Luckily, it’s pretty easy to decide once you know the signs that point to each option. To help make the decision easier for you, we’ve compiled a list that should make it clear whether your roof needs a repair or a replacement. 

Roof Repair

Roofing repair tends to be the favored method of remedying roof problems. This is because it’s cheaper, easier, and less of a hassle. However, roof repairs can’t remedy all problems and sometimes a roof will need to be replaced, regardless of how much one wishes it could be fixed with a basic repair.

If you’re encountering problems such as torn or damaged shingles, which can result from strong wind or fallen trees, the good news is that repair is likely the best option. You can easily remove the affected shingle and replace it with a new one. 

It’s important to keep in mind though, that not all shingles look the same and sometimes your replacements will look different than the existing ones. This can be a downside if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future.

When Are Repairs A Good Option?

In addition to when you have problems with shingles, roof repairs can be a good option when the issue involves:

• Holes
• Punctures
• Splitting
• Shrinking
• Bad installation
• Lack of maintenance
• Chimney leaks
• Mistakes from air gun nailing 

Roof Replacement

Replacing your roof is a big step. It requires a lot of man power and can quickly add up in terms of cost. It is, unfortunately, necessary when repairs are no longer a viable, sensible option.

To have a roof replaced, home owners spend almost double what they would for roof repairs but they also benefit from the assurance that all areas of their roof will match seamlessly. 

In addition, roof replacement is less common than needing repairs and is most likely to happen as a result of extreme weather conditions,age, and faulty materials. 

When Is A Replacement A Good Option?

Roof replacements are the best options when:

• Your roof is failing due to the use of poor materials or installation
• You house has been hit with extreme weather (tsunamis, earthquakes etc)
• Your roof has been serving your home for a long time

Questions To Ask Yourself

When you’re deciding whether you need a repair or a replacement, consider asking yourself the following questions.

What’s My Budget?

Your budget is the key factor here. Without a large enough budget, you might not be able to get the replacement you need. If it’s generous enough though, you can basically choose which option feels right to you and, in this case, you’ll want to take some extra time to make a careful decision. 

How Long Will I Continue Living In My Home?

You might not realize it now, but when it comes to selling your home, your roof can be a big factor. With a roof that has been left patchy from repairs or is breaking down and in need of TLC, it can be hard to find a buyer. 

This might not be a problem in the short term but can quickly cause problems should you decide to move out. So if you need work done and are planning to move or are considering the idea, you may want to opt for a new roof instead of a repair just to be safe. 

What Do I Need Done?

It’s important to be honest with yourself when you’re taking an inventory of what your roof needs done to it. Ignoring a host of problems to avoid having to do a roof replacement will not do you any good in the long run.

Next time you’re in the market for some roof maintenance, be sure to avoid cutting corners. Do the repairs you need and, if necessary, fork out the money for the replacement. When deciding which option is best, don’t forget to consider your budget, your problems, and the future you see with your home.

Finish Two Projects At Once

When you think about everything that goes into replacing your roof, finding a contractor, scheduling an appointment, and having to rearrange your home while all the work is being done, you can see why people would be more inclined to do things all at once. Majority of contractors can install your roof and gutters with very little or no additional labor needed.

Certainly, if your gutters are damaged or deteriorating, you should have them replaced with your roof since they will eventually need to be replaced anyway. As a homeowner, if you notice several spots in your roof where there are leaks, dents, or visible separations, then most likely you’ve seen runoff water overflowing your gutters, which is a clear sign it’s time for your gutters to be replaced. Also, if your roof was damaged due to a storm or a hurricane, then there is a good chance your gutters were damaged too.

Furthermore, many homeowners decide it’s easier for them to pay one large sum at once instead of two smaller ones at different times. This allows homeowners to have a better understanding of their household budget rather than predicting when they are going to need to do repairs next. Also, it could be easier for people to use a single source of income to pay for the replacement of their gutters and roof such as a tax refund or home equity loan when they decide to combine their home projects.

Don’t Fix a Good Thing

However, as a homeowner, if you don’t feel like your gutters need to be replaced, don’t feel like you need to just because your roofing contractor is persistent about it. A lot of roofers try to “up sell” their clients by offering gutter replacements along with your roof at an additional cost, even though your gutters are perfectly fine. In situations like this, homeowners may be paying for something they don’t need, or possibly receive gutters that were inferior to their previous ones.

Moreover, it’s crucial for homeowners to remember there’s no guarantee that the roofer will provide you with top-quality workmanship if you do decide to let them replace your gutters. Although roofing companies and contractors do gutter replacements, there’s no certainty they have the same level of skills as they do when they are installing a new roof.

Lastly, it’s a possibility that roofing companies may be limited in their types of gutter replacement services they offer. Some roofing specialists may only have one or two material types, sizes, or colors, which may not fit your house’s needs. Also, you won’t know your gutters are adequate until the next time it downpours, which could be after your warranty period.

To Replace Gutters, Or Not To Replace Gutters?

