When it comes to your home, there’s almost no aspect more important than your roof. A roof provides shelter and protection, which is why homeowners should do their part to maintain it.
However, sometimes, even with proper maintenance, roofs suffer damage.
Remodeling’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report discovered that a new roof will increase the home’s value by $15,427, on average.
While investing on your roof sounds like a good deal, the question then becomes whether to repair, patch, or replace the roof entirely.
If you’re not sure what the best course of action is for your roof, keep reading for some expert tips.
Telltale Signs Your Roof Needs Fixing
First, it’s important to understand the warning signs of roof damage or deterioration. The telltale signs that your roof needs fixing include shingles that are curling at the edges or starting to buckle, water leakage or rot in your attic or other rooms on the upper level of your home, and finding granules (the small pebble-like pieces that coat the outside of your shingles) in your gutters or on the ground beneath your gutters.
Discoloration on shingles, as well as visible sunlight pouring through your attic, are also signs that your roof is in need of repair. Finally, a sagging roof is one of the most serious warning signs and likely means your entire roof needs to be replaced.
Repairing or Patching Your Roof
In the case of minor damage, you may be able to get away with simply repairing a portion of the roof or patching up a few shingles. For example, if a shingle blew off during a period of heavy winds, then replacing it would be relatively easy. However, if the damage is deeper than that and has spread to various layers of the roof, then a patch job won’t be enough.
Unless you have a background as a contractor, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional to inspect your roof to ensure there is no major damage beyond what is obvious to the eye. If you choose to repair or patch your roof yourself, we recommend choosing asphalt shingles, which are extremely durable and are likely to last for decades.
Replacing Your Roof
There are several circumstances in which replacing your entire roof will be necessary. If you notice signs of water damage or moisture inside your home, such as brown spots on the ceiling or mold, then your safest option is to replace your roof. Another circumstance is if your home recently suffered a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado that caused extensive damage. The age of your roof is also relevant. Believe it or not, roofs aren’t meant to last forever. If your roof is 20 years old and is starting to exhibit some telltale signs of wear, age is likely the culprit.
Whether you opt to repair, patch, or replace your roof, or whether you’re not even sure which course of action is best, hiring a professional is the way to go. Contractors who specialize in roof maintenance can quickly assess your roof and recommend a solution. And owing to their expertise, they can ensure your roof is fully functional in no time.
Blog by guest blogger & writer, Bradley Haughton!
If you are interested in being a guest blogger/writer on our blog, please reach out to us at http://www.greenvilledreamteam.com.
