New Roof or Re-roof

Over time there are many things that can make your roofing system worn out and damaged. Whether it is environmental damage or physical damage there are a lot of things that can make you question if you should perhaps start thinking about roofing maintenance. But how would you be able to tell when you need to get your existing roof repaired and when you would need to get a new roof altogether. It is hard to tell from the signs of decaying or damaged roofs whether because of water damage or physical damages. You have to know the signs to know exactly when is the right time that you should think about re-doing your entire roofing system. Here are a few tips you can use to make your decision easier for you:

Think Minimum Budget:

Do not think about spending bucks or bucks on the repair and re-roofing of your home. When you are making this decision make sure that you think about the bare minimum. What is the most simple, quick, and least expensive option for you? You will have to choose that option. If your roof was properly installed even over 20 years of age it will not need more than a simple TLC. Make sure that you are contacting a licensed professional to handle the analysis of your roofing damage and make a professional suggestion of a possible solution. If you are facing damages like water drainage, bad decking, and deteriorating shingles then perhaps you should think of a roof replacement.

Weigh Pros and Cons:

There are many things that you will have to consider when you are thinking about choosing one of the two options. If you are thinking about complete re-roofing you know that the obvious hurdle you will have to face is the high cost. You will be spending much more on labor, material, disposal, etc. but you will know that it is going to be long-lasting. Whereas for repair processes it might be good for immediate repair but it won’t be the best option in the long run. The lifespan of the roof will b 25% shorter in the long run.

Do not elongate the process:

If You think that you would deal just fine with simple repairs on the roofing system then make sure that you get on with it before the damage extends and you have to eventually go for a full roofing re-do. Don’t put it off till you have a major leakage problem at your hand that you absolutely have to deal with. So make sure that you are saving costs and time and immediately getting the deed done.

Choose the right raw material:

The different kinds of material that you will select for your roofing will have a different lifespan. Knowing the kind of material, you are using you can easily guess if it is time to replace it yet or not. Some of the common materials that are used for roofing are:

Metal: It lasts for around 40-80 years

Asphalt: Depending on the quality this type of material can last anywhere from 20-50 years

Cedar: This type of material is very affected by climatic conditions. So The wetter it is the more moss and fungus growth there will be and the drier it is the more cracked and crumbled it will be

Wood: This type of material lasts for around 30 years

Tile or Concrete: While this type of material may crack on occasion it might last for around 100 years, making it the most long-lasting material

The Importance of Layer:

If your decking is in good shape and you have around 2 layers of shingles you will not have to think about replacing the entire roofing system, you can simply repair the shingles and you will be good to go. However, if multiple layers of shingles have been slapped on over one another then you might have to rip them off and repair the base of your roofing system. Depending on the climatic conditions in the area that you live around you might be allowed a maximum of two to three shingle layers. You want to make sure that you know what kind of roofing system is allowed in your area to decide how many layers of roofs will be allowed.

DIY Repairs:

If you are not afraid of heights and have the necessary materials then you will be able to carry out minor repairs on your own, you will not need to go through the entire hiring a professional process to get your roof in order. However, if you do not trust yourself to take care of the damages well then perhaps you will have to consider re-doing your entire roof or asking for professional repairing of your roof. If you have never done anything like repairing your roof before then perhaps it is best that you call for professional help who will have the necessary experience and knowledge to take care of your roof.

Inspect the condition of your roof:

The best way to make a wild guess about what kind of repair your roofing system is looking for you must make sure that your roof is in proper shape from the inside out. Head up to the attic and inspect for any internal damages that may be a cause of roofing damages. You must make sure that the dryer vents in your attic are leading outside. On the outside of your roof, the most obvious sign that will indicate repair will be a missing shingle or damages around the chimneys, pipes, or other openings. Do not forget to examine your gutters and downspouts for wear and tear and any signs of molding and rotting should be a major sign.

Heed the warning signs:

If you pay regular attention to the condition of your roofs and root out any signs of damage you will be able to make sure that you do not run into an extreme issue. You must make sure that there are no signs of peeling or deterioration. Water leakage is the most concerning thing that you should take immediate action with. If there are signs of leakage after rainfall and snowfall then it will need to be addressed through a professional before the damage turns to your walls and interior household.