Your roof protects you and your family from the elements, keeps your home safe and dry, and helps regulate the temperature inside. However, over time, your roof may suffer damage, and when that happens you’re faced with a dilemma — should you repair your roof or replace it?
Without a thorough inspection, it’s difficult to know whether your roof just needs a few easy repairs — such as replacing a few missing shingles — or if it needs to be completely replaced. In this blog post, we'll discuss the various factors to consider when faced with this decision.
Signs of Roof Damage
Before making the decision to repair or replace your roof, it's important to recognize the signs of roof damage so you can understand the underlying cause. Watch for signs of damage both inside and outside of your home.
- Curled, cracked or broken shingles — This type of damage is easily seen from the ground. If you notice this happening, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected.
- Missing granules and bald spots on shingles — Asphalt shingles are covered in granules to protect the asphalt and fiberglass mat from the elements. When this material starts to break down, it could compromise the integrity of the shingles.
- Missing shingles — Often, this is the first thing you’ll notice… and you hope the shingles you see on your lawn belong to the neighbours.
- Water damage — If you see dark spots or discolouration on your ceiling or walls, a leaky roof may be to blame. This is a serious issue that can lead to structural damage, mold or other costly problems.
- The roof looks old and worn — Sometimes you can’t see obvious damage, but your roof just looks tired and worn out. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to get your roof inspected — especially if you know it’s near the end of its useful life.
When to repair your roof
If you suspect your roof has been damaged, you’ll need to assess the extent of the damage to know how to proceed. Here are some things to consider:
- Damage is minimal — If you only have a few missing or damaged shingles and there is no sign of damage to the underlay, you can likely get away with a simple repair.
- Damage is in one area — If one area of your roof is damaged, it’s possible to just replace that area. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, keep in mind that it might be difficult matching the new shingles to the existing ones.
- Age of your roof — If your roof is relatively new, repairing minor damage is certainly less expensive than replacing it. Repairing a roof near the end of its lifespan doesn’t make as much sense, since you’ll end up replacing the roof sooner than later anyway.
- Damage is cosmetic — If the damage is purely cosmetic, such as missing shingles or minor cracks, a repair may be sufficient. However, if the damage is structural, such as sagging or a significant leak, a replacement may be necessary.
When to replace your roof
While replacing a roof is less expensive than completely replacing it, sometimes there really are no other options. Here are a few instances when you should consider replacing your roof.
- Major damage — If your roof has suffered major damage due to storms or other problems — and the damage spans the entire roof — it may be more economical to replace it. If successive repairs are necessary, they could exceed the cost of replacement.
- Structural damage — If there is damage to the decking or underlayment of your roof, the shingles will have to be removed to fix it. If the area is large, then it would be a better idea to go ahead and replace it, especially if your roof is old.
- Increase curb appeal — If your roof is looking a little tired, or you want to match a certain aesthetic, a new roof can add to your home’s curb appeal. If you’re planning on selling, the age and look of a roof are of paramount concern to prospective buyers.
- Increase energy efficiency — Older roofs are often built using outdated roofing materials and building technology, so a new roof could make your home more energy efficient, potentially reducing your heating and cooling costs. Today’s roofing materials are much better at keeping out the elements and reflecting sunlight.
- Peace of mind — Deciding to replace your roof can take away the stress of “what if”... as in “What if the roof leaks again… do I keep repairing it and keep my fingers crossed?” It’s nice to have one less thing to worry about in your day.
Can You Shingle Over Your Existing Shingles?
Often clients will ask whether it’s possible to put new shingles directly over existing shingles — and the answer is yes, but it’s not recommended for a variety of reasons.
- Uneven surfaces — Placing new shingles over old ones can impact the integrity of your roof and could leave it looking uneven and bumpy. When new shingles are forced onto bumpy or gap-filled foundations, the defects will transfer to the new layer.
- Warranty issues — Asphalt shingles are not made to be installed in multiple layers, and doing so could shorten or even nullify the shingle warranty.
- Weight strain — Your home was designed to support a roof, and by adding a second layer of shingle you increase the weight dramatically. Before proceeding, you should determine if your home’s structure can withstand the additional weight.
- Water damage — If the underlayment is compromised, it doesn’t matter how many layers of shingles you put over it… water will still get through and cause extensive damage.
- Improper Inspections — Contractors will not be able to properly examine the roof to check for damage beneath the shingles, which could lead to costly repairs in the future.
Can You Shingle Over Your Existing Shingles?
Repairing a roof is less expensive than a complete replacement, but if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it may save money in the long run by avoiding multiple repairs and limiting future damage.
The only way to know for sure is to get your roof inspected by a professional. Going up on the roof yourself is never recommended — you could be subjecting yourself to serious safety and insurance risks. And unless you’re a professional roofer, you might not know exactly what signs to look for.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a roof is a crucial decision that can impact the safety, comfort, and value of your home. If your roof has suffered damage, it’s best to partner with a trusted roofing company. At Horizon’s roofing, we offer free estimates and our roofing professionals will help answer any lingering questions so you can make an informed decision.
