A common mistake that we see here in Southfield, Michigan, is homeowners who call us in for a roof repair when they need a roof replacement and vice versa. It can be hard to tell when a roof just needs a fix and when it requires tearing down and rebuilding. Here are some ways to tell the difference.
Age
Your roof’s age is a big factor in whether or not you can repair or replace it. Usually a good rule is that if your roof is 15 years old or less that it’s cheaper to repair. If your roof is older than that then it can be time to replace it.
Damaged Shingles
Shingles can be replaced if less than 30% need to be repaired. Any more than that and it’s usually cheaper to redo the entire roof.
Water Stains and Leaks
If you notice isolated stains and leaks, it’s usually a problem with the flashing that can be repaired. However, if they’re all over it’s a sign of a bad roof and replacement is the best option.
Moss and Mold
If only a few shingles are greatly affect by growth then a repair will fix it, and sometimes just cleaning and adding zinc strips can help. However, if there’s a significant growth over a large area of the roof, moisture is getting in and it’s best and most cost-effective to replace the roof.
Holes
Anytime you notice holes in a roof, it’s a pretty good indicator that the roof needs to be replaced. Of course, if your roof has multiple problems like moss, damaged shingles, missing shingles, water leaks, than it is almost always going to be cheaper to completely replace the roof than to repair it. If after reading this, you’re still unsure if you need a new roof, give us a call at Martino Home Improvements and we’d be happy to send someone out to inspect your roof.
If you are in near Southfield, Oakland County or the surrounding area, call Martino Home Improvements. We will send one of our roofers out to your home to inspect it for any damage and give you a free estimate.
