Being the most crucial element of any building, whether residential or commercial, your roof deserves a lot of attention. From repairing it after minor damage to getting it replaced after irreparable issues, several dynamics are involved in this process. But before you hire a roofing service or decide to DIY the process yourself, you need to know everything about roofs. So, today, we are going to discuss some of the most important things anyone should know regarding roofs while addressing confusion regarding key differences.
2. Roof Repair Vs Shingle Repair: Back To The Basics:
The first thing you need to know about roofs and keeping them in good shape is roof repair, and when you need it. Not every roof-related problem calls for a roofing service for full roof replacement or new roof installation.
The terms roof repair and shingle repair are often used interchangeably, but shingle repair only means fixing the shingles of the roofs made of metal, wood, slate, composite, or asphalt, whereas roof repair includes repairing almost any component of any kind of roof (clay tile, metal roof, shingle roof, or flat roof, etc).
3. Knowing The Right Time For Roof Repair:
Now that you know that roof repair is a broad term, whereas shingle repair is a branch of roof repair services, let’s explore the best times for calling a roofing service for roof repair jobs. Having a basic understanding of these scenarios can save you from costly repairs in the long run.
Here are the top 3 indicators that you can make it work with only roof repair:
a. Cracked shingles:
If a couple of shingles on your roof are either cracked or missing, such an issue does not necessitate the need for new roof installation; instead, you can just hire a roofing service to address those individual sections.
b. Water stains due to leaks:
Any signs of water stains on walls or ceilings are also considered minor issues as they most probably originate from leaks due to cracked flashing, compromised shingles, or nail holes. Catching these problems early on can help prevent major problems like insulation damage due to mildew or mold growth.
c. Damaged vents:
Hiring a roofing service for a new roof installation won’t be needed if only the vents or flashing around your skylights or chimneys are damaged. Such an issue can include vent or flashing damage caused by cracked, rusted, or even loose seals. A full roof replacement will only be needed if this issue is left unaddressed for a long time.
4. When To Hire A Roofing Service For Roof Installation Instead Of Repair:
If you have ruled out all the above scenarios for calling a roofing service for repairs and feel like you’re still at a crossroads and don’t know what your roof needs, then it is probably a case of roof replacement. To better understand this, you’ll need some more details on the right time to get roof replacement done for your home or office.
Here are our top 3 signs you should go hire a roof installation service without wasting any time on repairs:
a. Old roof that does not look good:
Most roofing materials have a fixed lifespan; asphalt shingle roofs (the most common roofing system in the United States) have a lifespan of 20-25 years. If your roof has reached its age or is exceeding it, don’t waste time on patching it up and call a roofing service for a new installation and a fresh look instead.
b. Deteriorated shingles:
Minor shingle damage can be repaired, but if a huge part or multiple regions of your roof are damaged with balding, buckling, cracking, or curling shingles, it means there is major deterioration. Such cases make new roof installation the only reliable and safe option.
c. Frequent repairs:
If you are tired of constantly spending on repairs but the patchwork or shingle repair jobs never seem to end, then it is the right time for roof replacement because this won’t just be the smart move financially, but also help you identify a severe underlying issue that minor repairs couldn’t determine.
5. Conclusion:
Knowing the ins and outs of roof repair and replacement can be crucial not just for your safety but also for your wallet. Constantly spending money on roof repair is a foolish way to empty your wallet. Instead, one should be more aware of the right time for old roof repair or new roof installation. Such basic yet crucial information can save you from endless spending in the long run and can help you make the right roof-related decision for your roof’s functionality and your property’s safety.
6. FAQs:
What is the difference between roof repair and replacement?
Roof repair means fixing localized issues, whereas roof replacement means removing the old roof and installing a new one.
What are the three types of shingles used when roofing?
Luxury, architectural, and 3-tab shingles are the three major categories of asphalt shingles used for roofing.
What is the difference between roof restoration and repair?
While roof restoration helps improve the longevity, appearance, and functionality of the roof, repair jobs only target specific problems.