Every homeowner has a time when the decision needs to be made: Repair or Replace?

Many factors go into this decision, and it’s not always an easy one. This blog post will cover some of the key things you need to look at when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof. We will also talk about why it’s essential to hire an expert to assess the exact condition of your roof and help you make the right decision for your home based on a number of factors.

The big question: can you repair a roof without replacing it?

Sure, there are some instances when roof repair is possible without replacing the roof altogether. If you have a leak, missing shingles, or minor roof damage in an isolated area of your roof, then it’s likely that a repair is necessary. However, if your roof is experiencing problems from structural Hail or Wind damage, severe systemic leakage, has reached the life expectancy of the roof or even rust or mold (if you are in certain climate regions) then replacement may be the best option.

If you are not an expert in roofing, it can be challenging to tell the difference between roof damage that CAN be repaired and roof damage that CAN’T be repaired and requires replacement. However, there are some simple signs you can look for to help you make a decision. Either way, it starts with assessing the damage to your roof.

• Roof dents: areas where the roof has been hit by hail. They are marks where the granules from the shingles have been partially or completely knocked off by a hail strike. Sometimes they are obvious and sometimes they can be a little tough to see without a trained eye depending on the time of day you are looking. Get an expert like a qualified Denny’s Roofing Project Manager to come out and get up on your roof to take a look.
• Roof stains: If you notice any dark or light spots on your roof, it could be a sign of roof damage or a manufacturer defect.
• Water spots on the interior ceiling or walls: If you notice water spots on your ceiling or walls, it could signify that you have roof damage depending on the location of the stains. Water can leak through the roof and cause damage to the ceilings and walls of your home.
• Damaged or missing shingles: Damaged or missing shingles can allow water to seep into your roof, which can cause further damage. This can happen because of wind or hail damage. It’s always best to bring an expert out to take a look at it and assess the damage. Also, if you find that your shingles are curling up, this is also a sign that they are damaged and need replacement.
• Stains in the attic: If you are up in your attic and notice that there is some discoloration in the form of a water stain or actual water on the trussing or roof decking, it could be a clear sign of a roof leak. Leaks are a clear sign that roof repair is necessary. If you notice any leaks, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Call an expert to confirm.
• Ice dams: An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof. If you have an ice dam, it can cause water to back up under the shingles and leak into your home. There are ways to defend against Ice dams with a new roof. Ask your roofing expert about it.
• Rust: in certain climates, metal roofs can experience rusting. If you see any signs of rust on your roof, it’s likely that you are having a bigger issue with your roofing materials. If you have rust on your metal “flashing” or around a skylight or pipe, a repair is necessary.
• Lack of proper roof and attic venting: Because of the heat that we now have here in Colorado, your roof must have the proper ventilation so that the attic can “breathe” and exhale the hot air from your attic. Having adequate air flow will lengthen the life of your roofing material and potentially lower your electric bills.
• Excessive amounts of moss or algae growing on the roof: It could be a sign of roof damage if you have excessive amounts of moss or algae growing on your roof. Moss and algae can cause roofing materials to deteriorate, leading to roof leaks. It’s not really an issue here in Colorado because of the lack of moisture that we receive, but it is a problem in some areas of the country.

If you don’t know how to check for these signs or you’re not comfortable getting up on your roof, give us a call, and we’ll send out an expert project manager to provide you with a FREE inspection!

What can go wrong if you try to repair a damaged roof when it actually needs to be repaired?

One of the biggest dangers of trying to repair a roof when it actually needs to be replaced is that you could make the damage worse. If you don’t fix the roof properly, it could lead to water leaks and further damage to your home.

You also may not be able to fix the roof correctly. If you don’t have the proper knowledge or experience, you could end up making the roofing problem worse, which will ultimately cause it to be more expensive, and we know how frustrating that can be! If your roof is severely damaged, it may be more cost-effective to replace the roof than to repair it.

Here are a few reasons why:

• Repairing a roof can be expensive (especially if you don’t know what you’re doing or can’t see all the damage upfront), and often doesn’t last as long as replacing it would.
• Once a roof is a certain “age” the shingles are securely in place by the way they are manufactured, it’s difficult to successfully repair just a few shingles. You might need to replace an entire section of the roof to effectively repair the existing roof system.
  Old shingles are sometimes out of code or even so old that they are not made any longer. Your roofer will be able to tell you which shingles are not longer made or not up to code any longer.
• A new roof can add value to your home and help you sell it more quickly if you ever decide to put it on the market. Being able to advertise a new roof brings a peace of mind to a prospective buyer.
• A new roof can also improve your home’s energy efficiency, saving you money on your monthly energy bills.

If you’re considering repairing your roof, carefully weigh the pros and cons. It makes more sense to simply replace the roof altogether in many cases. We’d be happy to give you our professional opinion—for FREE.

When to Repair a Roof vs. When to Replace It: The Bottom Line

You need to consider many factors when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof. If you have roof damage, it’s essential to address it as soon as possible. It’s important to consult with an expert to help you make the right decision for your home and help you choose the most cost-effective option.

It’s always best to hire an expert for roof repair or replacement.

An experienced roofing professional will be able to look at your roof and determine the damage and the best course of action. We’ll also give you a FREE estimate for the work that needs to be done and handle working with your insurance company for you.

Let us help you make the right decision for your home.

At Denny’s Roofing, we are experienced roofing professionals who can help you with your roofing needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services! Ask us about our discounts for Seniors and Military Service. Also ask your Denny’s Project Manager about a free Class 4 upgrade if you currently have a Class 3 Roof.