Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement

How to decide when you should bite the bullet and replace your roofing system.

Do you have a leak in your roof? Curling or missing shingles, buckling decking; all are signs that your roof needs immediate attention.

For some homeowners, the first hint of a problem is discolorations on the ceilings. In most cases, the problem goes far beyond that. Many homeowners, unable or unwilling to face reality, try to repair their roofs, with decidedly mixed results.

Why Repairing Your Roof Might Be A Bad Idea

Unlike the roofs of yesteryear, a modern roof is a complex system that is a crucial part of your home’s thermal envelope, and the first line of defense against the elements. It’s a very compelling example of the adage “There’s no such thing as a simple fix”.

In the most extreme example, if water is entering your house, you have a very serious problem. One or more components of your roof system have failed, whether it’s the shingles, the tar paper, flashing, or something else entirely. Hence, tracking down the failure point is very difficult, and the extent of the damage can be hard to determine. Water seeping into walls and insulation can cause a black mold infestation that is harmful to your health and extremely expensive to repair.

If your potential roof repair is something small, like the matter of a few missing shingles, consider instead: how old are those shingles? Shingles wear out like anything else, and if your roof system is more than 15 years old, more and more shingles are going to be subject to attrition by the elements. Also consider: replacing shingles is a complex process that can potentially cause more problems than it solves. It takes a very skilled roofer to lift and insert new shingles without loosening or disturbing the integrity of the old ones. You might find yourself right back where you started in a few months.

A New Roof Is a Better Investment

Although it’s a considerable investment, a new roof is often a much better idea. Removing the old roof system enables you to examine the extent of the damage. New roofing systems are simply better than old ones due to advances in technology. They can include ice barriers, vapor barriers, and improved flashing systems. Some roofing systems are now designed to last fifty years or more.

Finally, one roof repair generally begets another. Even if the initial problem has been solved, an aging roof has many potential points of failure. A new roof will give you peace of mind, and save you money over the long run.

To discuss your roofing system with our master roofers, call (703) 754-9906