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Originally Posted On: https://rlhayes.com/2021/12/your-roof-does-it-need-a-repair-or-replacement/

You do not need to be construction or architecturally savvy to understand that your home’s roof, like all parts of your home, needs to be maintenanced to last for years to come. If you have ever driven by an abandoned home, you have likely noticed the deterioration of the roof, walls and windows from years of neglect. It is especially sad to see that in a home with so much potential and charm. And the reality is that having been left to the elements for decades, many of these abandoned homes have roofs that are beyond repair.

This does not, however, have to be the future fate of your home. With regular maintenance,  your home can be passed on to your children and generations to come. The greatest benefit of regular maintenance is that it will be more economical in the long run to make sure your roof is in excellent shape rather than letting time pass before you have costly repairs to make.

Fortunately, it is possible to repair a roof instead of having to replace it entirely. There are a few  factors, such as the type of damage and how much of the roof’s surface would be in need of repair, that you must keep in mind.

Is Patching a Roof an Alternative for Replacing it?

In certain instances replacing a couple of shingles is all you will actually need to restore your roof’s functionality. Fortunately, asphalt shingles are made to last for several years and today’s roofs are engineered to last for as long as you own your home.

Before making the big decision of replacing your shingles, it is recommended that you have a professional roofer inspect your roof to see if any of the underlayment or decking has been damaged. Why? Because there is quite a difference between some missing shingles that were lost due to heavy winds and a leak that goes through all the layers of your roof. Should the damage be pretty extensive, it’s typically best to replace your entire roof rather than trying to patch it up.

Can you Replace a Few Shingles?

While patching can do the trick sometimes, the solution may not be as simple as replacing a few shingles on your roof. The best thing to do would be to have a licensed roofing professional come and perform a thorough inspection on your roof to determine if a patch is even an option to extend your roof’s lifespan without leading to further damage in the future.

It is important to be aware of the red flags of serious roof damage, which include:

• Shingles curling at the edges or starting to buckle
• Granules or small, pebble-like pieces that coat the outside of the shingle found in your gutters or on the ground
• Water leakage or rotting in your attic
• A sagging or warped roof

While it may be possible to patch up your roof, the end result may not be aesthetically pleasing. When it comes to a patch job, the damaged area is typically much bigger than a little spot in need of a few shingles. That would then make it more difficult to blend the repaired section in with the existing roof.

Do Old Shingles Need to be Removed Before Installing New Ones?

Keeping the old shingles on your roof may seem like it would save you money, but it is more  like putting a bandaid over an injury that requires more than just a bandaid. While you are covering up the problem, there is still underlying damage that will just get worse over time.

Even though many local building codes permit homes to have up to two layers of shingles, it is possible to shingle over an existing roof. However, after two layers of shingles, you run the risk of adding too much weight on your home’s structure. That is why most building codes do not allow a home to have more than two layers of roofing materials.

Does Your Roof Need to be Replaced?

If you find yourself in a roofing repair or replacement dilemma, you’re in the right place to figure that out. Whether it’s time to repair or replace your roof, you should always consult with a roofing contractor first.

Here are some reasons to have your roof replaced:

• Recent Natural Disaster: If your area was hit by a strong hurricane, tornado, or storm recently, the damage to your roof may be serious enough to require a complete roof replacement.
• Moisture or Water Damage: If you notice signs of moisture inside your home, which include brown spots on the ceiling, peeling paint or mold, you should consider replacing your entire roof rather than attempting a patch or repair job.
• Age of Your Roof: Do you have a roof that is more than 5 years old that is leaking? If so, the problem may be related to the quality of the installation or a defect in the materials more than normal wear and tear. In the instance of a 20-year-old roof with a few problem areas, it may actually be near the end of its lifespan and needing to be replaced.
• Materials Used: Believe it or not, an 80-year-old slate roof may have a few more decades of life still in the tank compared to an 80-year-old metal roof. Also, asphalt shingles are the most used roofing material because of their affordability and aesthetic appeal. They are also the latest generation of premium asphalt shingles that are made to last up to 50 years with the right amount of maintenance.

Fortunately, at R L Hayes Roofing & Repairs, you can rest assured that you will find a team of reliable and knowledgeable roofers that will be transparent with you on whether you need a repair or replacement of your roof. Regardless of what course of action you will need to take, we are here to either repair or install a quality roof so you and your family can have peace of mind for years to come. Contact us today to come out and inspect your roof!