Roof Maintenance Checklist: 7 Chores To Help Maintain Your Roof
October 15, 2024Roof replacement is a necessary part of home ownership, but you might not be able to – or want to – spend the money on a complete overhaul of your home or business’s roof. We understand that getting the most out of your roof is important, so we try to provide our experienced insights and knowledge to help you decide between repairing or replacing your roof.
Knowing when it’s time for a roof repair vs a roof replacement isn’t easy, but there are important signs of damage, stress, and wear and tear that signify that simple repairs won’t cut it. When you’ve decided on which of these two important roofing services is right for your home, call us! Green Rhino Builders is a Dallas, PA-based contracting company that has some of the most qualified and experienced roofers on the market. The longer you wait, the worse the damage could become, so don’t hesitate to get started!
How to Decide Between Repair or Replacement Roof
When you aren’t sure if you need to repair or replace roof shingles, you might start to stress out over the possible costs – at the very least, knowing what to expect can take away your uncertainty. When we look at a roof and determine the right course of action, there are five main factors we consider.
1. Your Roof’s Age
Every roof is a little different, from material to shape to size. Knowing your roof’s age and expected lifespan gives you a good idea of whether it is time to get a replacement. If you have a relatively young roof, it’s often easier to repair and patch seamlessly. But if your roof has been protecting your building for a few decades, it’s likely time to replace it for longer-lasting protection.
If you aren’t sure when your roof was last installed, getting even a rough estimate of when you had your last roof services performed can help you ensure you get a more efficient roofing service experience.
2. Roof Leaks
Leaking roofs are a major problem for your home or business, and water damage can be a long-term hazard to your health via mold and fungal growth. If you have a leaky roof, you shouldn’t wait too long to take action, but when you need to determine if it’s time to repair or replace roof sections to stop leaks, you should consider:
- Size of the leaks
- The frequency of leaks
- The location of leaks
Small, infrequent leaks are likely something that you can manage with repairs. But if you see leaks more frequently, if they are in more solid areas (like the center of your roof plane), or if they are very sizable, then it is time to consider a roof replacement.
3. Size and Type of Roof Damage
The most important factor to consider is the type, size, and extent of the damage you are seeing on your roof. An experienced roofing contractor can help you know which damages indicate the repair or replacement of your roof and make the right choice for your needs.
There are two kinds of roofing damage that you should look for:
Aesthetic Damage
- Materials look worn and aged
- Materials look frayed
- Moss, algae, or other growth
Structural Damages
- ‘Balding’ asphalt shingles
- Cracked or broken shingles
- Dented or perforated components
- Rusted metal flashing
4. Home Environment
If you live in a part of the country that is prone to heavy storms like hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards, you should be more proactive with roof replacement after inclement weather. Damage from hail and flying storm debris can cause irreparable damage to your home, leading to large-scale water damage.
So, when considering your choice between roof repair and replacement, be thoughtful about where you live – a professional roofer should have the experience and local knowledge to help you weigh your choices.
5. Cost of Replacement
One of the most important considerations you should make is your wallet. Getting a new roof is generally expensive, or at least more costly than repairs, which might make you think twice. However, remember that multiple repairs over a year or two will add up to cost you far more than simply getting a roof replacement that can last for a decade or more without issue. Replacement of a roof can be more cost-effective than repairs when damage is extensive.
This is a careful balancing game to play, and we are here to help you make the most out of every cent you spend. If you want deeper insights and better information on when and how to choose between roof repair and replacement, then take the discussion to us!
Roof Repair Vs. Replacement Summarized
If you’re still struggling to decide between your options, Consider a more straightforward way of viewing the situation:
When to Request Roof Repairs
Roof repairs are most appropriate when you only have a small portion of the damaged roof. Wind damage, fallen branches, and other small sources of roofing harm usually send customers to us for repairs. If you’ve noticed a handful of damaged, torn, or missing shingles, a quick patch job is usually enough to get your roof back in shape.
When to Get a Roof Replacement
While roof replacement is expensive up-front, many benefits might make it more worthwhile than you first consider. For instance, roof repairs don’t always match the color and style of the rest of your roof, making repairs less attractive. Additionally, a new roof will likely have better-quality materials that increase energy efficiency.
It can be challenging to choose between these two options at a certain scale of damage. It is harder to tell if repairs are still appropriate. If a significant portion of your roof’s plane is damaged, repairs might not be enough – particularly if structural damage is in the mix. For larger sections of damage, you might consider partial roof replacement.
Call Green Rhino Builders for Your Roofing Service Needs!
Are you ready to make your choice between roof repair and roof replacement? If you are in the Dallas, PA, area, we have experts on call who can provide you with fast and accurate quotes on your roofing jobs. We know how stressful not having certainty can be, so come to us for a confident and determined take on your roof’s condition!
Are you ready to get started? Call Green Rhino Builders, and we’ll be there in no time! While we’re on our way, consider looking through our Roof Talk series for more information and a better idea of what we can do for your home.