Have you found shingles laying in your yard? How about the number one sign of roof failure such as leaks or water spots on your ceiling?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone. Having been in the roofing and construction industry for more than 45 years, I’ve been asked many times what the solutions to these problems are.
The solutions can vary but most of the time your roof can be repaired. But then there also comes a time when replacing your roof is the only option.
The question is, how do you know which one is right for you? Luckily, we've got you covered.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the residents of Nashville with roof repair and replacement services since 1990. We strive to give you an experience rare in the roofing industry with honesty and a strong history of high-quality workmanship. When you work with us, you'll never worry about your roof again.
So, do you need roof repairs or a full roof replacement? Always eager to help you find the right option for you and your roof, I'm going to answer that question and you'll even have the opportunity to take our free quiz at the end of the article to help you even further.
What to Consider When Deciding to Repair or Replace Your Roof
Before determining if you need a roof replacement or repairs, there are some things you need to consider. Knowing how old your roof is, how long you plan on staying in your home, and more give you an idea if it's time to replace your roof.
How old is my roof?
For asphalt shingles, there are a lot of variables to consider when deciding to repair or replace your roof and the age of your roof is one of the most important ones. If you are unsure how old your roof is, a localroofing contractor can tell you how much life you have left on it.
The lower end three-tab shingles will last between 15 and 20 years. The higher quality, much heavier architectural shingles can last up to 40 years and resist wind speeds of 130 MPH.
Some signs of an old roof are:
- Shingles curling or buckling
- Shingles are bald
- Shingles are missing
- Roof sagging
- Moss covering your roof
- Blistering shingles
- Granules in the gutter
Make sure to have multiple roofing companies come out to talk with you. I’ve been to many homes where the homeowners have been told that their roofs needed to be replaced when they didn’t. There are those that will sell you a roof whether you need it or not, regardless of the condition or the age of your roof.
How long do I plan on staying in my home?
If you’re not in your forever home but plan on being there for a while, it may not make sense to replace your roof. However, when it’s time to sell your home, you could find it hard to sell depending on the life and condition of your roof.
If your plan is to stay in your home and your roof has already had several repairs, or it’s anywhere between 15 and 20 years old, have your roofer out to inspect it. Find out if there is anything that needs attention. If everything looks fine, I would highly suggest that you get on a regular maintenance plan where an expert gets up on your roof to check things out at least once a year, if not twice. This will ensure that you get the full life out of your roof.
If it is your plan to sell your home sometime in the future and your roof is showing signs of damage or looks bad, you’ll have a hard time selling it. If this is the case, then installing a new roof may be your best option. Once you put it on the market, the curb appeal of the new roof will help sell your house. Upon selling, you’ll get a return of 68% of the replacement cost.
What does my roof replacement budget look like?
For some, a roof replacement just isn’t possible because it’s not in their budget. If it’s not within your budget, your roofer should be able to work with you and limp you along with some repairs until you are ready.
Should I Have My Roof Repaired?
Repairing your roof is going to be the most cost-effective way to take care of the problems you are having. These repairs can extend the life of an older roof and get you through until it’s time to tear off your old one and replace it with a new one.
You will want to consider repairing your roof if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Leaks around the Pipe Boot
- Leaks Around the Chimney
- Missing shingles
- Air Gun Nailing Mistakes
- Nail pops
- Fascia Replacement
- Punctures and Holes
- Cracking and Blistering
- Poor Installation
- Tree Damage
- Weather Damage
- Granule Loss
- Splitting
- Shrinkage
- Poor Maintenance
- Ventilation Problems
To learn how much the common roof leaks cost to repair, check out this article on how much roof repairs cost.
