Homeowners usually assume the worst when their roof springs a leak which can lead to rash decisions such as a premature roof replacement. In today’s post, the roofing contractors at Sentry Exteriors share the questions that can help guide you on determining whether your roof needs repair or replacement.
How Old Is My Roof?
All roofs are rated to last for a certain number of years. Factors such as material and local climate, as well as whether the roof is receiving regular maintenance, affect the roof’s service life. If properly maintained, a typical roof life span is as follows: asphalt shingle roofs, 20 to 30 years, metal roofs, 50 years and tile and slate roofs, 100 years or longer. Knowing your roof’s expected service life can clue you in on whether you should have your roof replaced or not.
Have I Performed Roofing Inspections Lately?
Your roof’s overall condition is a major factor that dictates whether you need to call repairs or replacements. Roofing and gutter companies ask homeowners to perform inspections between maintenance appointments so they can keep an eye on things like weather-related damage or premature wear. Inspections do not take much effort but can be invaluable when assessing the health of your roof.
You need to inspect both the roofing interior and exterior. During the interior inspection, you need to climb into the attic and document problems such as clumping insulation and water stains, which indicate signs of a roof leak. Pinholes of light indicate holes in the roof. Unusually hot and humid air indicates inadequate attic ventilation. Document these problems by taking notes or using your smartphone’s camera.
Exterior inspections are done by using a pair of binoculars and visually inspecting the roof. Keep an eye out for damaged or missing shingles and flashing holes on the roof, and signs of aging and corrosion. Alternatively, you can use a remote-controlled drone to perform and document your roof inspection. You can send the video to your roofing contractor for a later review.
Should My Roof Be Repaired or Replaced?
Ultimately, the question remains: should you have your roof repaired or replaced. Roof repair is ideal for many reasons: it costs less, it doesn’t take as long to finish, and it’s not as messy. However, your roof can reach the point where repairs won’t be cost-effective nor practical, and you’d be better off with a new roof. If in doubt, a local roofing contractor like us can assess your roof’s condition and give you an estimate.
Sentry Exteriors is your leading provider of roofing services and gutter guards. Give us a call at (434) 239-6722. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Lynchburg, VA, and nearby areas.
