Repairing or replacing your roof is a very common question and there is not always an automatic answer. We all want to save money, but sometimes spending a little more money now can save you a lot of money in the future. Keeping a building continually protected means maintaining the roof and regularly inspecting it to ensure its structural integrity. Asphalt shingle roofs, the most common type of roofing material, last about 15 to 20 years and sometimes longer before they need to be replaced. Some metal and tile systems can weather upwards of 30 years. Of course roofing life depends on how harsh the conditions are where the building is located – extreme heat and repeated high humidity, such as is common in southeastern Florida, can age a building quickly. But whatever the weather conditions, eventually, every roof will need to be replaced. This need often leaves building owners wondering, “How do I know if it’s time to repair or replace?”
CONSIDER ROOF REPAIR
A damaged roof does not always need to be replaced; In some instances, repair can be an option for minor problems, in a roof that is in otherwise good condition and is not very old. For example, if a storm knocks a large tree branch onto a section of the home, that section can likely be repaired. Perhaps hurricane force winds have loosened some asphalt shingles or broken clay tiles – these too can be replaced. However, if the damage and disrepair is in more than an isolated spot, or if the damage has made its way beyond the roofing layer into the structure, then it may be beyond repair.
WHEN REPLACEMENT IS THE BEST OPTION
Often, the decision to replace is an obvious one. If your home is leaking severely or has shingles that are damaged, missing, warped or severely discolored, then it is probably about that time. Often, a severely deteriorated roof can even have noticeable sag; this means that the wood structure beneath the system has been compromised. In such instances a full reroof is most certainly warranted.
Preventative maintenance on a home or business should also include redoing the miami roofing system when the roof is nearing the end of its anticipated life. Recovering before leaking occurs will prevent moisture from entering the structure, which would otherwise damage the supporting wood and beams. Reroofing before this damage occurs means that you can save yourself from some potentially very serious problems; and will also help ensure that the building and its contents will be continually protected to the fullest extent. Waiting for a roof to leak before replacing it is sort of like waiting for a car to break down before you change the oil, you can do it, but it is not the best way to keep things running smoothly.