Most people do not pay much attention to their Roof until the damage becomes evident. From curled or cracked shingles to water stains on interior walls and ceilings, roof damage can appear unexpectedly and quickly worsen. When damage on the roof is found, homeowners have two main choices: repair or replace. While roof repair is often the least costly option, it can come with some drawbacks. Learn when you may need a full or partial roof replacement and what could happen if you make the wrong choice.

Moisture or Water Damage

When deciding between roof replacement and new roof installation, consider the amount of moisture or water damage your home has suffered. When inspecting your interior walls and ceilings, look for signs of damage. Are there water marks or peeling paint? How much of the wall is affected? Are there any signs of mold growth? If you see excessive signs of moisture indoors, then the roof itself is likely waterlogged. If the leak is relatively small, it may be possible to repair the damaged section of roof. However, if the moisture problem is major, then a full roof replacement is likely necessary.

Damaged or Missing Shingles

Old age, harsh weather conditions, and poor workmanship can all cause shingles to become damaged or go missing. Once shingles have become split, curled, or torn, they do not provide ample protection to the underlying roofing structure. This allows moisture to seep into the house. If the damage is localized, such as a single missing shingle, then a simple roof repair will typically take care of the problem. However, if the damage spreads over more than 30 percent of the roof, new roof installation is the best solution.

Old Age

The age of your roof should be a critical factor when deciding whether or not to undergo a full roof replacement. If your roof is only a few years old and is already leaking, the problem is likely the quality of materials used, the quality of the installation, or a defect in the materials. Normal wear and tear takes many years or even decades. The average asphalt shingled roof lasts 15 to 20 years, while better quality materials like tile, copper, and slate can last upwards of 50 years. If your roof has neared its life expectancy, it is often a better investment to replace the roof rather than continue to make costly repairs.

Recent Storm or Disaster

If your home has suffered through a major storm of disaster, the damage may be significant. While you may not be able to tell the extent of the damage from simply looking at the roof, violent storms can cause a level of damage that may not be noticeable until it begins to affect the interior of your home. If you are concerned about damage to your roof after a storm, call in a professional roof installation contractor to inspect it close up. If extensive damage is found, a roof replacement may be necessary.

Layers of Shingles

Many homeowners opt to shingle over an existing layer of shingles to save time and money. However, this can have both advantages and disadvantages. First, it will no doubt cost you more money to rip off old shingles and replace them with new ones. Installing new shingles over an older layer is both cheaper and more time-effective. However, it may not be a viable choice depending on where you live. Most building codes prohibit homeowners from having more than two layers of shingles on a house.

Cosmetic Considerations

When deciding whether or not to replace your entire roof, you will also want to consider how the final product will look. Even if you manage to find shingles in the same color, they will not match exactly as your old shingles will still appear more weathered and worn. If you do not mind that your roof does not blend perfectly, then a partial replacement may work. However, if your roof is visible and you want it to appear cosmetically cohesive, it may be necessary to completely replace the entire roof with a new set of shingles.

Other Things to Consider

Before making your decision to choose a more cost-effective partial roof replacement, consider the consequences that can occur if your roof really does need a replacement. First, you are essentially wasting money as your roof will likely need more repairs in the near future. Opting for a full roof replacement may actually save you money in the long run as you will not need as many repairs to keep your roof in good condition. You also run the risk of your home suffering significant damage. If you fail to get the full roof replacement you need, moisture may continue seeping into your home, resulting in mold growth and similar problems.

You may also experience the other consequences of not replacing your roof. Higher energy bills can develop when your roof allows air to escape through tiny gaps. While it may not be noticeable at first, these gaps can become larger allowing more and more air to escape, causing your energy bills to gradually increase. These holes may also allow insects, rodents, and small critters to damage your roof. If they manage to find access into your home, they can cause even more damage and even health problems.

Contact a Roofing Contractor Today

As one of the largest and most important components of your home, it is essential to properly care for your roof. When damage occurs, you will need to think carefully about whether you want to undergo a full or partial roof replacement. Know that it is not always necessary to replace your entire roof. For small cracks or leaks, a simple repair will usually suffice. However, more extensive damage that spans over a larger area of the roof will usually need a replacement. To find out more about roof repair or replacement or to have your roof inspected for damage, contact a roof installation contractor today.

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