Repair or Replacement Guide to Wood, Slate, Tile and Asphalt Roofing
Should I repair or replace my roof? This is one of the most common questions asked. The typical contractor will often recommend replacement along with an insurance claim. Below is a guide to follow as you consider which choice is right for you.
Age: How old is the roof compared to the serviceable life of the roof. Common functional lives are;
Roofing Lifespan
Amount Damaged: Calculate the number of damaged and missing shingles, tiles, or slates. Is the number less than about 20%? Is the roof generally in good condition? If so, the roof should be evaluated for repair rather than replacement. Also, keep in mind that the older a roof becomes, the more maintenance it will likely require.
Leaks: Determine if there are active leaks and what their source may be. Do not assume the shingles, tiles, or slates are leaking. Gutters, valleys, and flashings are more likely candidates. "False leaks" can be caused by moisture condensation in the attic due to improper ventilation.
Moisture: Check the roof rafters and sheathing for moisture stains. Poke an awl into the wood to determine if it is rotted. Remember that very old, decaying shingles, tiles, and slates will hold moisture and cause adjacent wood members to deteriorate even if there are no apparent leaks.
Flashing: Consider the condition of the roof's flashings. Because traditional roofing is so durable, metal flashings often wear out before the slate does. Examine the flashings carefully. Even the tiniest pinhole can permit large quantities of water to enter the building. Is the deterioration of the roof uniform? Often this is not the case. It may be that only one slope needs replacement, and the other slopes can be repaired. In this way, the cost of replacement can be spread over many years.
Availability: Are new appropriate materials readily available? Even if replacement is determined to be necessary, the existing roof may have to be repaired to allow time for documentation and the ordering of appropriate replacement slates.
Overlay: Is the current an asphalt roof over a wood shingle roof? If so, it will be necessary to replace the roof as repairs are not recommended.
Before determining whether to replace or repair your traditional roof contact Old Home Rescue to survey your roof and prepare a repair or replacement plan.
Learn More About Your Roof
Clay tiles are one of the most beautiful and unique traditional roofing materials because of their various shapes and colors. These features make a clay tile a character-defining detail of the property. The cost to replace a clay tile roof can be significant, so the homeowner must take all precautions to preserve and repair the roofing tiles.