First published: 15 November 2021 @ 6:00 pm
There are so many things that can go wrong with your entire roof. It can start with minor problems, like a hole or a leaky roof. It can get worse with time, or it can be damaged by heavy storms or even animals. So, when should you repair your roof?
You might have noticed that many roofs look worse after a storm. It’s not just the damage from the storm, but also the dirt and debris during the storm that get on it during the next rainstorm.
That dirt and debris get trapped in your asphalt shingles, making them harder to clean off. You may have seen how many more roof leaks you have after a rainstorm than before.
When to Repair Your Roof
When should you repair your roof? This is one of those questions that people have trouble answering.
You want to think about how old it is, what type of shingles you have, what type of materials are used in your area, and whether you’ve got insurance coverage for replacing it. Here are some things to consider:
Do you have insurance?
If you do, you should know how much it will cost to replace your roof. You might have to replace it sooner than you would if you didn’t have insurance. You can check your homeowner’s policy for this information.
Are your roof shingles made of metal or wood?
Different types of roofing have different life spans. There are two basic types of roofs: metal and wood. Other regions also use concrete or asphalt roof. The type of roof you have will determine when you should repair it.
If it’s wood, the sooner you get the damage repaired, the better. Metals are easier to repair because they are designed to take abuse from high winds and heavy rainstorms. The older your roof is, the more likely it is that it has metal shingles on it.
Are you in an area that has a lot of wind and rain?
If you live in an area that has a lot of wind and rain, it’s likely that it will have some damage after a storm. This is especially true if you live in an area where there are hills and trees.
Is your roof damaged by hail?
Hails can cause a lot of damage. Hail stones can cause dents and dings in your shingles, and they can even go through the shingles and cause damage to the underlying wood. Hail can also damage metal because it goes through and causes rust.
Is your roof leaking?
If you have signs of leaks, you should repair them as soon as possible. If water gets into the attic, it can cause problems with mould growth and dampness.
Water can also seep into your walls or into your insulation if it gets through the shingles or other parts of the roofing that should be waterproof.
Leaks will make the whole house damp by the water and unhealthy for people living in it. It’s also dangerous for anyone who lives on top of your house to get wet if there is a sign of a leak. If you think there is a water leak, don’t wait until something bad happens before you get it fixed.
Do you have shingles made of clay or clay-based material?
Clay roofing is a bit harder to repair than metal roofs. Clay roofs can be repaired with some masonry materials, but you will need to find a professional to do the work.
The shingles that are made of clay are not usually fireproof. If it is made of clay, it’s important that you get it fixed before a fire breaks out on your roof.
Is your roof damaged by animals?
If you have animals on your roof, it’s possible that they could cause damage to the shingles or the wood underneath them. Dogs can bite through shingles and chew on the wood underneath them.
Raccoons can climb up and make their way down into your attic through vents in the attic floor, causing more damage to your house.
Even if there is no damage, having animals on your roofs will make it look bad because they are more likely to get into fights with other animals and create scratch marks on your roof.
How old is your roof?
If you are thinking about repairing your entire roof, you need to think about how old it is. You can get an idea of how old your roofs are by looking at the colour of the shingles.
The older the shingles are, the less likely they are to last for many years. If you see black, grey, or green mould on your shingles, you know that it’s time to replace them.
How Much Does A Roof Replacement Cost?
A roof replacement can cost anywhere from $5,443 to $11,209. The cost depends on the size of your roofing and how much work needs to be done. You should expect to pay a bit more for a quality roof repair.
Most roofers will charge a square foot. They’ll also ask you how much it will cost to replace your entire roofs and take the square footage into consideration. That way, they know how much their services will cost.
Can You Patch a Roof Instead of Replacing It?
A great way to find out if it is salvageable is to have it inspected by a professional. The inspection will help you see if there are problems with the way the shingles are laid out or how they fit together.
If there are problems with your shingles, then repairing them might be the best option for you. However, if it looks worse, then replacing it might be the best option for you as well.
One of the most important things that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to repair or replace your roofs is what kind of warranty your insurance company has on the property.
If they have an extended warranty, then you might want to go ahead and replace it. Otherwise, you might want to try repairing it.
You also need to consider how long you plan on staying in your home. If you are planning on staying in your home for more than 5 years, then it is probably best to replace it rather than repair it.