7 Reasons to Replace Rather Than Repair Your Roof

But when is replacement a better option than repair? Studying the following factors will help you make up your mind.

When damage covers only a small area of a roof, no matter what the material, repair should suffice. But if the damage is more widespread, two problems could arise from simply repairing your roof. First, in the case of asphalt, tile, or wooden shingle roofs, repairing several areas could result in a patchy appearance due to the new materials not matching the existing roof.

Second, if your roof is already older, the chances are good that more areas of your roof could fail in the coming years. Thus, constantly repairing your roof could end up costing a lot of money over several years, perhaps almost as much as a full roof replacement.

If you notice widespread damage, replacement is a better approach.

Asphalt shingles usually last around a couple of decades. If your shingles show damage, find out how old they are. If they are close to their life expectancy rating, then consider a full roof replacement. A repair job won't prevent the entire roof from failing in the coming years, especially if the underlayment suffers damage too.

All roofing types have an underlayment that directs water away from the inner structure. But if the underlayment fails, water will seep through it. The flashing around chimneys and vents may also fail over the years, letting water seep inside. If your roof leaks in several places, you'll likely need to replace the roof and the underlayment. Otherwise, mold, mildew, and water damage can ruin your home.

Prospective buyers won't likely find a patchy roof a very attractive prospect in a new home. Nor will they likely be excited about the prospect of a roof that has had multiple repair jobs in recent years due to its age. Therefore, if you plan to sell within a few years, replace your roof to entice buyers.

How severe is the weather in your state? In Georgia, for instance, thunderstorms, tropical storms, and floods are a common occurrence. When you add to that the humidity and heat of summer, your roof needs to be in good condition to withstand the often-severe weather variations of each season. In this case, a roof replacement will protect your home against the elements for decades to come.

If your current roof style or color no longer appeals to you, a full replacement will allow you to choose an entirely new style and color. And if you plan to renovate the rest of your home's exterior, you can choose a new roof that complements the changes.

A great reason to replace an older roof is energy efficiency. Advancements in asphalt shingle design mean that even dark-colored shingles can effectively reflect UV light better than ever before. And modern asphalt shingles last longer and come in a wider range of colors than older shingle designs.

If you replace your asphalt shingle roof with modern materials then, you could add years to your roof's lifespan.

   

Is your roof ready for the lower temperatures of winter? If you've spotted some areas of your roof that might need the attention of a roofing service, call Alpha Roofing Services today. We'll inspect your roof and then help you to decide if roof repair or roof replacement is the right approach at this time.