When to Repair or Replace Your Roof

Roof damage can leave a structure vulnerable to rot, mold and pests. Homeowners looking to protect their investment need to make a plan to address potential damage to a roof and underlying structures. However, how do homeowners know when only small repairs are necessary or if more serious work is required?

Missing shingles after a storm can be quickly addressed but a damaged valley may need more attention and resources. Understand when to make repairs and when to replace a roof today.

Your Roof Is Near the End of Its Projected Lifetime

Depending on the material and design of a roof, a homeowner's roof has an estimated roofing cycle. At the end of this roofing cycle or lifetime, it will be necessary to replace a roof. Traditional roofs and those composed of asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Homeowners generally find they need to make additional repairs as a roof get close to the end of its estimated cycle. If this is the case, it may be easier and more cost effective to replace a roof rather than continue to make regular repairs on an aging roof.

Daylight Can Be Viewed Through Boards

When homeowners stand in the attic and see light filtering through roof boards, it indicates it is time to repair the roof. In addition, a trampoline bounce occurring when walking on the roof indicates a weakened deck. Weak decks are a result of moisture. The structure may need more significant repairs and mold and rot may become apparent when addressing the problem.

Problems With Shingles: Buckling, Missing, or Damaged

Gutters collect all sorts of debris. If pieces of shingles and single granules are found when cleaning gutters, it may be time to replace a roof. This generally occurs when a roof is near the end of its lifetime. Wearing away of materials becomes apparent when roof material becomes discolored and a roof shows inconsistent coloring.

It is possible to replace individual shingles when shingle “tabs” are still intact. However, an extensive amount of missing shingles may indicate issues with the roof itself. Meanwhile, Buckling or curling shingles are an indication that the material needs to be replaced. When roofs are fairly new, buckling shingles are one sign of defects in a roof. This issue is often found on the slope of a roof that receives direct sunlight.

Repairs Can Start Adding Up

The national average cost of repairing a roof is $770. Repairs are needed to avoid moisture getting into the home and causing additional damage to the structure of a home. Homes with roofing damage, moisture issues and mold or rot may have to be sold as a steep discount, as new owners take on the burden of repairs to a neglected problem.

Fix roof damage as quickly as possible. Some of the most common roof repairs homeowners contend with are ice dams, skylight leaks, cracked flashing, cracked vent booting and broken or missing shingles. Some types of roofing material may be prone to specific roofing issues. A professional is often hired to address significant roofing problems or to replace a roof.

Take Homeownership Seriously

Regular home maintenance is part of the responsibilities of owning a home—in Durango or elsewhere. New construction homes and older homes will require attention from time to time. Buying a roof or home with newer roofing materials with longer roofing cycles may reduce the frequency of repairs. Speak to a roofing specialist about the types of roofing materials available before replacing a roof to minimize maintenance requirements.