Repair Vs. Reroof

When is it time for a new roof?

Water is a destructive force to be reckoned with and your roof is the first line of defense. When it comes to roof repairs, you want to be sure you’re making the right decision to keep your family safe and dry. While it is tempting to delay repairs or re-roofing, it can be far more costly in the long run. For example, water intrusion into your home can leave unsightly stains on your ceiling, damage your sheetrock, or cause serious structural damage.Knowing where to begin with your roof can be a mind-boggling task. Each decision you make about your roof not only affects the value of your home but also the structural integrity of your whole house. Elliott Roofing recommends that you seek the advice of roofing experts before you undertake any roof repair or replacement project.

Can I simply replace damaged shingles?

In some cases, it is possible to simply replace damaged shingles. Modern roofing systems and shingles are designed to last for decades. If you’ve lost a few shingles in a windstorm, it is entirely possible that the only repair you’ll need is replacing the lost shingles.

Before replacing any shingles, it is imperative to have your roof inspected by a trustworthy roofing professional. A professional inspection will reveal any damage to the underlayment and roof decking or water intrusion into your home. Getting an expert opinion is crucial before making any roofing-related decision.

If you have shingles lying around from a previous re-roof, it’s important to note that these shingles may not match the shingles on your roof. Over time, shingles exposed to the elements will start to change color. This means that the shingles you’ve stored in your garage will no longer be the same color as the ones on the roof.

Matching shingles is difficult. If your shingle replacement is on a conspicuous part of your roof, it may make potential homebuyers wary. Not only that, a home with mismatched shingles is aesthetically unappealing. However, if your roof repair is in an inconspicuous place, shingle replacement may be a good option to save you the time, money, and hassle of replacing your entire roof.

Can I patch a damaged section of the roof?

In many cases, it is possible to repair only specific sections of a roof. This can be a good option. However, patching a roof can not only pose the same problems as replacing damaged shingles, but it can cause a few additional ones, as well. It is imperative to speak with a roofing expert before putting a patch on your roof.

A roofing expert will be able to inspect both the exterior decking of your roof as well as your attic to determine if a patch job is viable. A professional is capable of identifying issues that you might miss.

If you can patch a section of your roof it is important to make sure your roofing contractor is installing shingles that match the existing shingles on your roof. Matching shingles is difficult. Weather and time take their toll on shingles. Even if you select the same exact shingle as was originally installed on your roof, it may not match. Mismatched shingles, especially if they make up large sections of your roof, can hamper the sale of your home.

Can I install a new roof on top of an existing roof?

It is tempting, when faced with the cost of a new roof, to try to save money. Replacing a roof is costly and saving money is a huge factor in making decisions; however, we advise that you remove the previous roof before installing another. Some residential codes allow for up to two layers of roofing material on a roof. It is important to check with your city’s building code enforcement agency before planning your roofing project. Installing a new roof over the old will weigh down your roof beyond its capabilities.

Not only does adding layers of shingles add structural strain to your roof, but it can also make tracking down the source of leaks much more difficult. A roofing contractor will have to track down the source of your leak through two layers of shingles rather than one.

Additionally, shingles perform better and last longer affixed to the roof deck, rather than another layer of shingles. This can lead to the need for repairs or replacement sooner than if you had torn off the original roof. In fact, adding a second layer of shingles on top of another does not cost less in the long run. It only defers the cost to the future. When it comes time to replace the second layer, you’ll end up footing the bill for tearing off not one, but two layers of roofing material. This typically means your cost for tear-off more than doubles.

Finally, it is important to note that layering one roof on top of the other often voids the manufacturer’s warranty on your shingles. This could lead to you covering not only the cost of repairs due to manufacturing faults in your shingles but also paying for replacement shingles out of pocket.

When should I replace my roof?

Knowing when to replace your whole roof can be difficult. However, there are several rules of thumb.

If you see signs of water intrusion in your home, this is a major warning sign. Water seeping under your shingles, through your roof deck and into your home can be dangerous, not only to the structural integrity of your home but also to your health.

If your roof was damaged in a natural disaster, it may be time to replace your roof. The added benefit of replacing your roof post-disaster is that this replacement may be covered by your homeowners' insurance policy.

If your roof is over 15 years old and leaking, it’s time to replace it. The average roof is designed to last between 15-20 years. If your roof is older than that and starts to develop problems, it will be less costly in the long run to replace the roof.

When it comes time to replace your roof, consult a residential roofing professional. A roofing expert will be able to guide you through the decision-making process based on their inspection of your roof from both the exterior and interior of your home.

Contact Elliott Roofing for your free estimate

A new roof can enhance the beauty, safety, and value of your home. The team at Elliott Roofing are Oklahoma’s leading experts in residential roofing. If you think your roof may need repair or replacement, call or contact us to schedule your free roofing consultation and estimate.