Roof Repair or Replace – Questions to Ask

Roof repair or replacement will have to happen when leaks begin to occur. Roofing is a big job and can be costly. Not fixing this part of the house can be even more costly, however. When leaks begin to occur, damage will spread throughout the systems of the house unless a remedy is found. Examples of trouble brewing include ruined ceiling tiles and drywall, moldy attics, shorted out electrical systems, and damaged flooring, furnishings and even a possible structural collapse. This is not something to ignore in hopes that it will go away. Instead, this problem must be fixed or it will spread through the house like a virus. Here are some questions to ask yourself when it’s time to fix the roof:

- Can it be repaired? If there is just one area where shingles or flashing has blown off, this might be remedied by a patch job. If the shingles are bent and ancient and the leaking is rampant, it’s probably time to put a new one on.

- Must the old one be torn off? It depends. If there’s only one existing overlay which remains fairly flat, putting another layer on will probably be fine. Most structures are built to sustain the weight of two layers of shingles. If there are already two, then they must be stripped because a third overlay will be too heavy for the support systems.

- What will a replacement job entail? A homeowner must plan for tear off, dump fees, materials and the cost to attach the new shingles. An example of materials to replace it include galvanized edging, packs of 20, 25, or 30 year guaranteed shingles, synthetic underlayment, hammer tack, and coil. If a contractor is going to do the job, a homeowner should be sure that dump fees, materials, delivery costs, tear off and installation are all part of the estimate.

- What are other options for materials? There are other options than just standard shingles. If a house needs a new roof, maybe it’s time to enhance its curb appeal with a different type of product. Examples to choose from include metal, ceramic tile, wood shakes, and composites that look like wood or tile. Metal can be aluminum, steel or copper. These can be great in snowy regions because the ice and snow slide right off. Metal is a good option in heavily forested areas because it won’t burn, should a forest fire break out. Terra cotta ceramic tile will last forever and looks great on Mediterranean or Spanish style architecture. Tiles are quite heavy, though, so the structure must be strong enough to withstand the weight. Wood products look handsome but will need more maintenance than the others. Composites can look like either tile or wood but aren’t as heavy and don’t require as much maintenance.

When leaks occur, a wise homeowner will get motivated to get some advice and estimates. Roof repair or replacement can save the dwelling from further damage and enhance the curb appeal as well. It’s important to ask questions in order to gather enough information to make an informed decision.