Roof Repair or Replacement - What’s Your Best Option in 2024?
If you have noticed that your roof has sustained damage, or is showing signs of leaks, you might be wondering whether to repair or replace it. Regardless of whether you need to repair or replace your roof, you should not let this problem linger.
Neglecting obvious issues with your roof can leave the upper levels of your home vulnerable to further problems like mold and interior sheetrock damage, which can result in additional (and avoidable) costs to remedy the problem.
Maintaining the healthy condition of your roof is also an investment in the longevity of your home. If you are considering which option is right for your situation, this guide is for you. Today, we are going to provide some insights to help you answer to decide whether you should opt for a full roof replacement or a roof repair.
Revealing Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced
Here are seven indications that your roof may be past its prime:
Uneven shingles. Asphalt shingles are meant to lie flat with no edges to catch the wind or interfere with water runoff. Cupped shingles with concave centers, wavy surfaces, and ragged or curled shingle edges are all signs that a roof is past its prime.
Bald shingles. The granular coating on asphalt shingles helps to protect them from the elements, such as harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Discoloration. The color of your roofing shingles may fade over the years due to UV degradation, another sign of an aging roof. Roof shingles that are losing or have lost their granules are more exposed to UV rays, potentially causing them to age faster and become brittle.
Cracked shingles. Over the years, UV ray exposure from the sun may cause roof shingles to “dry out” and crack on the surface.
Dark streaks. While dark streaks on your roof may be more of an aesthetic problem, they’re an indication of algae growth on your roof. Lichen growth, which occurs with a combination of algae and fungus, can eventually damage shingles and their protective granules.
Moss. The roots of moss are much larger than those found in lichens. Too much moss on your roof can speed up the loss of granules. Moss also retains water, adding weight, and keeping your roof in constant contact with water. As with shingle discolorations, a roof inspection and cleaning can help determine the health of the shingles beneath the moss.
Time. While properly installed, high-quality asphalt shingles can provide decades of protection, constant exposure to the elements eventually takes its toll, and they need to be replaced.
Roof Damage
If there are only a few loose or missing shingles on a 10-year-old roof, or if you have a single water spot on only one area of your ceiling, a simple repair is likely to be all that is needed to resolve the problem. However, if there are multiple rooms in your home showing water intrusion on your ceilings, that is a clear sign that the entire roof is in distress.
Additionally, if you notice a lot of asphalt shingle granules in your gutters, or at the bottom of the gutter downspouts, that is an indication that the shingles are breaking down and losing their water barrier protection. This issue is inevitable as a roof ages.
Roof Storm Damage
The roof is one of your home’s first lines of defense against Mother Nature. Certain regions of the country are more associated with specific adverse weather events, like tornadoes or hurricanes. However, most locales (like Birmingham Alabama), experience occasional serious storms, which can produce damaging wind gusts and hail. Due to its large surface area and exposed location, the roof is especially vulnerable to storm damage.
Hailstorms
A sudden flurry of hailstones can cause immediate damage to shingles. Visible signs of roof hail damage include loss of granules, divots, and cracks. Sometimes roofing shingles will split beneath their surface due to a hailstone’s impact, leaving your roof open to water infiltration.
Winds
Straight-line winds that precede a typical storm front can cause a great deal of damage in a short amount of time. These winds travel in one direction, unlike rotating tornadic winds and can reach speeds over 100 miles per hour. The National Severe Storms Laboratory classifies winds over 50-60 miles per hour as damaging.
Shingles that are blown off can leave large areas of your roof completely unprotected from rain or snow. And shingles that remain in place but have been bent or curled beyond their limits may lose their waterproof seal. Wind-driven debris, such as tree branches, could crack or pull up shingles, and/or knock granules loose.
If you experience a significant hailstorm or other severe weather event, then you may want to schedule a roof inspection to check for both visible and hidden damage.
How do you spot where the leaks are coming from?
Finding the source of water leaks can be tricky. Water always travels along the path of least resistance, so a small hole near the peak of the roof could show up as a water spot in the foyer ceiling. Your first move should be to inspect the attic after a heavy rainfall.
Pay special attention to areas around vents, chimneys and skylights.
Use a flashlight and look for dark patches on the wood, mold or deteriorated insulation.
Your Home's Insurance Policy
In most cases, if roof damage is due to severe weather (e.g. wind or hail), your homeowner's insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing the entire roof.
Consult with your insurance provider so you know exactly what is covered and what is not in your policy. This can help you make the roof repair or replacement decision that makes the most sense for your home - and your budget.
A Roofer's Recommendation
Last but not least, you should always consult with a roofing professional before making a final roof repair or replacement decision. A professional roofer will confirm either that a repair is all that is needed or he or she may find additional forms of damage that you might may not have noticed that could warrant a full roof replacement.
A professional roofer will give you an accurate cost estimate for the roofing services you need. This can will help you better budget for the roof repair or replacement and make an informed decision about which option is right for your home.
Save on Roofing Repairs and Replacements in Birmingham, AL
As we mentioned above, timely roofing repairs or replacements are a wise (and necessary) investment in the long-term health of your home. Addressing roofing issues promptly will help to offset and avoid higher additional costs in the future.
At Alabama Discount Roofing, LLC we provide roof repair and replacement services throughout Birmingham, AL and its surrounding communities. We are committed to providing the highest-quality roofing services possible at fair and reasonable prices that do will not involve any hidden fees or surprises.
To learn more about how we can assist you in repairing or replacing your own roof, contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate.
