Roof Replacement

 

Age of Roof

 

Do you know when your current roof was installed?  Depending on the type of roofing material used, its age may be a good indication of when to replace a roof.  If your roof is showing signs of aging and/or has suffered storm damage, leaks, or other problems, it may be a good idea to consider replacing it.  Replacing an older, damaged, or failing roof, rather than repeatedly paying for roof repairs, can be worth the investment whether you intend to stay in your home for several decades or plan to sell soon. 

 

Roof Leaks

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A leaky roof is one of the most common reasons homeowners need roof repairs or reroofing. If you have seen water stains inside your home that run across ceilings or run down your walls, the cause could be a leaky roof. Finding the source of the roof leak can often be tricky, but a certified roofing contractor can help with the process.

Regardless of the source of your leak, it is important to solve a leaky roof problem sooner rather than later — something that begins as a small leak can eventually lead to bigger problems, such as:

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• Mold

• Rotting framing and roof sheathing

• Damaged ceilings, and

• Wet or destroyed insulation

 

The Extent of Roof Damage

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If you are deciding between a roof repair or roof replacement, then it is likely your roof has either deteriorated in appearance and/or has suffered other physical damage.

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Working with a trusted roofing contractor can help you better understand the extent of any roof damage you may have so you can make the right decision for your home and budget.

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Signs of roof damage will differ slightly between various types of roofing material but generally fall into two main categories: Aesthetic and Structural Damage

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     Aesthetic damage

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• Roofing material looks old and worn

• Moss, dark streaks or algae is growing on or in between the roofing materials

 

     Structural damage

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• Curled or cupped edges on asphalt or wood shingles

• Missing granules and bald spots on asphalt shingles

• Cracked or broken asphalt, tile, or wood shingles

• Dented or perforated asphalt, tile, wood, or metal roofing components

• Rusted metal shingles or panels

 

Geographical Area

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Do you live in a region of the country that is susceptible to hailstorms, hurricanes, or tornadoes? 

 

Roof Replacement Cost

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Of course, the cost of getting a new roof is one of the biggest considerations for homeowners when it comes to a reroof vs. repair.

In general, roofing repairs are going to cost less than a complete reroof project; however, if you are paying for a slew of repairs over the course of a few years, they might eventually exceed the cost of an entire roof replacement.

Your roofing contractor can provide estimates to help you weigh the options of what might be the most budget-conscious solution without putting your home at risk from a failing roof.

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Roof Repair                                            

         

Minor Damage

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If you need to repair a small portion of your roof or replace a couple of shingles in an isolated area with minor wind damage, then replacing damaged material in that section can be simple and inexpensive. Damaged, torn, or missing asphalt shingles, for example, can usually be replaced with new ones easily. Other roofing materials may be more complex or expensive to replace individually, such as metal panels.

 

One downside to this approach is in trying to match roofing materials so that the repaired area blends in with the rest of the roof. For example, if you have spare shingles leftover from a previous reroofing job, the colors may be close but may not match exactly due to exposure. Another option is to ask your roofing contractor to order shingles that correspond to the existing color as much as possible.

 

Moderate Damage

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If the damage to your roof is more significant but confined to one side or area of your roof, partial reroofing may be an option, and it’s likely to cost less than a complete reroofing project.

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Again, one downside to a partial reroofing project is aesthetics. It may be harder to match the color of the new roofing materials with the existing ones. Over time, roofing material can fade due to exposure to the elements. As a result, the newly reroofed portion may stand out from the rest of the roof.

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Benefits of a New Roof

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While generally more expensive upfront, a new roof

may save money in the long run by avoiding the

added-up costs of multiple repairs or additional

damage.

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Additionally, a new roof offers the following perks:

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• Aesthetics and curb appeal: Roofs typically make up a large portion of your home’s outward appearance. Not only does a new roof look attractive, but it also gives you the opportunity to choose a new color or style of shingle, such as Owens Corning Duration® Series Shingles.

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• Increased energy efficiency: Today’s roofing materials have improved greatly regarding to keeping out the elements and reflecting sunlight.

 

• Peace of mind: Knowing that the people and things you value most are protected from the elements while under your roof helps lessen stress during heavy rains and high winds.

 

If you are weighing your options between a roof repair and a reroof, browse our contractor locator tool to get in touch with an independent roofing contractor in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network near you.

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WCM Construction & Roofing is a Preferred Owens Corning Contractor.      Contact Us Today For A Free Roofing Estimate!