In conclusion, when you’re getting your roof replaced, it’s worth considering the option of getting your gutters replaced. Plus, having both aspects of your roof done at the same time means you only have to deal with one contractor at a time. At Roof Top Services, our roofing professionals have the knowledge and skills to handle all aspects of your roof replacement, including the proper installation of your gutters.

You may have noticed that your roof has been experiencing some wear and tear. At this point, you’re probably deciding on whether it’s time to replace your roof or do some repairs to it. Most people will hope that they can quickly fix the issue, instead of having to change out the roof completely. However, replacing your roof sometimes is the best and safest option for your household. If you’re having trouble deciding on if you should change your roof, then here are some situations that can help make your choice easier when that time comes. Roof Top Services of Central Florida, Inc. has become one of Orlando’s premier residential & commercial roofing contractor companies by making the customer experience the focus of our services.

Your Roof is Getting Old

The age of your roof is a huge factor when determining if it’s time to replace your roof. If your roof was put on fairly recently, then you shouldn’t have to worry too much about replacing everything and repairing it. On the other hand, if your roof has been up for a long time and has deteriorated into a state of no repair, then as frustrating as it would be, you would need to replace it.

An average lifespan of a roof typically lasts around 30 years, depending on the materials that were used to build it. For example, if you were to purchase asphalt shingles that are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to repair, you might get 15 years out of them. If you decided to get clay or concrete tiles, those are a lot harder, durable and resistant to weather conditions and can last up to 30 years or more.

If you’re unsure about how old your roof is, your best option is to have a professional come out and figure your approximate age. However, if your roof has already fallen into disrepair, no matter how old it is, you’re going to have to get it replaced.

Can You See Any Damage

If you take the time to visually inspect your roof you can spot everything that is wrong is with your roof. Be sure to start outside from the curb in front of your house and look for any visible signs of if your tiles or shingles are cracking, damaging, or missing. These locations on your roof are essential indicators for weak points in the roofs ability to hold against water intrusion and probably the reason if you have seen water leaks on the inside of your home. If you see a lot of damaged areas and missing or broken materials during your visual inspection, then, unfortunately, your roof has been severely compromised and it’s time for a replacement.

What Are You Doing With Your Property

When coming to your conclusion on whether or not to replace your roof, there is one final thing you should think about. Are you planning on selling your house soon? A potential buyer coming up to your home and seeing your roof is worn and out and in bad condition can be a deal breaker for a buyer right out of the gate. Even if you have accommodated for the repairs in the pricing, a lot of people still tend to lean away from properties that need a new roof because they don’t want to deal with the replacement of it.

Investing in your roof before you sell can significantly benefit your chances of selling your home quicker and receiving a higher value on it. Properties that showcase they have installed a new roof shows potential buyers that the house was cared for and has few significant problems with it. Therefore, if you’re thinking about selling your home, consider investing in your roof whether it’s a new one or just fixing the repairs. Having a well-maintained roof can help you earn back into what you put into your roof while also increasing the house’s value.

Roofing shingles, unfortunately, are not indestructible even though it may seem that way. It’s important to check on the condition of your roof to make sure everything looks good. If you see any issues with your roof or gutter system, you should talk with a roofing specialist to see how you can fix the problems. Your roof spends its entirety outdoors which makes it vulnerable to the elements like rain, pests, and nests that can get created. Constant maintenance is imperative to keeping your roof in good condition as long as possible. Here is what you need to know about some common causes of roof damage.

Lack of Maintenance

A lack of roof maintenance is one of the biggest causes of roofing damage. Many issues start off small, such as a need to remove any overhanging tree limbs or getting all of the debris that backs up into your gutters. When these problems don’t get taken care of, they can lead to serious long term damage. A routine inspection will help extend the life of your roof and will save you a lot of money in the long term.

Ventilation

Your roof and attic ventilation is a vital part of making your roof last, and usually, vents are placed at the base of your roof (the eaves) and near the top of the roof (the ridge) so that the warm air can leave through the top, and cool air drawing through the bottom. Naturally, warm air rises so there is no need for a mechanical process to create air movement. Proper ventilation will help regulate the temperature and moisture levels in your attic. If you decide to neglect this, heat and moisture will build up and can cause damage to your rafters, sheathing, shingles, insulation, and potentially raise your energy costs. Continually, this can potentially lead to mold and mildew problems.

Weather

When it comes to weather conditions, your roof takes on the elements, so you don’t have to. Therefore, it’s not unreasonable for you to return the gesture by repairing your roof when it’s damaged. Especially, living in the Central Florida area where hurricanes are a constant issue, it’s crucial you pay more attention as the strong winds can pose a real threat to your roofing system. Severe weather can take off your entire roof off the house, so maintaining it to keep it as durable as possible should never be overlooked.

Pests

Animals can become a real problem when it comes to roofing damage. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and rats will have no problem making their way up the siding or through your gutters and can ultimately create nests on your roof. From this, animals can burrow into your roofing shingles and possibly into your house.

