When your roof needs work done, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to do. Roof replacement is much more expensive, but also more of a long-term investment. That being said, you don’t want to replace it if you don’t need to. Let’s go over some of the questions you can ask yourself and your contractor to determine what the best option is.
How old is the roof?
If the roof is 5-10 years old, repairing the work done when the roof was installed is a great option. Your previous contractor may have cut corners, but you can fix those mistakes without a full roof replacement.
If the roof is 15 years old or older, it’s time to replace. Repairing a portion of a roof this old is pointless. Doing so will nearly guarantee another part of the roof will need to be repaired a year or so down the road.
If it has a leak, where is the leak at?
If your roof is leaking around a chimney or skylight, you may be able to just repair the flashing in that area before it becomes a more significant issue. This can be a much cheaper and quicker fix than the alternative.
The alternative is a leak not near a chimney or skylight. This is a sign of a wider spread issue throughout the roof, and the only way to ensure the entire issue is fixed is to strip and replace the roof.
How does it look?
The appearance of the roof can tell you a lot about what’s wrong with it. If you see irregularities in the spacing, texture, or flatness of the shingles, it’s a sign that the sheathing has begun lifting. This leads to high moisture levels, and plywood underneath will start to buckle over time.
If the roof is curling or buckling, this is a sign that moisture has compromised the sheathing and underlayment.
If there are shingles missing, it could also be from moisture, or it could be from improper installment. For all of these issues, a full roof replacement is usually the way to go. If you’re unsure of the depth of the problem with your roof, get a pressure-free consultation from Hatch Homes to learn more about pricing and options for repairs.
At Hatch Homes, our goal is to give you the best value for a fair price. This means that if your roof needs replaced rather than repaired, we’ll be sure to let you know, so you don’t find yourself with another repair next year. If it’s a simple fix that can just be repaired, we’ll figure out the best option to fix the problem without a full replacement. Let our professionals take the stress off of you; we’re your local Charlotte NC roofing experts, happy to help.