Roofing problems can come up anytime. Even if the problem itself is small, understanding the cause and the scope will take some time and effort. Unlike other household items, roofs are much more complicated, and 9 out of 10 times they require the help of professional contractors to repair damages.
If, however, you decide to give it a try and tackle the problem on your own, then you will find this article useful. Generally speaking, roof issues have three possible solutions – repair, patch, or replacement. The biggest roofing dilemma most homeowners face is whether to repair or to replace the roof. Replacing is always the last resort, but it’s an option that you might have to take.
Say you identified the root of the problem, but how do you figure out which of these solutions applies to your specific situation? Keep reading as we will cover which method is the best for which situation.
Solution 1 or 2: Repair or Patch
There is a slight difference between patching and repairing, so we will cover them together. Even though you are not a professional roofing contractor, you can still tell if the problem is serious or a small one. The biggest clue as to whether you should invest in roof repair or a roof replacement is the scope of the damage.
Let’s go over some cases that require either a repair or patching.
- Strong winds and storms tend to damage roofs. More often than not, the damage is small, such as a displaced shingles. In these cases, roof repair is the best option.
- To continue on the topic of shingles, when you notice a couple of missing or broken shingles, get a repair. The key word here is “a couple of,” as too many missing or damaged shingles may indicate serious problems, so get a professional roof inspection.
- Leaks are usually a result of minor problems on your roof that can be resolved with a repair. If you notice leakage inside your house, then check your roof immediately, and with some patching, you’ll be able to stop it.
These are the three main cases that will signal to you that it’s time to repair your roof. Additionally, you should consider the age of your roof and the frequency of problems. If you roof is new, then a repair is your best option.
Solution 3: Roof Replacement
Many homeowners want to avoid this for as long as they possible can, but once your roof is 30+ years old, you’ll have to eventually face it for your family’s safety. Roof replacement is no fun and not so easy on your pocket, so it’s for the best to be 100% sure that a full roof replacement is the best solution.
You should consider replacement if:
- Shingles are curled at the edges and you notice large patches of discoloration. These are red flags that indicate deterioration.
- The flashings are separated from the roof and the roof’s valley is missing several shingles.
- Gutters are clogged because of large debris from the shingles.
And again, consider the age of your roof. If it’s older than 30 years then you will need to replace in the near future if not now.
So those are a few things to consider when you’re trying to figure out how to proceed with roofing issues on your property. If you’re in the Los Angeles area and want an expert opinion on whether your roof needs a repair or replacement, then contact the experts at Roof Repair Specialist! Our trained consultants will assess your roof and let you know exactly what it needs.
