Roofing problems need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and instability to your home. Two of the options available from your typical Cincinnati roofing company are roof repair and roof replacement. Deciding between these two services can become confusing when seeking the best cost-effective solution. By learning to assess the roof issues, you will understand which type of roof solutions will fix the problems without overspending your budget.
Your Roof Needs Repair When:
Minor Aesthetic Damage
Aesthetic damage applies to any issue that is surface level and does not endanger the function of the roofing system. It could refer to faded tiles, scratches, a single missing shingle, missing or eroded sealant, missing flashing, and other problems that can be fixed quickly without removing large sections of the roof.
Signs of Water Leaking
If water is leaking at a specific location and is easily caused due to accidental damage or degradation, then a Cincinnati roofing contractor can usually fix the issue without having to replace the entire roof. They may have to seal up pipes and vents or replace a small section of shingles.
Poor Roof Installation
Poor installation can cause the roofing materials to degrade at a faster rate as well as allow roof leaks to form and enter the home. These problems may be due to worker inexperience, a rush job, or defective materials. Repairing the installation problems is usually the ideal option, yet it is advisable to get the entire roof inspected to determine how many installation issues are
present.
Ventilation Problems
Ventilation problems may consist of having a hot attic temperature during the summer or seeing condensation form along the roof deck in the attic. A contractor can add more ventilation to the attic without making any drastic changes to your roof.
Your Roof Needs Replacement When:
Long Period of Usage
Depending on the materials, a roof has a typical lifespan of roughly 15 years to 40 years. If the roofing materials are nearing the end of their product life, it is a good option to simply replace the entire roof at once instead of fixing smaller issues repeatedly.
Visual Cues of Degeneration
The sun’s ultraviolet light and damaging storms can cause roofing materials to degrade and age. Some signs of this degeneration include algae growth, shingle granule loss, curling shingles, blistering, or shrinking shingles. When degradation sets in, it can spread to other aspects of your home.
Number of Missing Shingles
While one or two missing shingles would only require you to get them reinstalled, having a large number of shingles coming off the roof could indicate an underlying issue. Replacing the roof ensures that the underlying issue is resolved.
Structural Problems
Structural problems can cause devastating safety issues. A structural problem could consist of rot along the beams of roof deck that is causing the part of the roof to sag. Contacting a roofing contractor immediately can allow them to replace the roof and prevent further structural issues.
Determining the extent of damage allows you to figure out whether to repair or replace the roof. Keep in mind that some problems may not be immediately visible, and small visual problems could be a sign of larger issues that require more extensive work. If you are having roofing problems, contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
