repairs: By being proactive, you can spot and address minor issues before they become major ones. That’s the goal. So, what exactly is a minor repair? Roofers consider a minor repair to include cracked or missing shingles, small leaks, clogged gutters, and worn, damaged oro missing flashing. These repairs won’t bust open your budget, but could evolve into bigger issues if left unchecked.
- Major repairs: Addressing minor issues can prevent the need for major repairs, but nobody is entirely immune. Major repairs include extensive water damage, structural issues, rot, mold, and even total roof replacement. Expect these jobs to set you back a substantial amount of money. Delaying these repairs can cause significant damage elsewhere too.
For those of us who don’t know how to hold a hammer, it’s important to not leave these things to chance. Call a professional, pay for an inspection, and follow their recommendations. That’s not to say that you always have to follow their advice. Seek out alternative opinions before committing to sizable repairs or a total replacement.
Deciding Between Repair and Replacement
Sometimes you don’t have a choice. Emergencies do happen after all. But, in a lot of cases, your roofer will give you the choice between repairing your existing roof and replacing it entirely. If you find yourself in that situation, it’s important to consider the age of your roof, the extent of the damage, your budget, as well as the future plans of the property.
Repairing your roof can save you money in the short term while also extending the life of your existing roof. While replacement may cost more upfront, it may enhance the safety of your home for years to come while also boosting its energy efficiency.4
Choosing a New Roof
A total roof replacement can be one of the most important and costly investments you can make. That said, it’s important to learn everything that you can about your options before committing big money to a new roof. First, let’s look at the most popular roof types.5 The most common types of roofing materials include:
- Asphalt shingles: easily the most popular and economical option. Their durable, easy to install, and can last as long as 20-years.
- Metal roofing: composed of long strips, tiles, or panels, metal roofs can last as long as 50-years, though they do cost more upfront. Metal roofing is also infinitely customizable, a real benefit for those who put a premium on style.
- Tile roofing: tiles are popular in hotter climates, thanks in large part to their ability to deflect heat. They’re resistant to fire, and can last as long as 75-years.
- Slate roofing: If longevity is the goal, slate roofing is hard to beat. These materials can last as much as 100 years, though they require specialized masonry and a big budget.
- Wood shingles/shakes: for those who prefer a natural look, wood shingles offer a premium option that can last as long as 50-years.
Other considerations include energy efficiency, aesthetics, regional building codes, and budget. It’s safe to say that replacing a roof requires careful consideration and, most likely, professional assistance. But don’t be put off by the size of the job. Embrace the process, take your time, and put your needs first.
Shelter From the Storm
You can put off resealing a driveway or fixing a leaky faucet, but when your roof fails, your whole life stops. Accidents happen, and you can’t predict the future, but you can proactively spot and address roof problems before they get out of hand.
By familiarizing yourself with the unique composition and age of your roof, periodically monitoring it for signs of wear and tear, and enlisting the help of a professional roofer when needed, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in potential damages and enjoy some well-earned peace of mind.
By taking the time to read this article, you’ve already done you and everyone that lives with you an extreme act of kindness. Now, take what you learned here and put that knowledge into practice. Your roof, home, and family will thank you.