The Scoop on Maintaining, Reroofing and Replacing Your Roof

By Cass Jacoby. 

Understand the significance of having your roof maintained and repaired.  

To reroof or not to reroof, that is the question. It makes sense that roof maintenance is important, the roof is easily the largest part of the structure and is the number one thing that protects us from the elements. But aside from common sense assumptions that you should maintain and repair your rooftop, why is it crucial? Especially considering the cost of repairing and reroofing, understanding why it is necessary to perform roof maintenance and repair can make the decision to reroof much easier.   

Why perform maintenance? 

The number one cause of roof problems comes from a poorly maintained roof. Your roof, as one of the most vulnerable parts of your home, needs regular inspection, maintenance and repair. The lifespan of a roof can be shortened dramatically if neglected, but with proper maintenance, your roof can last an average of 15 to 30 years. 

Below are a few reasons to have regularly get maintenance performed on your roof: 

• Avoid major damages. Roof maintenance can mean the difference between a repair and a replacement. Catching a problem early on will guarantee minimizing future or unexpected costs. Unless you are a roofer, you usually won’t realize there is roof damage until it begins to leak, and by then the problem is probably larger that in appears. Roof Revivers suggests getting your roof inspected at least once every few years. 

• You want your warranty to remain active. Just because your roof came with a warranty doesn’t mean that it will be repaired or replaced with no questions asked. Like other legal documents, every warranty will have exceptions, which also means that they have limited value. Many roofing companies and roofing material manufacturers require that you get a professional inspection every few years, or after a major weather event, for their warranty to remain active. If you’re unable to show proof that your roof has been maintained, you may run into problems when you try to make a claim on your warranty. 

• Peace of mind. Nothing can beat the peace of mind that comes with knowing your roof is in good shape. Preventative maintenance is the most proactive way to be in control of the condition of your roof and prevent problems in the future.  

• It makes reroofing easier in the long run. Thinking ahead, you will eventually have to get your roof repaired. Frequent roof maintenance makes reroofing easier for the roofing company, allowing them to complete the job quicker. Maintaining your roof means that major elements of the roof like the existing insulating and wood carpentry won’t have to be replaced during a reroofing, making the final cost much cheaper and the repair much quicker.  

Why reroof? 

Re-roofing is the quickest and least costly way to restore your roof’s appearance. During re-roofing, a new shingle overlay is placed over your worn shingles to restore the look of your roof as well as provide a protective layer to help prevent leaks from getting inside your home. 

Advanced Roofing says you can do a reroof provided you have just one layer of shingles on your roof. Otherwise, roofs that already have two layers of shingles installed are prohibited by building codes from installing a third layer, in which case you will need a full roof replacement.  

Reroofing may not last as long as simply replacing the roof, and because you aren’t lifting the shingles, there is no way to tell the damage underneath so major issues won’t be fixed.  

Why replace your roof? 

While a roof replacement is more costly, it lasts longer than reroofing and will address all issues for a safe and sturdier roof. In the long run, you will save more money because you won’t have to continually address repairs and completely replacing the roof lasts longer than re-roofing. Influencive claims that roof replacement becomes crucial in case of damage and leakage. Leakage can cause havoc and cost a pretty penny if left unattended.   

Here are a few major reasons to replace your roof: 

• Signs of moisture or water damage. If you see signs of moisture inside your home, including brown spots on the ceiling, peeling paint or mold, you should opt to replace your entire roof rather than attempt a patch or repair. 

• A recent disaster. If your neighborhood was recently hit with a hurricane, tornado, or an especially violent storm, the damage may be extensive enough to require a total roof replacement. 

• Age. If your roof is only five years old and leaking it is probably related to the quality of the installation or a defect in materials rather than normal wear or tear. On the other hand, a 20-year-old roof with problem areas is close to the end of its lifespan and should be replaced. 

Conclusion 

Whether you choose to maintain, reroof, or replace your roof, it is a good idea to get your roof inspected by a professional and get an expert opinion. Your roof is the number one thing that protects you, so you will never regret showing it some love and making sure it is working to its best ability. 

Have a question? AskARoofer. 

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About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop® and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is writing about movies for her master's degree and dancing with her plants.