Roofs are an essential part of the home. The roof of your home provides structural support and a foundation that keeps the structure of your house together. The roof provides space for utility wiring, protects you and your belongings from the elements in all seasons, and provides insulation for your home. Knowing and understanding when to repair your roof and when to replace your roof is key to having the best roof possible. Determining the route of repairs should always come with recommendations from a professional roofing company in your area. Obtaining estimates and action plans from different companies and the knowledge you pick up here will give you peace of mind when deciding to repair or replace your roof. For anyone in the Denver, Colorado area looking for a professional roofing company, reach out to Roofing Systems to set up your free roof evaluation here.
Outline
- Factors to Consider When Deciding to Repair Your Roof or Replace Your Roof
- What are the Benefits of Repairing Your Roof?
- What are the Disadvantages of Repairing Your Roof?
- When to Repair Your Roof.
- What are the Benefits of Roof Replacement?
- What are the Disadvantages of Roof Replacement?
- When to Replace Your Roof.
- Free Professional Roof Evaluations in Denver, Colorado.
Factors to Consider When Deciding to Repair Your Roof or Replace Your Roof
Many factors are considered when evaluating if it is best to replace your roof or simply repair your roof. For roof repairs, the age and condition of the roof will be significant factors. Other factors include the roofing materials used, how long the homeowner plans to reside at home, and whether or not the homeowner is in the market to sell your home.
When considering roof replacement, essential factors to keep top of mind are:
- The age and condition of the roof.
- The quality and workmanship of the current roof installation.
- The home’s susceptibility to any damages in the future.
It is best to consult with local professional roofing companies, as they understand what challenges each season brings to your home. A professional roofer should also know which materials are the most sustainable for your surrounding community. Considering all of the above factors, a professional roofing contractor will be able to guide you to the best plan of action to keep you and your home safe for years to come.
The most common asphalt shingles are the 3- tab or strip shingles, and you can find them on many roofs. These materials provide moderate protection, typically lasting for a lifespan of 15-25 years. Architectural or dimensional shingles are another ubiquitously used roofing material that combines two or more layers of asphalt to create a sturdy and rich multi-dimensional design. Compared to the 3-tab-shingle, which features one layer of asphalt, these roofing materials provide increased protection against the elements and feature a lifespan that may last up to 20-30 years. To better understand the different types of materials and other factors for your roof needs, see why the roof you choose is important.
What are the Benefits of Repairing Your Roof?
Roof repairs provide many benefits to your home, some immediate and some lasting. Repairing a significantly affected portion of the roof can help extend the life of an older roof. Depending on the age of your roof, repairs are a great option to extend the life of an older roof until you are ready for roof replacement.
Compared to a complete roof replacement, repairs are often far more affordable and cost-effective in addressing commonly encountered roofing issues. Storms can cause a lot of damage to the roof, especially if a beautiful tree branch stretches out over your home. When only a portion of your roof is impacted with damage, a simple repair is often the best and most affordable way to go.
What are the Disadvantages of Repairing Your Roof?
Homeowners face few disadvantages when considering roof repair. Over time, exposure to the Sun will cause shingles to lighten. This may cause the matching shingle colors for a roof repair to be difficult and time-consuming and can change your home’s curb appeal. Additionally, poor workmanship when performing roof repairs may also lead to more roofing problems. It is crucial to work with a professional roofing contractor when repairing any area of your roof. Roofing Systems has been repairing roofs in Denver for over a decade and has work that has withstood the test of time.
When to Repair Your Roof
There are a few telltale signs that will indicate when a repair may be right for you.
Firstly, let’s consider the signs of an aged roof. The roof’s age is a significant determinant for deciding when to perform a roof repair or replacement. Signs that you may have an aging roof include granules in the gutter, a moss-covered or sagging area, shingles that are balding, blistering, buckling, curling, or outright missing, and granules in the gutter. An aging roof may lead to additional roofing issues such as leaks around the chimney, leaks around the pipe boot, leaks from the ceiling, damaged or missing shingles, and any cracking, punctures, or holes found in the roof.
Damage from trees or severe weather conditions may also cause roof damage. Issues with the roof installation, poor roof maintenance, the need for fascia replacement, or ventilation issues may also qualify for roof repairs.
Benefits of Replacing Your Roof
A good roof enhances your home’s curb appeal. For homeowners in the market to sell their homes, replacing the roof may significantly increase your home’s property value. A higher property value facilitates higher selling prices from potential buyers. Roof replacements also give you peace of mind. The roof protects you from outside elements, adds value to your investment, and promotes energy efficiency. With a new roof, your roofing needs should only require regular roof maintenance, absent from damages due to any severe weather events.
Disadvantages of Replacing Your Roof
Roof replacements tend to be several times more costly than roof repairs. They can also take a longer time to complete, as they are covering a larger space. Roof replacements tend to be a noisy process that may disrupt homeschooling or at-home workspaces. Pets also tend to be highly disrupted by the noise caused by roof replacements. A good practice to remove any pets and schedule accordingly during a roof replacement process, ensuring your daily needs are disrupted as little as possible.
It is said that roofing companies are notorious for not cleaning up very well after completing a roof replacement. When you are working with Roofing Systems, you can be sure we will treat your property as our own. As Denver’s top-rated professional roofing company, we take pride in treating your home respectfully.
When To Replace Your Roof
A roof that has been properly installed and has adequate attic ventilation should last through much of its lifetime. It is generally recommended to replace your roof as it is nearing the end of its lifespan, when a strong storm hits your roof, or when roofing materials fail due to poor workmanship or improper installation. The average lifespan of a roof is 20 years on average. With proper care and a good maintenance schedule, you can extend the lifespan to 25 years.
Aging Roof
An aging roof nearing the end of its lifetime can lead to several issues such as leaks and increased energy costs. Be proactive in assessing the condition of your roof before significant leaking or complete roofing failures occur. It is generally recommended to replace your roof somewhere around 80-85% of the manufacturer’s specified lifespan.
Severe Weather Conditions
Strong winds and storms have the ability to rip the shingles off of your roof if they are not properly installed. Depending on the materials used on your roof and the extent of any damage sustained during harsh weather conditions, roof replacements may be necessary. Always have a roofing contractor assess your roof after being damaged in a storm.
Poor Roof Workmanship
There are cases where roofing materials experience failure prematurely due to poor workmanship and other than age and weather conditions. When left unchecked, this can lead to costly roof replacements. The most common causes of premature roof failure are improper roof installation and inadequate attic ventilation. Some homeowners may find that their roof was not installed using the correct roofing techniques. Signs of improper installation include shingle loss across minor or major roof sections. Inadequate ventilation risks damage from hot and cold temperatures trapped in the attic. This dramatically shortens the lifespan of your roof. Additionally, improper installation or ventilation can void any manufacturer warranty in place.
Free Professional Roof Evaluations in Denver, Colorado
If you or someone you know are considering having work done on their roof, reach out to Denver’s area premier storm damage repair contractors. Our elite team of fully licensed and insured roofing contractors is equipped with over 14 years of experience in the industry. For more information on what types of repairs you are able to do, contact Roofing Systems today!