Having a reliable roof is vital for protecting your Arlington home from the elements. When your roof has sustained damage from a storm or damage due to wear and tear, repair or roof replacement might be needed. Should you have repairs done or invest in a whole new roof?
Taking certain factors into consideration can help you better understand which roofing service you might need. Since roof replacements are more complex than repairs and cost more, you should make this decision carefully and with professional guidance. To help determine if you need a roof replacement vs. repair, keep the following in mind.
Quality of Materials
The materials your roof is made of have a significant impact on the roofing service you need when there’s damage. Certain kinds of roofing materials have much longer lifespans and better durability than others. What kind of material is your roof made from?
Asphalt shingles are among the more common kinds of roofing materials. While they’re inexpensive, they tend to have less durability overall, making them more likely to sustain damage over the years. Wood shingles, composite materials, and wood shakes usually have better durability than asphalt. Metal roofs, cement or clay roofs, and slate roofs have a higher degree of durability.
Depending on the material and type of damage your roof has, you might only need repairs for minor issues. However, you might need a replacement if your roof has poor quality materials, especially if it has severe damage.
Quality of Install
The way your roof was installed can be a major factor in determining if you should have it repaired or replaced. If your roof isn’t old and has leaks or other damage, this could be due to poor installation. The quality of your roof installation can shorten its lifespan since it’s likely to need frequent repairs.
A roof with proper installation is less vulnerable to leaks and other types of problems over the years. If you suspect your roof was not installed properly, a professional roofer can evaluate it for you. In some cases, a poorly installed roof might only need a few fixes to improve its condition. However, a roof with multiple problems or significant issues due to poor installation is usually better off being replaced.
What Weather the Roof Has Faced
Severe weather can cause significant damage to your roof. Think about the adverse weather conditions your roof has faced over the years. Downpours, high winds, hail, snowstorms, and ice storms can cause leaks and other damage to your roof.
Consider whether or not your roof has needed repairs in the past for weather damage. You should also remember some storm damage might have gone undetected for months or years. If your roof has dealt with severe weather often, especially if it has needed repairs, you might look into having a roof replacement done.
Age of Roof
Roofs need to hold up well to weather conditions and wear and tear over the years, but lifespans for roofs can vary considerably. The age of your roof can determine if it’s time for a replacement or roof repairs. Knowing the different lifespans for roofs can give you an idea of which roofing service you might need.
Asphalt shingle roofs do not have a long lifespan compared to other roofing materials. The average lifespan for these roofs is between 5 and 10 years. Composite roofs can last between 15 and 40 years, while wood shingle roofs can last between 25 and 30 years. Other materials, such as metal, clay, and slate, can last for a few decades or more. In fact, slate can last for over 100 years with proper care.
If you’re not sure how old your roof is, consider whether or not you have had a new one installed since you moved into your home. If your home still has the same roof, it could be nearing time to be replaced, depending on its material and general condition.
Talk with a Roofer
After taking these factors into consideration, talking to a roofer can help you know for sure if you need a roof replacement or repairs. Local roofers can assess the condition of your roof and let you know if you should have it replaced or fixed. They know what to look for in terms of damage, wear and tear, quality of installation, and quality of materials. They can also estimate how old your roof is to see if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.If you’re wondering whether you need a roof replacement or repairs, please contact S&S Roofing in Arlington. WA. Our local roofers can evaluate your roof’s condition and determine if repair or replacement is needed.
