When it comes to your home, taking preventative measures can go a long way. That’s why regular maintenance is always a good idea, especially when it comes to your roof. But, not all home improvement decisions are easy to make. Making good decisions is the key to minimizing the short-term and long-term costs associated with home improvement. This is especially true for large-scale and more complicated jobs like roofing. In fact, the most important decisions should be made before you hire a contractor or choose a shingle manufacturer. The first decision you should make is whether to patch any damaged areas (such as leaks) or to do a partial or complete reroofing. But whichever way you go, there will be a cost to getting it done.
When You Can Replace Damaged or Missing Shingles
Sometimes, all you need to do is replace a few shingles to restore the beauty and function of your roof. Asphalt shingles can last for decades, but there are some modern roofing designs that are meant to last for as long as you own your home. Before you decide to replace your shingles, you should have a professional inspect your roof to find out if any of the underlayment or decking is damaged. There’s a big difference between a few shingles that got blown off from heavy winds and a leak that has gotten through the different layers of your roof. If the damage is extensive, it’s usually a better idea (and even a better value) to do a roof replacement.
Shingles are also exposed to rain, snow, and heat. Even if you have a spare box of shingles left over from when your roof was installed, you might have a hard time matching the “new” shingles to the ones that are already on your roof. Depending on the location and size of the affected area, it might be hard to blend the replacement shingles with the rest of your roof. If the area that needs new shingles is located in a location that isn’t that conspicuous or if it’s relatively small, you might be able to get away with installing some replacement shingles.
When You Can Patch Damaged Areas
Many homeowners wonder if they can patch a damaged or deteriorating area of their roof instead of replacing it entirely. They may even choose to roof over their existing shingles instead of tearing off the old one. This can work, but it poses all of the same issues associated with replacing a few shingles. You should speak to a professional before you’re thinking about patching your roof, because this person will be able to do a thorough inspection to find out if it will extend your roof’s lifespan without causing further damage.
A roofing expert will be able to look at the exterior of your roof and the boards in your attic for any signs of moisture getting through the decking and into your home. On the outside, there may be signs of a more serious problem. This can include curling or buckling shingles as well as the presence of granules (which are the small, pebble-like pieces that coat the outside of the shingle) in your gutters or on the ground. If you notice that your roof is sagging, you should contact a roofing professional as soon as possible because it’s a sign of a more serious problem.
When to Roof Over Your Existing One
While installing a roof over your existing one might seem like a money-saver, it’s kind of like putting a bandage over a broken bone. You might cover up the problem, but the damage is still there. It’s only going to get worse (and more painful) as time goes on. Most local building codes allow homes to have up to two layers of shingles on their roof, so it may be possible. But if you install more than two layers of shingles, you could be putting too much weight on your home’s interior structure.
Another drawback to placing a new layer of shingles on top of an existing roof is the extra labor costs that are associated with ripping everything of and installing new materials. Instead of paying for one tear-off, you’ll have to pay for twice the labor. You can also put yourself in a position where you’re playing “scavenger hunt” in case your roof leaks down the road. Instead of trying to find a leak under a single layer of shingles, you’ll have to find the source of the problem under two layers.
When To Do a Roof Replacement
Determining when it’s time to replace your roof will depend on a number of factors, which you’ll need to take into consideration every time you’re faced with this kind of decision. Do you see signs of a moisture or water damage? Did you just go through a recent disaster? Your roof might be too old and is leaking almost constantly. You might even be thinking about the cost and value of different roofing materials. If you’re thinking about doing a roof replacement, be sure to speak to someone at Bayfront Roofing and Construction. We’re one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi, and we have a team of people that can help you.
If you’re looking for one of the most qualified roofing companies in Corpus Christi, get in touch with us today!