You can avoid all of these problems with the proper maintenance routine and care of your roof. If you do start to notice any damage occurring with your roof, take care of it as soon as possible to prevent small damages from becoming larger ones.

Replacing your roof can be an exciting project, but at the same time, it’s one of the trickiest home improvements for a homeowner to do. A lot of people are intimidated by the entire process because they want to get it right the first time. So the key to making this home improvement as easy as possible is adequately being prepared.

How to Prepare For Your New Roofing Installation

The first step you need to take in the process is to gain an understanding of all the different roofing components. Doing the proper research will let you know exactly what is going on with your existing roof and what you want for your new one.

Another important step is choosing the right contractor with the proper qualifications to help install your new roof. Getting the right contractor will take a lot of stress off of you and ensure that the work is getting done to your expectations while also preventing any other issues down the road. Having a knowledgeable contractor will also help you avoid any potential scams.

Before you start the process of installing your new roof, it’s imperative to know how much everything is going to cost. You should make sure that you have accounted for the cost of the materials by their square footage, any permits that may be required, and the labour costs for the installation. Majority of contractors will provide you with a free estimate which is a huge benefit in helping you determine your total cost for your project.

When you decide on the materials you’re going to use for your new roof, be sure to know what maintenance will be required if needed. This process can be challenging, so explore your options with a roofing professional and get a full comprehension of what you will need to do before you make a final decision.

As your contractor prepares to install your roof, be sure to clear space around your house, so if any materials fall off the roof, they won’t end up destroying any of your patio furniture or potted plants. Also, let your neighbours know you’re getting a roof installed. There is nothing worst then being woken up early in the morning by the loud noises that accompany having a new roof installed. Therefore, as a courtesy, warn your neighbours ahead of time, and they will be a lot more patient and understanding during the whole process.

During Your Roof Installation

When the construction of your new roof starts, there are still a few things you need to do to ensure everything is taken care of throughout the installation. Keep in mind that during the installation process, vibrations can travel through your walls. So, remove any hanging items from your walls and loose things on shelves that way your items don’t get damaged. Ideally, you should wait into your new roof is finished before you start putting things back on your wall.

Additionally, make sure your driveway is open and leave plenty of space around your house so that workers will have enough room to move their tools around and keep materials where they need. To help out your contractors, you can park your car along the street, allowing your workers to park any necessary equipment closer to your house while they work.

Warranty

During the process of installing your roof, don’t overlook the importance of making sure your roof is protected with a superior warranty. You want to make sure that your purchase is protected for years to come. Great roof warranties provide the following:

• Material defects: You need a roofing system that can withstand the intensity of Mother Nature and other harsh outside elements. If your roofing materials begin to show early signs of deteriorating, this can affect things such as your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Having an excellent warranty will take care of you in situations like this and cover the material defects that are due to wear and tear.
• Workmanship: Your roof will need repair once in a while due to minor problems. Perhaps you need shingles replaced because some of them started to warp. Another issue could be your flashing has popped up and needs to be nailed back down. Although these are pretty straightforward repairs, sometimes fixes can go wrong and compromise the condition of your roof. A valid warranty will protect you as a homeowner who has been a victim of poor workmanship or installation.

From the appearance of a water stain on your ceiling to water dripping right on top of your computer, a leaky roof can be an extremely unsettling event. Our roofs are supposed to keep the weather out after all, right?

While water dripping from your ceiling will likely send you running for the phone to call a roofer—and that is exactly what you should do—you might just shrug off the appearance of a bulge or a dark water mark on your ceiling. DO NOT WAIT! It may not seem like a problem now, but that doesn’t mean that water isn’t pooling on your ceiling waiting to make a nasty and expensive mess when it comes crashing down.

Whether it’s 2:00 in the morning or a two hour wait for a roofer to come, you should not wait for a professional to arrive to take preventative measures. Remember, you never know when pooling water or a small leak is going to become much worst.

—First, you want to grab a screwdriver—a Phillips-head or standard, it doesn’t matter—and a container such as a trashcan or a bucket.

—Next, place your container under the leak, water stain, or bulge.

—Finally, puncture a hole through your ceiling where the water is dripping or from the center of the stain or bulge.

Now, I know you must think that sounds crazy, but it’s a lot easier to fix a small hole than the large one a pool of water crashing through your ceiling will create. The small puncture hole will allow the water to adequately drain from your ceiling instead of pooling.

Call a Roofer! Seriously.

It might be tempting, once you’ve averted catastrophe to make a fun DIY project out of fixing the leak in your roof, but let’s face it, you’re no Bob Villa. Unless you really know what you are doing (i.e. you’re a roofer) do not attempt to fix the leak. A damaged roof presents serious threats to your house and your safety, and there’s no telling what the problem could be, so leave it up to the roof repair professionals.

But, just because they’re the professionals, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be a discerning consumer. You want to make sure your roofer heads up into your attic to check the inside of your roof as well as climbs up a ladder to check the outside of your roof. You can never be sure where the issue lies.