Keep Repairing Your Old Roof Or Replace It, What’s Best For You?

shingles-1005212_960_720Very few things in this world aren’t subject to the effects of time. Roofs are no exception. Although many types of roofs can last decades, even a century or more, most last 20 – 30 years on average. Once a roof gets to the end of it’s expected lifetime the question isn’t if your roof needs to be replaced but when.

Leaking roofs can be a strong indicator that a roof needs to be replaced rather than repaired especially on older roofs. It is important to consider the age of a roof when problems occur, so doing a thorough evaluation and understanding that many signs eventually lead to leaks is important.

Many warning signs, if caught early, can mean the difference in repairing or replacing the roof but if your roof is older, you may want to consider the costs of replacement vs the burden of constantly repairing your aging roof especially if you are near or past the original expected lifespan.

Here are some signs to look out for:

Missing, torn, or old shingles

Torn or missing shingles can open your roof up to water damage and rot, as well as allowing shingles nearby to be blown off by winds. Old shingles will curl and split, negating any waterproofing protection. Left alone, it is only a matter of time before the leaks start.

Missing or Rusted Flashing

Flashing is the metal that surrounds the valleys where roof sections meet as well as around chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights. These exist to protect weaker areas from water, if missing or rusted, they aren’t able to protect these areas and roof leaks are imminent.

Decayed or Damaged Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are extremely critical to a healthy roof, while keeping these free of debris, take a look at what’s in them, finding scraps of roofing or paint chips could indicate a problem with the roof.

Indoors, peeling wallpaper, cracked paint or discolored plasterboard can indicate hidden leaks that otherwise may have gone unnoticed. Leaks aren’t always obvious and the earlier they are caught the better, but even if your roof isn’t leaking (yet), it could be time to replace it before the leaks start and the damage grows beyond the roof. The best way to know if it’s time to replace your aging roof is to have it professorially inspected, any reputable roofer will be able to clearly explain your situation and if roof replacement is right for you.

Fortunately, in most cases, roof replacement isn’t the official immediate recommendation but as they say “knowing is half the battle” and knowing what problems you have now and may have in the future can help you plan for the day you will eventually need to replace it.

Atlanta Roofing Specialists offer free estimates on not only repairs but also replacing roofs and can give you the pros and cons of each to help you make the decision that best for you! Call ARS today at 770-419-2222!

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