After noticing that your roof is showing signs of damage and wear, you may be worried about it leaking. Because of this, you may be wondering whether you should have sections of the roof repaired or go ahead and replace all of it.
While age does play a factor in the decision, there are some things to consider when trying to decide whether the roof should be replaced. Below are a couple of instances where it would be better to have the roof replaced instead of having it repaired.
1. The Majority of the Shingles Have Edges That Are Curled, Cracked, or Missing, Leaving Multiple Gaps in the Roofing System
One time when it is better to replace your home's roof instead of trying to have it repaired is when there is damage along the edges of the majority of the shingles. If only a small patch has cracked, curled, or missing edges, you may be able to get away with having the roof patched.
However, if most of the shingles have curled, cracked, or missing edges, there are too many gaps in the roofing system to simply patch them. You will need to have a professional assess the full damage to the roof and discuss options for replacing it.
2. The Roof Line Appears Bowed and Uneven, Indicating That the Wood Decking Underneath the Shingles Has Severely Deteriorated
Another instance where you need to have your roof replaced instead of trying to have it repaired is when the roof line itself appears bowed and uneven. If your roof appears to have waves in it, this usually means that the wood decking underneath the shingles has severely deteriorated.
Because the decking is essential for providing support for the shingles, if it has started to rot and break, there is a risk that the roof will start to leak or even cave in. If this basic structural support has been damaged, you need to have a professional replace the entire roofing system.
If you are faced with a decision about whether you should have your home's roof repaired or replaced, look to see if the majority of the shingles' edges show signs of severe damage. You should also look at the overall roof line, and if it appears bowed and uneven, this means that the decking supporting the shingles is rapidly deteriorating. In either of these cases, you should have your roof replaced. Contact a business that offers residential roof replacement services to speak to schedule an appointment.
