A solid, sturdy roof is a pretty important part of the overall structure of your home. For starters, your roof is what keeps you safe from the elements. Having a leaky roof is a major inconvenience.

Determining the age of your roof is a good indicator of whether you should repair or replace a roof. If your roof is heading toward its 25th year, chances are you may need to replace various parts of the roof.

There are other factors that come into play when determining whether a roof needs to be repaired or the types of roof to consider for roof replacement.

Roof Repair Or Full Roof Replacement?

There are some elements professional roofing contractors search for when determining repairing vs. replacing. Assessing the damage will determine whether the roof is worth fixing, or if a full replacement is the better choice.

Shingle curling defects are a common sign of wear and tear. It means they are reaching the end of their lifespan. Curling requires a roof repair.

Cupping shingles happen when the edge of the shingles curl upward. Clawing shingles have flat edges but the middle pops up. Although these may seem like a problem, they can be easily fixed by replacing the shingles.

Missing shingles are also a simple repair. The main issue here is matching the colors. While the existing shingles will be degraded by the sun, the new ones will not. Luckily shingles come in various shades and tones of color.

Cracked shingles are a problem in windy zones and can be repaired. If the cracking occurs randomly in your roof without apparent weather damage, then you probably need a roof replacement.

Algae or moss also do not require replacement. You can wash them away with water and bleach. Scrapers or a power washer are not recommendable. They will chip the shingles and cause more damage. The next time you replace your roof, ask your roofing company about moss and algae-resistant shingles.

There are two instances where you might see granules from your shingles. When they are less than a year old, extra granules come off. The second time is around 10 to 15 years old. That means your shingles have arrived to their half-life, and have another 10 to 15 years of lifespan before requiring replacement.

Structural damage in your roof can be a terrible sign. If you found that hole, that means insects, critters, snow, rain, air – anything can enter the roof as well. Smaller leaks can be patched. Larger ones could bring structural problems and might require a roof replacement. See a professional for an inspection and seek advice on how to handle structural damage to the roof.

A sagging roof is a sign of structural problems. These are costly and dangerous and need immediate attention. If your roof is sagging, seek the help of a professional and reputable roofing company first.

Finally, asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years. When properly cared for, they might last 15 years more. It’s always wise to inspect your roof when it reaches its 25 year mark,

Call A Pro

It takes expert eyes to analyze the difference between curling, supping, and clawing shingles. Call your trusted roofers at Cornerstone Roofing for a free inspection and estimate; we will be able to tell you exactly what you need and provide all your options for a full roof repair or replacement.