How To Know When It’s Better To Repair Or Replace A Roof
by: vicque fassinger
Unless the visitors to your home start asking, “Hey, when did you get the skylight installed?” it’s not always easy to know if your home needs a brand new roof, or if the roof simply needs to be repaired. Although a properly-installed, quality roof will last for years and add value to your home’s curb appeal, eventually Michigan’s winter blizzards, spring hail storms, summer sun, and fall windstorms will cause a lot of wear-and-tear to your roof. When the integrity of your roof gets compromised, you’ll need to assess what needs to be done.
Recognizing the common signs of roof damage early on — and taking action immediately – will save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Sure, you can easily get used to emptying the bucket where you noticed a slow drip from the ceiling, but unless you are planning to eventually turn that interior space into a built-in swimming pool, you’ll want to have your roof repaired or replaced.
When Your Roof (Probably) Just Needs to Be Repaired
If you see these signs, chances are your roof just needs to be repaired:
- missing shingles after a huge storm
- discoloration of shingles
- water spots on the roof
- cracked or curling shingles
- warped shingles
(If you’re wanting a more comprehensive look at your roof – from your roof, call your local professional roofing service; do not attempt to walk around the roof on your own).
When Your Roof (Probably) Needs to Be Replaced
If you can’t remember when your home’s roof was last replaced, or you notice any of these signs, it’s probably time for a new roof:
- distorted transition line (the area where the roof meets the exterior walls of your home)
- little granules from your shingles clogging the gutters or washing out through the downspouts
- interior water damage that is warping the ceiling and walls of the rooms below your roof
- drops or puddles of water in the middle of a room (These are often easier to spot on hardwood floors than in carpeted rooms; if you suspect there may be a leak, simply walk barefoot or in your stocking feet in the carpeted rooms.)
- there’s debris from outside, inside your home
Whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, call a trained professional to take a look – you can start by showing them the new skylight that you didn’t order!
