Ensuring your roof’s optimal performance is the goal of every homeowner. The question remains as to whether a repair will suffice or if you should replace your roof. Oaks Construction offers answers to this vexing question.
Don’t Put Off the Decision
Avoiding roof maintenance while you make decisions may seem like a good idea until seasons change or bad weather hits, and your roof still needs attention. More time can equal more extensive damage. Examine your roof for the following signs:
- Missing, lifted, cracked, or curled shingles
- Leaks in your attic
- Excessive shingle granules in your gutters
- Improperly flashed chimney
- Missing gutter apron
- Hail damage to shingles
- Rusted chimney flashing
- Streaky-looking shingles
- Roof is older than 20-25 years
- Sagging roof
Your Roof Has Problems — Now What?
It’s important to have a professional roofer inspect your roof. They will be able to tell if there is any structural damage underneath the shingles to the underlayment or decking. If the problem is limited to the shingles, a roof repair is completely appropriate.
Replacing A Few Shingles
You’ve determined that the problem lies in just a few shingles, and you simply want to replace them.
Shingles are exposed to rain, snow, and heat. Over time, the color fades and changes. Even if you have shingles from when your roof was installed, you may have difficulty blending the colors with your weathered roof. If the area that needs new shingles is inconspicuous or quite small, your repair may be unnoticeable.
Patching a Damaged Area of Your Roof
Is the damage localized to one area? Is patching an option? Before considering patching, you need to be certain that there is no damage to the decking or the wood in your attic. If there is, you may require professional assistance to ensure that the underlying problem will be fixed with patching.
Should you decide to try patching, you will run into the issue of matching the shingles. The wear and tear on the current roof shingles will make it very difficult to blend the area you’re patching. The outcome will likely not be very aesthetically pleasing and will detract from the curb appeal of your home.
New Shingles Over Old
In this instance, you know your roof needs to be replaced, but you’re thinking of just putting shingles on top of the old roof. This is like putting a band-aid on the problem — you’re just covering up the damage instead of fixing it. It may help for a little while, but it won’t last in the long run.
Also, putting new shingles over old ones typically voids any warranty you may be eligible for on the new shingles.
Roof Replacement
You need a new roof if:
- Your roof is 20 years old or older
- There has been extreme weather that caused roof damage down to the decking
- There are signs of water damage
Oaks Construction is GAF Master Elite and Select Shingle Master CertainTeed certified. We offer custom financing with 0% interest for the first year and payments that start at just $99.
Call 585-247-OAKS to set up your free in-person or virtual estimate today.