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Repair Or Replace?

Repair or Replace?

If there’s one thing you know, it’s that your roof has a problem. But is it going to be a quick fix, an extensive repair, or a complete roof replacement? Only the roofing experts will know for sure. In this blog, the Tuscaloosa roof replacement team at PRN Roofing will discuss signs that you should swap shingles, get roof repairs, roof over your current shingles, or replace your roof entirely. Learn the meaning of different types of roof damage, and get a free estimate from PRN Roofing to learn more about the state of your roof.

When You Should Swap Out Shingles

A broken tree branch, a pesky squirrel, a crashed drone — these are all one-off situations that only affect one or two tabs of shingles. When damage is in a concentrated area, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive for a professional to fix. In times like these, a good old shingle swap is in order.

When You Should Consider Roof Repair

Sometimes, all your roof needs is a little TLC. Take note of these signs that you need roof repairs:

Some shingles are curled or cracked. If you noticed cracked or curled shingles in one concentrated area of your roof, it’s probably a sign of moisture intrusion through a single entry point that’s causing premature shingle aging. Call your roof repair experts to get it taken care of.

Some shingles are wet. You’ve got a leak on your hands here. Get it fixed before trapped water turns into trapped mold.

Roof openings and edges are damaged. Drip edges, vent covers, and other edges tend to age faster than other roof materials. Fortunately, these areas are easily repaired.

When You Should Roof Over Your Old Roof

Did you know it takes over 300 years for asphalt shingles to decompose in the a landfill? This fact alone makes it much more appealing to get a new layer of shingles placed over the old one. However, this isn’t always the best choice.

First of all, identifying the cause of roof leaks becomes twice as tough with two layers of shingles. Second, you’re putting additional stress on the structures of your home (asphalt shingles are much heavier than you may think). Third, many building codes just don’t allow two layers of shingles on a roof. Finally — and perhaps most importantly — many manufacturer warranties are voided when roofs are placed over existing shingles.

You get the idea — roofing over old shingles isn’t the best idea. Ask your roofing contractor about how they recycle shingles, and start from scratch with a brand new roof instead.

When You Should Replace

Sometimes, a complete roof replacement is the only option for your roof. Here are three signs you should replace your roof:

You notice extensive moisture or water damage.

A single, tiny roof leak can give you headaches — but multiple roof leaks over time can compromise the structural integrity of your entire roof. Once water enters in through multiple points in your roof, you’re at risk for soaked insulation, flooding, attic damage, structural damage, and even property damage if water soaks furniture or other belongings.

But the effects of water intrusion don’t stop at property damage. Mold is perhaps the most common symptom of roof damage, which can cause irreversible property damage and a variety of health problems for you and your family.

If you notice extensive damage in multiple areas of your roof, high levels of humidity throughout your home, or widespread mold buildup, it’s probably time to have your entire roof replaced.

You’ve been through a big storm or natural disaster.

Here in the South, we experience plenty of big storms that can create roof leaks, rip away shingles, and cause thousands of dollars in property damage. It’s just a part of living in paradise.

But when hurricane season rolls around, damage can become a bit more serious. Winds over 140 mph and heavy rainfall can do plenty of damage to new roofs, and they can lead old roofs to complete failure. This is when people experience heavy flooding and property damage.

Whether it’s a tiny tropical storm or a big hurricane, a storm could be the final straw for your old roof. If you notice multiple tabs of shingles missing and plenty of water damage to your attic and ceilings, it’s most likely time for a complete roof replacement.

Your roof is getting old.

Most asphalt roofs last anywhere from 12-20 years depending on the quality of the materials — so when your roof starts breaking down at 22 years old, it shouldn’t be a surprise to you. Asphalt shingles can only last for so long before they fail to protect your roof — that’s just the way it goes.

However, some roofs will start leaking after five or six years — and there’s usually more to it than a poor installation. You truly get what you pay for when it comes to new roofs, so if you paid a bargain bin price, expect your roof to have bargain bin performance.

Either way, there’s not much you can do. Your roof is past its prime. Call your local roofing contractors for a roof replacement.

Choose The Top-Rated Tuscaloosa Roofers

Ultimately, the best advice you can get on whether to repair or replace your roof comes from your local roofing contractor. They’ve seen every roofing problem in the book, and they know how small problems can turn into big, expensive ones after a big storm.

You shouldn’t have to worry about your roof before or after storm season. The Tuscaloosa roofing contractors at PRN Roofing have years of experience with storm damage repair, roof replacement, and roof inspections. We’re happy to take an in-depth look at the current state of your roof and make expert recommendations for repairs or new roofing materials. When it’s all said and done, we’re here to give the best roofing materials, solid roofing work, and peace of mind. Get a free estimate from PRN today.

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