Spring is almost here, and you are thinking about how to fix your leaky, punctured, or worn-out roof. Roof maintenance is one of the most dreaded home maintenance homeowners must face.
Typically, roofs are designed to last if you apply essential roof care tips. For example, shingle roofs tend to last more than 20 years. The truth is that the longer your roof stays up, the greater the chance of leaks, cracks, punctures, holes, and other issues.
But there is no cause for worry. We created this piece to walk you through if you should patch, repair, or replace your roof.
Roof Patches
Roof patching is usually the first thing that comes to mind, especially when there is a leak. It is the most affordable option if the shingles are punctured or broken and must be replaced.
Patching a roof looks like something you can DIY (do it yourself), but it is not. You will need to consult with a professional contractor to inspect the problem and determine if the roof needs patching. The roofing contractor will uninstall the old, broken, worn-out shingles.
Advantages of Roof Patches
- Cost-effective: Patching your roof is the most affordable option in roof maintenance.
- Saves time: Patching your roof will not take all day, so you do not have to vacate your house or worry about the weather disturbing the roofing contractors.
Disadvantages of Roof Patches
- Roof colors not matching: Replacing old shingles often makes the color of your roof uneven. The new shingles will usually shine brighter than the old shingles, making the faded shingles obvious.
- The bandaid effect: Patching is a temporary solution when the roof has passed its lifespan. Your shingles getting old or worn out is a sign that their end is near, so patching a few shingles is only a quick fix to a big, impending problem.
Roof Repair
Roof repair is taking it further with your roof maintenance if you notice it needs more than a patch. A section or more of your roof can be repaired when the roof is impacted by the following:
- Nail pops
- Leaks
- Misplaced shingles
- Bad installation
- Blistering
- Holes
- Cracks
- Punctures
- Granule losses
- Severe weather condition
Roof Replacement
Replacing a whole roof is a big decision. Changing an entire roof is not a decision people make spontaneously due to the cost and inconveniences involved. It is a good idea to consult with multiple contractors to get different opinions before replacing the entire roof. Roof replacement is the last resort when repairs do not work.
There are a few reasons why roof replacement is an option. Here are a few of those reasons:
Roof lifespan
A roof nearing its lifespan is one primary reason people choose to replace their roof. At this point, you cannot do anything to salvage a worn-out shingle roof that has lasted over 20 years. Also, poor installation and ventilation can shorten a roof’s lifespan, thereby needing a replacement.
Harsh weather
You cannot control the impact of the weather on your roof. Your roof shelters you in extreme weather conditions, so it is only normal if it cannot withstand harsh weather conditions like tornados, straight- line wind, hail, and storms.
Additionally, if you are in an area where hail is common, it will impact the integrity of your metal panel roof. The good news is that asphalt shingles can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Untimely malfunction
Untimely roofing malfunction happens when the roof starts to sag, rust, or wear out before the estimated lifespan. A roof malfunction is due to improper installation and ventilation, sagging, or poor roof quality. When a roof is not professionally installed or ventilated, cold and heat are trapped in the roof, and shingles begin to loosen.
Advantages of Roof Replacement
Beautifies your house
Roof replacement enhances the beauty of your house. Your house gets a newer and fresher look when you invest in replacing the roof.
Restores trust in your roof
You are no longer afraid of your roof leaking or pulling down when it rains, snows, or hails. This highly depends on the roofing materials’ quality and contractor.
Increases the value of your house
The value of your house increases when you change the old roof. Roof replacement is a sound
investment if you plan to sell the house in the long run.
Now that you know when to patch, repair, and replace your roof, you can schedule a free appointment to consult with professional roofing experts. Hand over your roofing issues to us today.
