| By: Veronica Smith |
There comes a time in the life of any home when the roof needs to be replaced. Whether it is a century’s old home that has been fitted with beautiful and long lasting copper roofing, or a modest home with a shingled roof, at some time the roof is going to need repair and to be replaced. Given the large expense that roof replacement entails, homeowners often go for as long as possible before replacing it. To repair or replace the roof is one of the most important questions a homeowner can answer.
When to Repair
Repairing a roof is the least costly of the two options. Obviously, repairing it is a much better option if the leak is small and localized. For example, if your roof is leaking because of cracked flashing seams or along seams in flat roofing, it is usually very easy to repair. Those types of problems are not indicative of the roofing materials general failing, so much as natural weathering on caulking and patches. A tube of roof patch material and all-weather caulking can easily solve the problem.
If you have a flat roof, it will need to be re-coated every three to five years. This is not a major home repair, but if you do not take care of the bumps and cracks and breaks in the protective coating, the odds of the underlay material becoming damaged are much greater. You can apply the roof coating yourself or hire a professional to do it. If you have any hesitation about being on your roof, or the angle of the roof is steep, it is best to hire a professional to do the job for you. Think of the roof's coating and the shingles as the first line of defense. It is important to make sure that those components are in good condition to protect the rest of the roof and the house itself.
When to Replace
Replacing your roof is one of the largest home improvement investments that you will ever make. With that in mind, it is also one of the jobs that many people put off for as long as possible. How do you know when your roof is ready to be replaced? Well, there are a few ways to tell.
If your roof has consistent leaks, despite repairs, in various places it is time for a new roof. If there is significant damage to the shingles or roof surface that cannot be fixed in a way that will maintain the integrity of the rest of the roof, it is time to replace it. If your asphalt shingles are curling or buckling, the roof should be replaced and proper roofing vents need to be installed. Roofs that have lived to or beyond their estimated lifespan are also candidates for replacement. It is not enough to keep repairing a roof that has multiple failures, as you end up spending as much in repairs that do not last as you would on a brand new roof.
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