No one looks forward to making roof repairs. However, repairing or replacing a roof is something that homeowners will have to face at one time or another. Houston roofing professionals understand that there are times when repairing a roof is the best option, and there are times when a complete reroofing job must be done. What are factors that homeowners should consider when determining whether they should repair or replace the roof?
First, consider the life expectancy of the existing roofing material. Life expectancy for asphalt shingles is between 15 and 20 years. Natural slate, a material that is often used on churches and historical buildings, can last for 100 years or more. Synthetic slate will last for approximately 50 years. Wood shingles and shakes have a life span of around 20 to 25 years, whereas synthetic wood shingles can last for 50 years or more. Metal roofs have a life expectancy in excess of 50 years. Why does knowing the expected lifespan of roofing materials help homeowners decide whether they should repair or reroof?
An asphalt roof that is 25 years old is past its life expectancy. This means that the homeowner can expect problems with their roof to increase exponentially every year.
A roofing contractor from Houston Restoration Services of Houston would be happy to answer any question you have about remodeling or storm damage.
In this circumstance, repairing a problem in the roof is a temporary fix as it is likely that other problems will appear in short order.
Conversely, a natural slate roof that is only 10 years old is still at the start of its life. Minor problems should be easy to repair and are usually not indicative of a complete roof system failure. There are other factors apart from the age of the roof that should be considered.
If this is the first problem a homeowner is experiencing with their roof, it is likely that a simple repair will fix it. However, if the problem is one in a series of problems that a homeowner has had with a roof, a replacement may be in order. If a homeowner sees a water spot in only one area in their ceiling or if there is a leak only after rain and the leak is limited to an easily identifiable area, it may be a problem that can be repaired. However, if there are water stains on multiple ceiling tiles and in multiple rooms or if the leak appears to be over a large area, then a reroofing job may be in order.
There are many things to consider when deciding whether to reroof or repair. An inspection performed by a qualified roofing professional will provide a homeowner with the confidence they need to make the right long-term decision for their roof.
