Your roof is one part of your home that you usually don’t think about until there’s a problem. It’s not easy to maintain since it’s not easily accessible and it is constantly exposed to the elements and wildlife that can damage it greatly. It’s also one of the most expensive repairs your home can require.
When you have an issue with your roof, whether it’s a leak or pest infestation, your best bet is catching it before the damage is too severe for a simple repair. So how do you know whether your damaged roof needs repair or replacement?
Here are some things to look out for to help you decide which course of action to take:
Missing Shingles
Shingles can become detached from your roof due to any of the following:
- High winds
- Premature deterioration
- Severe winter storms
- Hail and ice damage
- Pest infestation
If the missing shingles are localized and few in number, a repair will likely suffice. If more than 30% of your roof’s shingles are missing or damaged, however, replacing the roof is a smarter idea.
Moisture
If you notice paint peeling from your interior walls or see moisture marks and stains indoors, the cause could be a leaking roof. Unfortunately, if you can see the damage, the issue has likely gotten bad enough that your roof will require replacement.
Depending on the layout of your home, small leaks can be difficult to detect. However, if you have a professional inspect your roof every few years, you’ll be able to get ahead of the leak and have it repaired before your home gets more severely damaged.
Age
Knowing when the roof was last replaced before you buy a home is very important if you want to avoid having to replace it soon after moving in.
Although it can be influenced by the factors listed above, the average lifespan of a roof is 15-18 years for asphalt shingles, 30-45 years for metal shingles, 10-16 years for rubber shingles, and 35-50 years for concrete tile.
Since it’s difficult to physically care for your roof in order to extend its life, having a professional inspect it every couple of years – especially when it gets close to it’s expected average lifespan – is essential.
Looking for Roof Repair in Westminster, MD? We can Help!
Platinum Exteriors is a Westminster, MD roof repair company serving homeowners throughout Carroll, Frederick, Baltimore and surrounding counties. We have over 15 years of experience in solving underlying roofing problems and making repairs that help extend the life of our customers’ roofs. Contact us to set up your free estimate for roof inspection or repair today!
