Roof replacement can be costly, so it’s important to know the distinction between a roof that needs repair and a roof that needs a full replacement. You should also know how to take care of your roof to prevent damage and keep your roof functional for as long as possible. At Perry Roofing, we can help you with all that!
Signs Your Roof Needs Repair
- Your roof isn’t that old, but it’s leaking. If your roof isn’t that old but is experiencing a leak, a repair will likely be your best option. It is not unusual for a poorly experienced installation crew to make mistakes installing critical details. If the material on the main field of the roof is still in good shape, a repair from an experienced technician can extend the life of your roof for years at a fraction of the price of a full replacement.
- A shingle is missing. A missing shingle may not seem like a big deal, but every shingle counts. If you’re missing a shingle or two after a recent storm, have it replaced by a reputable roofing contractor. This can easily be done, and when correctly replaced, your roof will continue to do its job protecting your home.
Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement
When your contractor puts on your roof, they should tell you how long the roofing material will last. Once your roof is nearing the end of its expected service life, start talking to roofing contractors about replacement. It’s likely that your roof will last longer than the time frame given if you’re taking proper care of it, but it never hurts to schedule an inspection. The longer you wait, the more likely your roof will start leaking and do potential damage to the structure and interior of your home.
Another sign that your roof needs replacement: major granule loss. If you have a shingle roof and the granules are starting to fall off, this is a sign that your shingles are beginning to break down and your roof needs to be replaced. Granules help shade your shingles from damaging UV rays. If the granules are starting to fall off, your roof is losing its UV protection, and the asphalt below the granules is likely becoming brittle. This is an easy sign that more problems are on the horizon for your roof, and repairing one issue will not provide a long-term solution.
Ways to Maintain Your Roof
Maintaining your roof can help you avoid repairs or a premature replacement. Here’s what you need to know.
- Inspect your roof periodically. Look for curling or missing shingles, or large deposits of shingle granules in your gutters. Go into your attic, and look for recent water stains. Feel them for moisture. Stand back and look at the ridgeline. Look for sunken areas on your roof, and curling ridge caps.
- Clean your roof periodically. Clear your roof of debris like leaves and branches. If you can’t reach your roof safely, get a pro to do it for you.
- Have it checked by a pro when it starts to get older. Shingle roofs often last about 15-20 years, so if your shingle roof is nearing 20 years old, have it inspected by a professional roofing contractor.
Ready to Repair or Replace Your Roof? Contact a Reputable Roofing Contractor
At Perry Roofing Contractors, we help homeowners with roof repair, replacement, and inspection – and we’ve been doing it since 1976. Call today to make an appointment with an experienced and skilled roofing contractor.