The roof of your home is one of the most important parts of its exterior. Having a strong and sturdy roof over your head protects you from the harsh weather conditions we experience in New Jersey. Heavy rain, high wind speeds, and snowstorms can take a toll on your roofing system. If your roof has been damaged, your entire home can be at risk during some of these brutal storms. If you notice any roof damage, it is important to have it looked at by a professional roofing contractor to keep your entire home safe and secure.
One of the biggest questions you may have after your roof suffers damage is, ‘should I repair or replace my roof.’ In this blog, we will walk you through the various signs that you should look for to determine if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
What Is Roof Repair?
Roof repair is any work that is done on your existing roof to fix parts that have been damaged. This can include replacing shingles, sealing leaks, replacing blown-out wood planks, and more. If your roof has been damaged, it is important to have it repaired as quickly as possible. When one part of your roof is damaged or not working properly, your entire home can be at risk of water damage and more.
Signs That Tell You Need To Repair Your Roof?
If your roof has been damaged, it needs to be repaired ASAP. Ignoring roofing problems can lead to more costly repairs in the future. We have put together a list of the most common signs that your roof may need to be repaired:
Your Roof Is Leaking
A roof leak occurs when water seeps into your home through the ceiling. This can happen when the flashing around your chimney has corroded, when shingles have worn down and need to be replaced, or for many other reasons. A roof leak needs to be repaired quickly to keep your home protected from water damage.
A roof leak is one of the most common issues that homeowners experience. If you do not repair your leaking roof, it can lead to problems throughout your entire home. Roof leaks will not just go away, and in most cases they continue to get worse over time.
Some Shingles Are Missing
Shingles are the most common type of roofing material in North America, and missing shingles are one of the biggest causes for roof repair. Missing shingles can lead to expensive damage throughout your home, which is why you need to have missing shingles replaced as quickly as possible.
Asphalt shingles are durable, but they can be damaged or wear down over time. They are also lightweight, and if the wind speeds are high, a shingle can be blown off your roof. Shingles that have deteriorated or were installed incorrectly are more likely to come loose, and fall off your home. If you notice shingles missing from your roof, you should call a roofing contractor right away
Your Roof Is Not Installed Properly
If you notice that your roof was installed incorrectly, this could lead to water damage and mold growth inside your house.
It’s important that you hire an experienced contractor for any roof repair or installation work. You should also make sure that any contractors who worked on your property were licensed by their state’s department of labor standards.
How Do I Know My Roof Is Not Installed Correctly?
You need to inspect your roof and look for some of the following signs that depict poor workmanship and installation.
- Materials are not attached correctly
- Uneven appearance of the roofing system
- Flashing is missing
Items Falling On The Roof
Trees are beautiful and majestic, but they also pose a danger to your roof. One of the most common issues that can cause damage to your roof are trees or debris falling on it. Tree limbs and branches can crack your roof, which can lead to water damage inside your house. If you notice any debris on your roof, you should have a roof inspection completed to look for any damages.
Image Source: beantownbuilders.com
What Is Roof Replacement?
Sometimes, roof damage is so severe that repairs will not help. When this happens, it is necessary to have your entire roof replaced. Roof replacement is the process of removing and replacing your existing roofing system. A new roof can increase the value of your home, and keep you protected against severe weather conditions .
When Is Time For Roof Replacement?
Most roof damage can be fixed with simple repairs, but this is not always the case. If your roof is damaged beyond repair, you will need a complete roof replacement. Another common reason to replace your roof is due to age. Roofs wear down over time, and depending on the roofing materials and how well you care for your roof, there will come a time that it is no longer effective. Below are some common reasons you will need to replace your roof:
Your Roof Has Passed Its Lifespan
There are many different roofing materials available today, but they all have one thing in common: they need to be replaced at some point due to wear and tear. There are many factors that can impact how quickly a roof will wear down, but at some point every roof will need to be replaced.
If you’re unsure about how long a new roof should last, here are some general guidelines:
- Wood shingles — 20-30 years
- Asphalt shingles — 20-25 years
- Metal Roof — 40+ years
- Clay tile — 40-50 years
- Slate — 50+ years
These are general estimates that can be affected by many different factors. If you live in an area where your roof is constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions, your roof may need to be replaced much sooner. Having an annual roof inspection is a great way to extend the life of your roof.
You Witness High Energy Bills
If your energy bill is going up and you don’t know why, it could be because of a leaking or damaged roof. This can make your home unhealthy and uncomfortable. It could also mean that your air conditioner has to work harder to cool the house—and this can lead to a big dent in your budget.
A new roof can make your home more energy efficient, and in many cases it can lower your energy bills by keeping heat out during the winter months and keeping cool air inside during the summer months. A well-maintained roof will also help keep moisture from building up inside your home.
Your Roof Is Sagging
If your roof is sagging in certain places, it could be an indication of structural damage. Roofs can sag due to weight over time, but they should not flex when snow or rain accumulates on them. A healthy roof will not droop if a heavy weight lands on it, but a damaged one might.
If your home’s roof is sagging and you see other signs of damage (such as peeling paint or watermarks), there may be mold growing underneath your roof. Since this is a structural problem that involves the decking, roof repairs will not be enough. If your roof is sagging, or there are any other structural issues, it may be time to install a new roof.
You Are Looking To Sell Your Home
If you’re looking to sell your home, it may be a good time to have your roof replaced. If a roof is in good shape, it will last for at least 20 years before needing any major repairs. A new roof will increase the value of your home, and can lead to a better offer when your home is on the market.
A new roof can also make your home more appealing, and increase the curb appeal. The housing market is competitive, and it is important to make your home stand out. Installing a new roof can make your home more inviting.
Animal Attack
You’ve noticed animals or birds entering the attic through holes in the roof. Animals and birds can damage your roof when they chew on it, creating large cracks that allow water to enter your home. This can lead to other problems throughout your home, including damage to the insulation, electrical wiring, and more.
If you have a leaky roof, animals can also cause further damage by chewing on exposed beams or rafters. This will reduce their structural integrity over time, and can lead to an even worse leak down the road.
Roof Repair Vs. Replacement: Final Thoughts
At this point, you should have a pretty good idea of whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Roof repairs are great if the damage is minor, or you don’t have the budget for a new roof. If the damage is extensive, however, there may be too much risk involved in leaving it unrepaired until it’s absolutely necessary—in which case you’re better off just going with a full replacement from the start.
No matter what roofing service you require, our team at Northkit Roofing is here to help you. We have been helping the homeowners for years, and we offer emergency roofing services 24/7. Contact us today at (973) 396-7416
