There are many factors that play a role in the decision to repair or replace a roof, but all roofing contractors in Manchester agree it’s an important choice. If the majority of your roof is in great shape and the damage is isolated to one or two shingles, for example, a few simple repairs should be all it takes to get things back to normal. If your roof is older or severely damaged, however, a replacement may be well worth the investment. Here’s how to determine which option is best for you.
Your Roof Was Installed More Than 20 Years Ago
Shingled roofs typically have life expediencies between 20 – 25 years. If yours was installed before 1995, those costly repairs may end up going to waste. This is even truer if your roof was installed over another layer or multiple layers of Bedford roofing. Go with a replacement instead.
Shingles Have Sustained Major Damage
Most Bedford and Manchester roofing companies agree that a few damaged shingles are no big deal to fix, but a roof replacement comes into question when the problems are widespread. Shingles that are buckling, curling, or warping in large numbers may mean they have exceeded their expected lifetime. You can check for this on your home by looking at the slope of your roof in direct sunlight and looking for defective shingles as well as loose granules.
Chimney Flashing is Outdated
Although old chimney flashing is usually not the primary reason to invest in a roof replacement, it can be a determining factor in the decision. Chimney flashings that are made out of tar or cement will eventually need to be updated to a metal system. If you can’t decide whether to make repairs or bite the bullet and go for a replacement, outdated chimney flashings might just be the incentive you need.
If you can’t decide, of course, you can always call on your local contractor for professional advice.