Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. When properly maintained, a roof can last for many years. But eventually, a roof will get damaged, and it’s something you can’t put off. Repairs can help your roof last, but sometimes, repair won’t be enough and replacement is the only solution.

Warning Signs that Something is Wrong

Sometimes roof damage is obvious, but damage can be subtle as well. It’s important to inspect your roof whenever you’ve had extreme weather. It’s also important to inspect more frequently as your roof starts to age. When inspecting, look both outside and inside. On the outside, you want to look for water spots and discoloration, especially where the roof meets the walls. When you inspect your gutters, look for granules that are clogging the gutters or are at the bottom of downspouts. Granules come from shingles that have been damaged or have been exposed to sunlight for too long. Cracked shingles indicate that they are beginning to break down. Inside your house, look at the attic and top floor. Water damage can start to warp the ceiling and walls. And debris from the outdoors in your attic means that there is a hole somewhere in the roof.

When You Need Roof Repairs

Once you’ve found a warning sign, it’s time to take action immediately. Sometimes the issues can be addressed with roof repairs. A lot of this decision has to do with the age of the roof. If the roof is newer, chances are that damage can be repaired, and may even be covered under a 30-year warranty. If you know how and when the roof was damaged, it can be easy to identify the problem and repair it without issue. Weather damage from storms can often be repaired. Small issues, such as a few missing shingles, can typically be solved by replacing only those shingles, particularly when the damage is only on the exterior surface.

When to Replace the Roof

Roofs do not last forever. You can continue to repair a roof, but a roof between twenty and thirty years old will most likely need replaced. Repairs will not be as efficient and may even stop being possible to address the concerns. Excessive weather damage may also require your roof to be replaced. A contractor can assess whether or not the structural integrity of the roof has been compromised.

Finding a Roof Contractor

Once you’ve identified any damage, small or large, it’s important not to procrastinate, and the vast majority of the time this is a job for professionals. Waiting typically will cause the problems to get bigger and more expensive, and the risk involved in a DIY job isn’t worth it. Finding a roofing contractor who can provide a professional opinion and estimate is the best course of action. Ask for estimates, references, and about all the details of insurance and warranty. Armorvue Home Exteriors has the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right. If your home is in need of a new roof, contact us today for a free estimate.