Your roof is one of your home’s most critical components. As such, you want to be sure that you make the right decisions so that your roof can keep protecting you and your home’s interior. However, it is not always easy to determine the best action to take. The following tips can help you arrive at the right decision for your particular situation.
Repair or Replace?
If you have a few shingles that have been damaged by hail or that have blown off, they can probably be replaced easily. Keep in mind, however, that the replacement shingles will likely be a slightly different color than the rest of the shingles. If you are planning to sell your home soon, the obvious patch job could detract from your home’s curb appeal or lead potential buyers to question why the patch was needed.
Repairing a roof is not always an option, however. Typically, you will need to replace your roof if the shingles are curling, the roof is sagging or the shingles have lost their granules. It may be possible to repair your roof if you have just one or two minor leaks, but if you have multiple leaks throughout your home, you will probably want to replace your roof.
Remove Existing Shingles or Roof Over Them?
If your home already has two layers of shingles, local building codes will typically require that you remove them before installing a new roof. If there is only one layer of shingles, you will have to decide whether to remove the existing shingles or have new shingles applied over them. Roofing over existing shingles allows you to defer the additional costs associated with the removal and disposal of your old shingles until the next time you need a new roof.
However, even if you are not required to tear off your existing shingles, there are several excellent reasons to do so. Removing the shingles gives your roofer an opportunity to inspect the decking and make any necessary repairs. In addition, your new shingles will have cleaner lines, be more securely attached and look better. Furthermore, some manufacturers specify that certain shingles cannot be applied over an existing roof; doing so could void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Partial or Full Replacement?
One question that roofing contractors are often asked is whether to replace the entire roof if only one plane is damaged. For example, it is possible that the shingles have been damaged on the back of the house but not the front. Contractors can perform a partial replacement, but whether this is a good idea depends on your specific situation. If your shingles are already nearing the end of their projected life, you will probably save a substantial amount of money by having the entire roof replaced at one time rather than having each plane replaced separately. On the other hand, if your roof is relatively new, you might want to consider a partial replacement.
Consult a Reputable Roofing Contractor for Assistance
Alpha Roofing has been serving customers in the greater Austin area for more than three decades. We are committed to giving all of our customers the best results at the best price. We offer an extensive range of services, including roof repairs and replacements, chimney repairs and metal roofing systems. If you would like to request a free quote, submit our convenient online form or call (512) 777-1086.