A new roofing replacement is an expensive investment in a home.
It is natural to try to prolong the life of an installation as much as possible with roofing repair, but there will come a time when a repair is just not enough.
Rather than continuing to spend money on repairs, these are the signs that a roof replacement is the better choice.
In the long run, replacement is more cost-effective when these widespread symptoms exist.
Roofs that show any of these widespread problems are ready for a new roofing replacement:
- Damaged Shingle Edges - Shingles that have chipped or curled edges, or the whole shingle is either bowed or cupped, are all signs that the shingles are damaged, no longer properly affixed to the roof, and need replacing. All of these symptoms reduce the water tightness of the roof, making roofing repair more necessary as leaks start to pop up.
- Cracked or Broken Shingles - Shingles that crack and break are usually suffering from dry rot and have lost their resilience and ability to resist rain and wind. The more time that passes, the worse this condition will get, and the more shingles will crack and break off.
- Bald Spots - The protective granule coating on asphalt shingles serves numerous purposes, from aiding UV resistance to protecting the under layers of the shingle material from the decomposition that can happen due to years of weather exposure. When the granules start falling off it is time for a new roof before worse problems begin.
- Dark Streaks - Dark streaks on asphalt shingles are caused by either algae or moss on the roof. When either start growing because the shingles have become porous and can no longer resist moisture and microorganisms as well, the best choice is to start thinking about a roof replacement.
- Old Roof - A roof that is 20+ years old or has reached 85% of its suggested lifespan is close to the point of needing a roofing replacement, even if it looks like it is in great shape. Start planning for a new roof and once the first signs that roofing repairs are needed appear, opt for the new roof instead.
It is important to have roofing repairs made as soon as a problem is discovered; however, there comes a time when no amount of repair can deny the fact that an old roof or one experiencing specific problems should be replaced instead.
A dependable local contractor can help any homeowner determine whether a roof replacement is necessary or if repairs are still a viable solution.