Is your roof leaking and in need of roof repair or roof replacement? Frightening as it is, you must decide whether it is wiser (and more cost effective) to repair or replace it.
There is no arguing that a brand new roof will give you a greater sense of security than fixing a damaged roof well beyond its serviceable life, however, many unscrupulous roofing contractors use fear-mongering to get Houston homeowners to opt for a replacement over repair on a roof that has a couple of serviceable years left. Start your search for a local Houston roofing contractor who is rated A+ with the BBB.
Roof Leak Repair
A quick review of a few key elements will help you feel more confident whether you just need some roof repairs or a complete teardown.
First, you need to carefully consider different parameters based on whether your suspicion that you need a new roof is based on either a roof leak or just a dirty roof (stains, moss, etc.)
What if it is a roof leak? Do you think it is time for a new roof because of a leak? If yes, you need to clarify a couple of issues regarding that leak. Does the roof leak in a single location or multiple locations?
If your roof leaks in a single location, it does not necessarily prove the need for a new roof. It is possible that only one component of the roof (flashing, vent or a missed-nailed shingle) failed, but the rest of the roofing system is still in great shape. Leakage in multiple locations, however, bodes more ominous results. If multiple locations have loose shingles, rising nails, and flashing fails, the chances of the roof being worn out are much higher.
Does the roof leak in a location that has leaked and been repaired repeatedly? If the roof leaks in a single location that has been repaired multiple times, it could simply mean that the problem has not been adequately addressed by past repair work. Bring in an expert in roof repair in Houston and get the problem fixed for good. One bad spot should not be grounds for a brand new roof! Remember, there are very few leaks that cannot be repaired. The question arises as to whether the roof has enough serviceable life remaining to justify the cost of the repair – same with home siding repair.
What if it is a dirty roof?
If an unsightly roof — think black algae or roof mold — is what gives you the idea that you need a new roof, you need to understand that there is not always a correlation to a dirty roof and its life being over. Some roofs are not capable of withstanding even the most gentle cleaning without sustaining some serious damage. This is particularly true of roofs with moss buildup, as some moss types cannot be properly dislodged without stressing the roof. If the roof is on the borderline to start with, it is best left alone. Save your funds for a new roof instead. That exception being made, most unsightly roofs need nothing but gentle cleaning to look spanking new again. Once more, always be sure that the roof has enough serviceable life left so that your maintenance dollars will not go down the drain.
How to determine the roof’s remaining life?
Houston area homes are known for harsh gulf winds, stormy weather and humidity that can be tough on a roof and can shorten the roof life. If you have a composition roof in your Houston home, you can determine your roof’s remaining serviceable life by taking a closer look at the granules (or lack thereof). If your roof has lost the majority of its granules, you might want to consider replacing it. Granules help to reflect UV rays and safeguard the more sensitive underlying composition layers; without an adequate amount of granule, the roof will soon start to leak. On the other hand, if the roof has enough granules that you cannot see the lower layers of the roofing material, the chances are pretty good that your roof might have more serviceable life remaining. If your roofing shingles are starting to cup or curl upwards, it may be time to replace it… no matter how much granule. Cupping and curling are almost always signs of problems with indoor ventilation that lead to excessive attic temperatures. This is a big issue that you would want to resolve with a roof replacement, as it ends up taking life off a roof that might otherwise have a few more serviceable years left. Are your roofing shingles loose or dislodged? Loose or dislodged shingles are quite often signs of a faulty roof installation and signal a tragic, premature death of your roof. So, even though the roof covering itself has more serviceable life left, multiple loose or dislodged shingles may warrant a brand new roof.
Ask an Houston Roofing & Siding Expert
Most of the calls we receive from Houston homeowners asking about our roof replacement services often end up being roof repairs. Homeowner’s diagnosed issues hardly ever warrant a replacement. That being said, if the age of the roof is factored into the equation (for example, the roof is far beyond its serviceable life), then we see the majority of those roofs requiring replacement. It bears mentioning that some homeowners (understandably) cannot estimate the remaining serviceable age of their roofing system. This is especially true of homeowners who have moved to a new home. In this instance, at least, an expert opinion can be very beneficial. Ask for a free roof repair estimate.
The last word
No matter why you think you need to tear down of your existing roofing system and install a brand new roof, slow down and take a moment. A day or two of analyzing these critical considerations can save you thousands of dollars! Get a few roofing repair estimates (or roof replacement estimates) and choose the best Houston roofing contractor who best serves your roofing needs and roofing budget.
Inspect the roof closely, look at the shingles for curling, chipping and for complete missing shingles. A roof missing just a few shingles probably only needs to be repaired however a roof leaking through may need a more serious repair or complete replacement. Get a professional inspection of your roof by a roofing contractor. Some roofing companies offer free estimates.
Yes. Depending on the size of the hail and age of your roof you may need repair. Even a new roof can be damaged by hail. Hail damage can be spotted as chips or divots in the shingles. Many home insurance companies will cover all or part of the cost to replace your entire roof. Check with your insurance company as they want to protect your home.
It’s a good idea to have a local roofing contractor inspect the roof at 20 years old. Depending on the environment your roof has been in over the last 20 years and a long list of other roofing factors including original roofing material will determine if your roof just needs a rinse off, repair or complete roof replacement.
Clear the roof of leaf build-up and cut back tree limbs. Leaves tend to pile up in the valley of roofs (the “V” areas of a roof) and over time those leaves hold moisture after rain and can actually cause rot in the wood under the shingles causing major roofing repair. Clean your roof of leaves!