Roof Replacement for Residences: Is Your Home Ready for a New Roof?
Let’s face it, if you own a home you will probably need to replace the roof at some point. As you are probably aware, this is one of the highest expenses a home owner can incur, but one of the most necessary tasks.
When you are considering the roof replacement cost, you will want to take into account several things. This means that you could replace its roof several times in your lifetime. Roof replacement is something that few homeowners budget for, which explains why they hope to repair a bad roof system instead of replacing it.A repair is usually less expensive than a replacement, but the cost of repairing an old system can soon exceed the cost of getting a new one. If you cannot decide whether to have a residential roofing company repair or replace your roof, below are signs that a replacement is the best idea.
Sagging Deck
The deck is the insulating layer between the shingles and the plywood that is nailed to the joists. As shingles deteriorate, water seeps in and saturates the deck, causing it to bow inward. This eventually creates a bulge in the ceiling. When the deck is so saturated that it bulges inward, it is only a matter of time before it ruptures, and water drains inside your home.
Internal Water Damage
Over time, most homes experience incidental roof leaks that create brown spots on ceilings, but if the damage is persistent and severe, a roof replacement may cost less than constantly repairing the same problem. Leaking water can drain behind walls and under floors, literally ruining the entire house. If you see water spots on the ceiling, bear in mind that the water might be leaking somewhere else, too.
Mold Infestation
Mold infestation is a common result of a leaky roof, especially when the leak saturates the decking and makes its way to the drywall. Mold that results from leaks is more than unsightly; it is also a health hazard, one that will make a home difficult to sell until a residential roofing company fixes the problem.
Damaged Shingles
Shingles have several stages of deterioration. In the first stage, they start shedding granules, which can clog gutters. In the final stage, they begin to curl and buckle. Shingles that shed granules are still capable of keeping water out. When they start to curl and buckle, however, it is only a matter of time before leaks start appearing.
Standing Water
Regardless of the contours they contain, roofs should be sloped in a manner that allows water to run off instead of standing in pools. Unless a clogged drain causes the problem, standing water is usually the result of a poor installation job. If the problem is not fixed, it may cause the shingles to wear unevenly, and create leaks in the areas where the water stands.
Conclusion
To replace or repair? For many homeowners, that is the question when it comes to their roof. If your roof experiences one or more of the problems above, there is a good chance that a roof replacement is an answer. To be true you make the right decision, have a residential roofing company perform an inspection.