How to Assess Your Roof’s Condition

Deciding whether you should repair or replace your roof is a big decision. Roofing costs an average of $9,052 but could cost more or less depending on the materials, where you live, and if you’re tearing off the old roof. 

So as you can imagine, deciding whether to repair or replace your roof is a big decision. You don’t want to replace it prematurely, but you also don’t want to risk the integrity of your home.

Here are the top considerations when deciding if roofing installation is necessary.

Assessing Your Roof’s Condition

Understanding the age of your roof is a key indicator of its replacement needs. When your roof reaches the end of its lifespan, opting for replacement over repairs is usually the wiser choice. Different types of roofs come with varying lifespans, and even within the same type, brands may differ.

For example, shingled roofs typically last around 20 years, while metal roofs boast a significantly longer lifespan, sometimes reaching up to 50 years.

Detecting Water Damage

In some cases, a roof’s deterioration can lead to severe water damage, manifesting in attic leaks and ceiling stains. Neglected water damage can even compromise your home’s structural integrity.

Conducting a thorough inspection of your roof to identify leaks and potential water damage is crucial. This assessment will help you determine whether a simple repair will suffice or if a complete roof replacement is necessary.

Damaged Shingles

Damaged shingles don’t automatically mean you need a new roof, but it could be a sign. A licensed roof contractor can determine if only a few shingles need repairing or if replacing the entire roof is more cost-effective and safe for your home.

Damaged Flashing

In cases where flashing is damaged, repairs may be possible, provided the damage is not extensive. Minor damage can typically be addressed through repair, but if the flashing exhibits significant damage or extensive wear and tear, it may signal the need for a new roof.

Mold Growth

When a roofing contractor identifies mold growth on shingles, it could indicate an issue within your home. Mold problems often require removing the old roofing, addressing the mold issue, and installing a new roof. If you observe signs of water damage, conducting a mold inspection is crucial.

Sagging

A sagging roof is a clear indication that a complete replacement is necessary, including the removal of the old roof. Roof sagging suggests that the underlying boards are rotting and could fail if not replaced promptly.

If you decide it’s time for a new roof, you may have several options depending on where you live and what most people in the area use.

Here are the top roofing types.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing option but have the shortest lifespan. They work in all climates and environments and work well with home design.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs mimic the appearance of pricier materials like shake, slate, or tile. They boast impressive lifespans of 50 to 80 years and excel in high-wind, snowy, and rainy regions. Furthermore, metal roofs demand minimal maintenance.

Slate Roofs

Slate roofs surpass even metal roofs in longevity, often lasting up to 100 years. They are also waterproof, making them ideal for wet or humid climates. However, they come at a higher cost and are quite heavy, limiting their suitability to specific home types.

Clay Tiles

While clay tiles are another durable option, they are also more expensive. They can withstand strong winds but are notably heavy, necessitating additional support. Clay tiles are best suited for regions prone to tornadoes or earthquakes.

When selecting roofing materials, it’s essential to take your region’s climate into account year-round. Opting for a roof that can endure the specific weather conditions in your area ensures a longer-lasting and cost-effective solution.

Humid or Cold Weather:

1. • In regions experiencing humid or cold weather, asphalt shingles are an excellent choice. They are commonly used in the Midwest and perform well in various climates. Asphalt shingles remain resilient in humid conditions and, when treated with algaecides, resist deterioration. They also effectively trap heat, helping to keep your home warmer.

Extreme Hot or Cold Weather:

1. • For areas with extreme hot or cold weather, metal roofing is a suitable option. In hot weather, metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler by preventing heat absorption. They are also resistant to moisture and mold.
   • In regions with extreme cold weather or heavy snowfall, metal roofing allows snow and ice to slide off easily, reducing the risk of structural damage or mold growth due to moisture. It’s important to know how to winterize your roof if you live in an extremely cold area.

Non-Humid Areas:

1. • In climates with low humidity, you can consider wood shingles or shakes. However, these materials are not ideal for hot or humid regions as they lack mold resistance and can warp or split when exposed to water pressure. They excel in all other climates, including those with wind, rain, and hail, thanks to their strength.

Hot and Humid Areas:

• • Clay tiles are an excellent choice for hot and humid climates and are often the preferred option in such regions. They have a distinctive appearance that aligns with the local aesthetic. Their significant advantage lies in their ability to resist heat, keeping your home cool without excessive energy consumption.

Whether you’re considering a roof repair or replacement, you need a reputable contractor to handle the job. Here’s what to ask of your contractor.

Personal Questions

First, get to know your contractor and ask questions about his experience, including:

• How long have you been in business?
• Who is the owner, and for how long?
• Do you have a local office?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

The answers to these questions will tell you immediately if the contractor is worth talking to further. If the contractor doesn’t have a local office or just started his business, you may want to look elsewhere. You’ll often find storm chasers who bounce from area to area, taking advantage of people who need immediate roof repair or replacement.

Instead, you want a company that’s local, works in all conditions in your area and knows the area well.

Questions about the Crew

Next, ask a contractor about the crew working on your home. Typically they don’t have their own crew, but hire out. You deserve to know who will be on your roof.

• How do you find the crew that will work on my roof?
• Is the crew licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What type of training does the crew have?
• How do you pay your contractors?
• How do you protect your workers’ safety?

Questions about Past Work

Roofing contractors should be proud of their work and willing to share it. Ask contractors the following questions:

• What local jobs have you done recently?
• Do you have reviews I can read?
• Can I visit your completed homes and/or talk to the customers?

Questions about the Job

If you like the answers to the above questions, it’s time to ask the contractor about your job, specifically including the following:

• How soon could you schedule the job?
• How long will the job take?
• Will you apply for the building permits?
• How will you protect my home?
• Will you haul away the old materials?
• What types of warranties are provided?

When deciding between roof repair or replacement, an important factor to consider is your potential future installation of solar panels.

Solar panels carry substantial weight and place added stress on your roof. Conducting a thorough roof inspection becomes crucial to ensure it can withstand this added load. If you anticipate installing solar panels within the next few years and a roofing contractor assesses that your roof is not in optimal condition, it may be prudent to opt for a replacement now.

This proactive approach serves a dual purpose: it reduces your expenses when you eventually install solar panels and prevents unnecessary spending on roof repairs, especially if the roof would require replacement before solar panel installation.

What goes on a roof first?

Before you can have a roof, you need a frame. If the framing is solid, you may not have to tear it off. Depending on the material and roof condition, your roofing contractor may be able to layer the roof.

What is the cheapest roof to install?

Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material. However, they last the least time and need replacement more often.

What kind of roof lasts the longest?

Concrete or clay tiles last the longest but are only good in certain climates. The best roof for your area is the one that can withstand the temperature and weather conditions without damage or prematurely breaking.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a roof repair or replacement is a big decision! Roofing installation must be done by qualified experts with a history of good work in your area. In addition, you want someone who understands how to inspect a roof, determine if you need a replacement, or if you can repair the damages and still have a solid structure.

If roofing installation is necessary, you want to choose the roofing material that works the best for your area, fits in with other homes around you, and will stand the test of time.