To Repair or to Replace your Columbus Roofing System…That is the Question
Whether you have a slate, tile, wood, metal, asphalt, or any other kind of Columbus roofing system, it is vital to evaluate the situation to determine whether to replace or repair it once damage has occurred. Learn the characteristics of a variety of roofing materials as well as how to spot signs of damage.
In the 1600s,
Shakespeare wrote the play Hamlet in which he famously penned the line “To be, or not to be; that is the question.” Well, despite some of his other troubles, Hamlet at least had the good fortune of living in an extravagant castle, and it is safe to say he wasn’t concerned with roofing! Today, the modern homeowner is greatly concerned with their Columbus roofing system, and if it gets damaged, they may find themselves pondering “To repair, or to replace; that is the question.”
To begin, you should learn to spot any signs of damage on your Columbus roofing system, so you can catch the problem early and correct it before it worsens. One common sign of damage is water leakage in the attic or ceilings. This can be caused by missing or cracked shingles and/or by irregular flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents on your roof. Another sign of potential damage to your Columbus roofing system is a drastic change in heating or cooling bills, which could be a sign of poor ventilation in your roof. If you do locate damage in your roof, it is time to decide whether you want to repair or replace it.
The major element to keep in mind if you are deciding whether to repair or replace your Columbus roofing system, is the kind of roofing material in which you have. Each material has unique characteristics and life expectancies, which will play an important factor in determining the most cost-effective option for your Columbus roofing system. For instance, it is almost always a better financial decision to choose repair over replacement for slate and tile roofs. The only exception is if the roof is more than 70 years old, in which case it may be time to replace it.
On the other hand, when dealing with a wooden Columbus roofing system that is badly damaged, it is usually smarter to replace it (possibility with a longer lasting material) because wood has a low life expectancy and high maintenance needs. If you do decide to replace your wood Columbus roofing system, consider investing in a metal roof, which has a very lengthy life expectancy and hardly ever requires repairs. If it does need repairs, odds are that it is decades old and has served its job, in which case it should be replaced.
While the aforementioned materials seem like black and white decisions, an asphalt roofing system is a bit trickier when deciding whether to repair or replace. Asphalt roofs are so inexpensive that you can replace them several times, and it would still cost less than installing another material just once. However, asphalt roofing can also be routinely repaired and patched up and still do its job well. Therefore, the decision to repair or replace an asphalt roof is really a toss-up. If you are unsure of what to do, you can always contact a Columbus roofing inspector for expert advice.
In summary, whether you have a slate, tile, wood, metal, asphalt, or any other kind of Columbus roofing system, it is vital to evaluate its individual qualities to determine whether to replace or repair it once damage has occurred.