The roof of our house protects our loved ones and us from the outside elements. It’s far too easy to take our roofs for granted as they don’t call attention to themselves until we find an unexpected roof leak that’s caused thousands of dollars in damage. This is where roof repair or replacement factors in.
Many homeowners in the Seattle and Tacoma areas will face the difficult decision to replace or repair their roofs. This decision should not be taken lightly and be made on cost alone.
We’re going to give you a few tips to consider when a roofing inspector finds potential trouble spots that could turn into significant issues down the road.
Replacing Shingles
The winters in the Pacific Northwest are snowy, wet, and windy. As the elements bear down upon our roofs, some individual shingles may come loose. If just a couple of shingles were lost during a weather event, they could be easily replaced by you or a roofing contractor. But if more than a few were lost then you’re going to have to choose whether to replace or repair.
The downside to replacing your roof shingles is finding one that matches the same style and color. If your roof is more than a few years old, there’s a chance that the color/style you have isn’t made anymore. So, you’ll either have to settle for a patchwork quilt kind of look or get a partial or full roof replacement.
If the weather damage is significant enough, it might require a complete roof replacement. Each choice has its costs, so it’s best to speak to a professional roofing contractor to get their expert advice.
Age of Roof
You should also take into consideration the age of your roof. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan (anywhere from 15 to 20 years on average) and you have been performing a patchwork replacement of shingles, you could be playing a proverbial game of whack-a-mole as your roof will continue to fail in new areas.
For older roofs, it’s often best to get a total roof replacement. Otherwise, the roof could fail at the most inopportune time (e.g., middle of winter), and this can cause added delays and increased costs due to delays and issues caused by the weather.
A new roof will also add curb appeal. It could significantly increase the value of your house. It may seem like a small thing, but changing the color of your roof tiles can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your house.
Moisture
You should also look at your interior walls for signs of any water damage. Are you noticing peeling paint or brown/moisture stains towards the top? This could be indicative of a roof leak. If the leak is small enough, you might be able to get away with repairing it.
You should also look at your gutters after a recent cold snap or snowstorm. An ice dam can form which can easily cause a roof leak in a matter of a few days. The water will back up under the roof shingles and start to leak through your attic and down to your ceiling.
If you’re finding a lot of moisture damage, you should probably replace it because the costs of the repairs could exceed the cost of a new roof. A roofing contractor can help you come to a decision as well as locate any additional leaks that you were not aware of.
Roof Over or Tear Off?
Once you decide to get a new roof, you’ll have to make another decision. Do you add a layer of shingles over the current layer, or do you have the roofers tear everything off and add an entirely new roof?
If you choose to add a new layer, you’ll most likely wind up saving money as you won’t have to pay for the labor to remove the old roof shingles. This can have negative consequences as adding a new layer of shingles will add additional weight (upwards of two tons!), and that can cause more wear and tear over time.
Extra layers also will limit the lifespan of your new roof. As a new layer is added, excess heat will be trapped, and this can lower the lifespan of the roof. A complete and total re-roof will also allow the roofers to inspect the underlying roof of your house to make sure there’s no additional damage or leaks.
Quality Roofing Experts in Tacoma
Deciding to repair or replace your roof can be a hard decision to make. While fixing a roof can save time and money, it’s the equivalent of putting a finger in a leaky dam. Eventually, other problems will crop up, and roof maintenance becomes a never-ending game of find-and-fix the damage.
If you’re considering a new roof, or you’d like to speak to an Acme Roofing expert who can provide intelligent advice that will help you come to a decision on roof repair or replacement, give us a call at (253) 564-2292.
At ACME Roofing, we have over 22 years of experience helping homeowners in the South Sound with their roof repair and replacement needs. Contact us today to learn more about the various roofing options available to homeowners in the Seattle and Tacoma areas.