Roofs cost a lot of money. It’s only reasonable that most people put off getting a new roof until they really can’t wait any longer. But a roof that’s in need of repair can also cost you a lot of money in terms of structural damage. Here’s how you can tell whether you might need a new roof.
1. You’re Already Spending a Lot on Repairs
Just like cars or other major expenses, if you’re spending a lot on repairs, it might be better to get a new one. If you’ve been experiencing a lot of roof leaks and having to invest in a lot of repairs over the past few years, you could actually save money by replacing your roof altogether. Get a quote on the repairs that you suspect you might need over the next year and a quote for replacing the roof entirely — and keep in mind, you’re going to need to replace the roof eventually regardless.
2. Your Roof is Older Than 20 Years
Roofs, like anything else, have a lifespan. If your roof is 20 to 30 years old, realistically you’re going to have to replace it sooner rather than later. Why wait until serious damage occurs? You can plan ahead for roof repairs now.
When you plan for your roof repairs, you have time to get quotes. You have the time to schedule everything when it’s the best time for you, and when you can be out of your home for the duration. If you wait until your roof actually falls apart, you’re going to have to do it last minute. It’s far more likely you’re going to have to spend a premium for the roof replacement, specifically because it’s going to be a rush job.
3. You Have a Lot of Missing Shingles
If you’ve got a lot of missing shingles, there could be other issues at play. Missing shingles are only the first indication that something could be wrong with a roof. At minimum, you need an inspection to determine whether there’s been any water damage or pest damage under the shingles. But if you’re going to be replacing most of the shingles on your roof anyway, it could be that you’re better off replacing the roof.
When you replace your roof, you won’t need to worry about cosmetic issues such as missing shingles. You’ll improve the value of your home — and you won’t have to do your repairs piecemeal like you would have to if you were just repairing and patching a section at a time.
4. You’re Experiencing Leaks
Once you’re experiencing leaks, it’s very likely that you need major repairs or a replacement. Leaks are more dangerous than you might think. They aren’t just an inconvenience or something that has to be cleaned up. They could unleash toxic mold into your home and cause serious structural damage. Many people underestimate the raw destructive force of water in general. You need to get leaks addressed quickly if you don’t want the damage to spread to other parts of your home.
5. You’ve Experienced Significant Damage
Many of these are fairly subtle signs, but there can be more obvious signs too. If you’ve had a tree come down through your roof, for instance, it’s better that you replace your roof entirely. When there’s physical damage to the roof, it often goes beyond what’s visible to the naked eye. While it might seem that only one section of your roof is damaged, changes in weight and tension could have caused damage elsewhere, too. If you replace your roof entirely, you don’t need to worry about other issues cropping up later — you can just get everything fixed.
6. You’re Ready to Renovate
A new roof is actually one of the most dramatic ways to change the appearance of your home. If your roof is older and in need of repair, replacing it could mean an entire facelift for your home. You can consider different styles of roof than the one you have now, such as wood shake, metal, or ceramic. And, of course, the end result will also improve the value of your home, especially good if you’re considering selling your home within the next few years.
So, do you need a new roof or not? The truth is, unless there’s been some major damage, it’s not always possible to tell whether your roof has to be repaired or replaced. It’s best to consult with the professionals. Contact Alpine Roofing Construction today to find out more.