Roof Education
Over the years roofs in Rhode Island can become damaged or worn down. New England weather can cause damage to your shingles, especially if left unfixed. Sometimes roofs are simply nearing the end of their expected usage.
But when your roof becomes damaged it’s hard to decide whether it’s a quick fix or something bigger. Figuring out the next step can be tricky, but a trusted roofing contractor like RTP Roofing can help!
Roof Age
One key factor in roof replacement is the age of the roof. If your roof shows signs of aging, it may be a good indicator that it’s time for a new roof. An older roof may also have problems with water leaks, or even be more susceptible to storm and wind damage.
Replacing a roof entirely may seem like a hefty price tag, but it will actually save you money long term. Repairing an old and damaged roof may need multiple roofing repairs over the years, which will add up depending on the state of your roof. A new roof is a great investment, whether you plan to stay for many years or wish to sell your house.
Roof Leaks
A common reason for repairs to a roof is the presence of a leak. The presence of water stains in your home can be a sign that the roof needs to be repaired or replaced. If you spot a leak in your home it’s crucial to solve the problem sooner rather than wait until the damage gets worse. A leak left unfixed can lead to issues such as:
• Mold
• Rotting framing and roof sheathing
• Damaged ceilings
• Wet or destroyed insulation
A leak may be tricky when it comes to finding the source, but a roofing contractor can help find the issue!
Extent of Damage
Repairing or replacing a roof means that your roof has physical damage or has started to deteriorate in appearance. Signs of roof damage can be different between different types of roofing material, but a roofing contractor can help with these issues. Roofing damage usually falls under two categories: aesthetic or structural.
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to see to an untrained eye. A roof that is damaged aesthetically may simply look worn down over the years. Another trait is the presence of moss, algae, and even mold. A roof with dark dirt-like streaks is suffering from aesthetic damage.
Structural damage can include many various things. Common signs of damage are curled or cupped edges on shingles, as well as bald spots and missing granules. Shingles can also become cracked and broken, as well as the presence of rust if there are metal components or shingles.
Geographical Area
The location of your home can play a key part in roof repair and replacement. If you leave somewhere that can be exposed to heavy storms, such as hurricanes and tornadoes roof damage can occur. If a storm breaks or removes shingles from your roof it is incredibly important to have it repaired to avoid further damage.
Hail can also affect how your roof performs in the long term. Damage from hail can dent your shingles, which affects how water-tight your roof will be.
Roof Replacement Cost
When it comes to the decision on whether or not to get a new roof the biggest factor will always be the price. It goes without saying that a repair will cost less than a whole replacement. But an older roof left unfixed can rack up many needed repairs over the years. Paying for countless repairs over the span of a few years can cost more than a roof replacement itself.
Your roofing contractor can not only give you estimates but may offer financing options on your roof. Your contractor will help you find the best option without putting you and your home at risk from a failing roof.
A new roof will last many more years than a constantly repaired older roof. Having a new roof will provide peace of mind for many years, or even help if you plan on selling your home.
Minor Damage
If you need to repair a small area of your roof or replace a couple of shingles in an isolated area then a material replacement can be inexpensive and simple. Damaged or missing shingles can easily be replaced with new ones in many cases. Other roofing materials may be more difficult or expensive to replace individually, like metal shingles.
One downside of replacing a few shingles is finding a roofing material that will blend in with the rest of your roof. Even if you find the exact same shingle to replace the missing one, the colors may be slightly off. Your old shingles will change in color due to their constant exposure to the sun, so the color won’t be an exact match.
Moderate Damage
If a roof suffers something more severe than minor damage but is isolated to one area, partial re-roofing may be an option. A partial re-roof will obviously cost less than a full re-roof of your home. However, it comes back to the same downside of minor repairs: aesthetics.
Getting a small area of shingles to blend into old shingles is much easier than a large portion of a roof with new shingles. A re-roofed portion of a roof may stand out significantly from the adjacent older roof.
When It’s Time To Replace Your Roof
A new roof will cost more upfront, but will still save you money on having to repair an old roof multiple times. Aside from saving money in the long run, a new roof has the following benefits:
•Aesthetics – Roofs usually make up a large portion of your home’s outward appearance. A new roof looks appealing and even gives you the chance to choose a new color for the roof or even a new style of shingle.
•Increased Energy Efficiency – Modern roofing materials have improved in both reflecting sunlight and keeping out the elements.
• Peace Of Mind – Knowing you and your loved ones are safe from the elements helps lessen stress. Replacing your roof will also alleviate the stress of worrying about that next roof repair.
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