New Roof or Roof Repair??

Uh oh. You see a damp/wet spot on your ceiling. This means water is probably getting through the roof.

So what should you do?

Depending on the roof system, a roof can last thirty years or more, but your roof can be damaged or fail prematurely due to falling debris, wind, hail or ice. Structural issues with roof vents, flashing and the chimney can also damage the roofing system.

No matter the cause, when there is damage to your roof you need to know whether you need a new roof or if you can get by with a roof repair.

Here are some factors to take into consideration:

What type and degree of damage does your roof have?

If you have a missing shingle due to wind damage or falling debris, a replacement shingle is typically all you need. However, if numerous shingles are missing, if the shingles are curling or buckling, or if the shingle granules are lost (an indication of deterioration), it’s time to plan for a new roof.

What is the age of your roof?

If your roof is less than twenty years old, it makes sense to see if damage can be repaired, since you could otherwise expect another ten to twenty years of service. However, if you’re having significant problems and your roof is near the end of its “use by” date, it may be wise to invest in a new one.

What are your budgetary and long-term needs?

Smaller repairs tend to be less expensive. If a simple replacement or patch can solve the problem, that’s great, but a “fix it and forget it” approach might not work well if you want a new roof that you won’t need to worry about for years to come.

More information:

Sometimes a patch or small repair may not be able to solve your roofing problem, but that doesn't always mean you have to purchase a whole new roof. If the damage is confined to one area of the roof, you might opt for a partial reroofing. However, on a per square basis, a partial reroofing can be more expensive than a complete reroofing. In addition, a new partial roof may not blend seamlessly with the original sections of the roof.

Real Roof Contracting knows that making the right decision about your roof is important—and it can be complicated. We specialize in roof repairs, roof replacement and new roof construction. Contact us for more information about how to solve any and all roofing issues.