Roofing replacement is something every homeowner will have to consider at some time. Not only does a roof prevent things from falling on you in your sleep, but it provides a safeguard against leaks, pests, and other issues that could cause extensive (and expensive) structural damage to your home. When you notice damage to your roof, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible. A few loose shingles may not look like much, but it may be the starting point for a leak that wrecks half the underlying support. However, if you catch the issue early on, you may not need a full roofing replacement. To help you better understand the process, here are the primary questions roofers like Chriswell Home Improvements, Inc. will consider when determining roofing replacement versus repairing.
How Extensive Is the Damage?
When you check on your roof from ground level, it may look like a couple of shingles are peeling up at the edges. However, that small patch may be hiding damage that can’t be seen without getting up on the roof. When you schedule a consultation with your local roofers, we will get up on your roof to get a better gauge of damage. For safety’s sake, we don’t recommend trying to check that yourself; remember, we have the training and equipment to help us check your roof safely. If the damaged area is small, it’s generally possible to just repair that portion. If the damage is extensive enough, it may be better to replace your roof.
How Old Is Your Roof?
The standard asphalt shingle roof is made to last somewhere around 20 years. Most roofers will take the age of your roof into account when suggesting repair or replacement. For example, if your roof is only two years old and the damage is minimal, repairing that one spot makes sense. However, if your roof is fifteen years old, it may be better, in the long run, to go ahead and replace your roof, even if the damage isn’t extensive.
What Caused the Damage?
It may not always be possible to discern what caused the damage to the roof — particularly if the issue at hand is just age. But, if a windstorm recently swept through the Sacramento area and a heavy branch fell on your roof, that will likely tell your roofer the damage is more localized. On the flip side, if there was a recent hail storm, the damage is likely to be much more extensive, whether it’s visible or not.
What Is Your Roof Made Of?
Some roofing materials, like clay tiles, are made to last a great deal longer than, say, asphalt shingles. In addition to longevity, another big question is how easily a portion of the roof can be replaced. A patch of asphalt shingles can be removed and replaced much more easily than metal roofing.
How Many Layers Are on Your Roof?
With most varieties of asphalt shingles, it is often possible to add a new layer of shingles over the existing layer to extend the life of your roof. However, this can only be done so many times before it stops being effective protection. In addition, building code in some areas prohibits going over a certain number of layers.
At Chriswell Home Improvements, Inc., we are committed to providing high-quality roofing services. We have earned the GAF Master Elite® designation, something only two percent of roofers in the nation achieve. This means we are properly insured, have proven our quality roofing services, and keep up with professional development and training so our team always has well-honed skills. This also gives us special warranty coverage for roofing materials like GAF shingles — an energy-saving, highly flame-resistant, green shingle option. Give us a call to learn more about how our roofers can help your roof last! If you’d like more information you can also check out our YouTube channel.