Storms and inclement weather can cause substantial damage to your roof and home. It’s important to schedule a professional roof inspection once a year and after storms come through. Catching issues quickly allows you to act quickly. How do you know when to replace your roof or schedule repairs? There are pros and cons to both options.
The Need for Roof Replacement
If damage is extensive, you will likely need to schedule a full roof replacement. Encountering this scenario is more likely if you have a very old roof that was already showing signs of damage.
If a large section of shingles is missing or has damage, it may be time to replace your roof entirely. Large sections of missing shingles can allow moisture to get underneath the roof deck. This compromises the structural integrity and safety of your home. Look for signs of leaks inside your home. This includes water stains on ceilings or condensation in your attic.
Structural damage is also a sign that roof replacement is a good idea. Spots that are sagging or soft result in a weak roof deck. Professionals will need full access to the roof’s surface to make repairs and restore structural integrity. Then, installation of new shingles can take place. If there is substantial damage to your roof underlayment, temporary repairs or patching won’t be sufficient.
Strong winds during a storm can shift the peak of your roof. While this is an extreme scenario, it requires extensive repairs and roof replacement.
Opting for Repairs
Not all roof damage requires full replacement. There are many situations where repairs will suffice. If you have an older roof and plan on replacing it soon, temporary repairs can buy you some time. This is especially true if you don’t see any signs of water damage inside your home. Cosmetic fixes are usually enough if moisture isn’t causing destruction.
If you’re missing a few shingles or some shingles show signs of damage, repair may be the better option. This is also far more affordable than a roof replacement.
There may be damage to your flashing and gutters after a storm. Unless water has been diverting from your roof and into your home for a long period of time, repairs should suffice. However, roof performance may be a concern and indicate invasive issues that require replacement.
Be sure to schedule a professional inspection of your roof after a storm. It’s common to miss damage if you’re inspecting from ground level. Contact us at Forte Roofing in Syracuse, NY to learn more about our roof replacement services.