The roof of a house takes on a lot of wearing and tearing. It may provide the people inside shelter, but there is nothing that protects it from the harsh external environment. This makes roofs susceptible to a lot of damage after a few good years of doing its job. The problem for many homeowners is determining whether the roof can still survive with the help or expert repairs done by a reliable Chicago roofing company or if a full roof replacement is a better option.
Here are some important factors and details worth looking into to help determine whether a roof repair company can do the job or if the entire roof should finally be replaced:
- Roof Age
- The older the roof, the more likely a replacement should be considered. The lifespan of the roof varies depending on the material, but most residential roofs can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance and repairs. There are even some roofing companies that offer labor warranty up to 10 years after roof installation. Make the most of these first 10 years and get even the smallest repairs fixed right away to help extend the life of the roof.
- However, when the roof has reached its 25th year, a professional roofing company should do a check to determine whether a replacement is required.
- Missing or Broken Shingles
- Determining whether broken or missing shingles need replacing or if repairs are good enough is a little complicated. Of course, if your roof is still under warranty, it is best to get an expert roofer to do the repairs or replacing. If the warranty has expired more thought is required before making the decision.
- Such factors like a leaking roof or if the area has extensive amount of broken, loose, and missing shingles, it is best to invest in a full roof replacement. When the area where the damage is small hard to see, repairs are more than enough for the time being. As a general rule, never wait to fix broken and missing shingles because the longer they are left unattended, the costlier the damages become.
- Patching Up Damages
- It is very common for homeowners to turn to patching up parts of the roof that has started to deteriorate with time. Although it is a money-saving option this is a temporary fix to a bigger problem. When the patch work is done by professionals the results look better and tend to last longer. There are also damages that cannot be fixed by a patch up job.
- Before jumping to patch up the roof, consulting with a contractor is still the best first step to take. They can determine whether the patching will work or if the damages are too extensive for a simple repair. Such factors like moisture, mold, and even roof rotting can all turn a roof repair plan to a full roof replacement.
- Sagging Roof
- A major problem like a sagging roof cannot be fixed by small and DIY repairs. This can indicate a serious issue with the structural integrity of the roof and put people living in the home at risk because it can collapse at any time. Never make any attempts to repair a sagging roof. A roofing company must check the stability and safety of the roof and then determine the correct course of action.
Roof Repairs and Replacement are Best Left for the Pros
When it comes to both replacing and repairing a roof, professional contractors should do the work. Taking advantage of labor warranties before they expire is a smart and money-saving strategy because the addressing minor repairs early will help extend the life of the roof in the long run.
