Roofs: Repair or Rebuild?

When a roof shows signs of damage, it can sometimes be difficult to determine whether the most suitable solution is a repair or a replacement. A roofing contractor can help you decide which option is best for your home.

If you are experiencing issues with your home's roof, feel free to contact Arizaga. It is important to consider some details when deciding between a roof replacement project and a repair.

Roof Age

Do you know when your current roof was installed? If not, depending on the type of material used, an expert can estimate approximately when it was done.

If it shows signs of aging and/or has suffered damage from storms, leaks, or other issues, it might be a good idea to consider replacing it. Replacing an old, damaged, or defective roof instead of paying repeatedly for repairs can be worthwhile, whether you plan to stay in your home for several decades or intend to sell it soon.

Leaks

A roof with leaks is one of the most common reasons homeowners need roof repairs or a new one. Finding the source of the leak can often be complicated and tedious, but a certified roofing contractor can undoubtedly assist with the process.

Regardless of the source of the leak, it is important to address the issue of leaks as soon as possible. What starts as a small leak can eventually lead to major problems affecting, for example, mold, structure, and the rotting or destruction of damaged roofs and wet or destroyed insulation.

Extent of Roof Damage

If you are deciding between repair or replacement, your roof has likely deteriorated in appearance or suffered other damage. Working with a trusted contractor can help you better understand the extent of any damage your roof may have so you can make the right decision for your home and budget.

If you need to repair a roof, do not hesitate to contact Arizaga.

Signs of roof damage will differ slightly among various types of materials, but they generally fall into two main categories: aesthetic damage and structural damage.

In aesthetic damage, the roof material looks old and worn, and moss, dark streaks, or algae are growing on or between the roof materials.

In structural damage, the material has curved or cupped edges in asphalt or wood shingles, missing granules and bald spots on asphalt shingles, and cracked or broken wood shingles. Additionally, asphalt, tile, wood, or metal roof components are dented or punctured, even their shingles or metal panels are rusty.

Geographic Location

Do you live in an area susceptible to hailstorms, hurricanes, or tornadoes? If so, it is important to replace missing shingles or other roof materials immediately after a storm to help prevent future problems, such as roof leaks.

Damage caused by hail and falling debris can also affect long-term performance, appearance, and your roof's ability to fulfill its function.

Some types of roof damage can be difficult to detect from the ground, so you'll want to get as close as possible to the roof surface for a thorough inspection. We recommend scheduling an inspection with a professional contractor to safely and thoroughly inspect your roof. If you decide to inspect the roof yourself, follow all relevant safety guidelines.

Replacement Costs

Of course, the cost of getting a new roof is one of the major considerations for homeowners when it comes to a roof replacement versus a repair.

In general, roof repairs will cost less than a complete restoration project; however, if you pay for several repairs over the years, they could eventually exceed the cost of a complete roof replacement.

Your roofing contractor can provide estimates to help you choose between options for what might be the most effective solution to address your problem.

While a complete roof replacement may be more expensive initially, it means you won't have to pay for short-term future repairs, especially if there are multiple problematic areas on your roof surface. Additionally, a new roof can offer you peace of mind, knowing that what you value most under your roof is protected.

When to Repair a Roof?

If you need to repair a small part of your roof or replace only a couple of shingles in an isolated area with minor wind damage, replacing the damaged material can be relatively simple and inexpensive.

Damaged, torn, or missing asphalt shingles, for example, can generally be replaced with new ones quite easily. Other roofing materials may be more complex or expensive to replace individually, such as metal panels.

A downside to this approach is trying to match the roof materials so that the repaired area blends with the rest of the roof. For instance, if you have leftover shingles from a previous roof replacement job, the colors may be similar, but they may not match exactly due to exposure. Another option is to ask your roofing contractor to order shingles that match the existing color as closely as possible.

If the damage to your roof is more significant but limited to one side or specific area, partial replacement may be an option, and it is likely to cost less than a complete roof replacement project.

Again, a downside of a partial roof replacement project is aesthetics. Matching the color of new materials with existing ones can be more challenging. Over time, the material may fade due to exposure to the elements. As a result, the newly repaired part may stand out from the rest of the roof.

Benefits of a New Roof

While generally more expensive upfront, a new roof can save money in the long run by avoiding the accumulated costs of multiple repairs or additional damage.

Additionally, a new roof offers the following advantages:

Aesthetics and curb appeal: Roofs often represent a significant part of the exterior appearance of your home. A new roof not only looks appealing but also gives you the opportunity to choose a new color or tile style.

Increased energy efficiency: Today's roofing materials have greatly improved in terms of insulating the house and reflecting sunlight.

Peace of mind: Knowing that the people and things you value most are protected from adverse elements under your roof helps reduce stress during heavy rains and strong winds.

There are also clear signs that you may need to replace your roof:

The edges of the shingles are curved or the shingle tabs are cupped.

Bald spots where granules are missing.

Cracked shingles.

Your roof is at least 20 years old: While many shingles today are manufactured to last a prolonged time, various factors can accelerate shingle aging. For example, if your roof is not adequately ventilated, it can negatively impact your shingles.

The roof looks old and worn.

Roofs around you are being repaired: Homes built around the same period may experience similar weather conditions, indicating that your roof is approaching its lifespan.

Dark streaks: Algae causes dark streaks on the roof surface. While this doesn't necessarily damage the roof shingles, it may not look good.

Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don't receive much sunlight, especially in cold and humid climates. Moss growth can be more than a cosmetic problem, as moss retains moisture against the roof surface and can over time, in freezing climates, damage the granules on the top of the shingles. Such moss can be removed with brushes, but it won't prevent it from growing back; be careful not to damage the shingle surface. You may need to contact a professional contractor.

Solar Panels

For homeowners interested in adding solar panels to their roof systems, it is recommended to install new solar panels over the complete coverage of shingles. This offers a double layer of protection against adverse elements.

It often makes more sense to install solar panels during a roof replacement or on a new construction.

If you need roof repair in Bilbao, San Sebastián, Vitoria, France, contact us with no commitment.