Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

A pound of prevention is worth a pound cure when it comes to your home. Regular maintenance is both good for your home’s appearance as well as your wallet. While it may save you some money in the short term, you will end up spending a lot more long term.

Not all home improvements are easy. It is possible, and sometimes even acceptable, to repair or replace a roof. The type of damage to the roof and the extent of its need for repair will determine which route you choose.

Is it possible to patch a roof rather than replace it?

Sometimes, you only need to replace a few of the shingles to bring back beauty and function to your roof. Modern roofing designs can last as long as your home. Asphalt shingles are durable and designed to last decades.

It is important that you have an expert inspect your roof before replacing shingles. This will help determine if there is any damage to the decking or underlayment. It’s important to know the difference between missing shingles from heavy winds and a leak through all layers of your roof. If there is severe damage, replacing the entire roof is usually a better option.

Can I mix shingles?

Remember that shingles can be exposed to heat, rain, and snow. Even if you have an extra box of shingles from the time your roof was installed you may have trouble matching them to your roof. This is especially true if your current shingles are covered with moss and lichen.

It may be difficult to mix replacement shingles with the rest of your roof depending on where it is located and how large it is. If the area in question is not obvious or is small, it might be possible to nail down replacement shingles.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to replace any missing shingles on your roof. Your roof’s decking is protected from wind and moisture by the shingles. Water can seep through the underlayment into the deck and cause damage.

Is it possible to replace just a few of the shingles?

Although patching may work in some cases, it can also cause more damage than replacing all the shingles. To determine if patching will prolong your roof’s life expectancy without causing further damage, it’s best that you call a professional home roofing company.

The following are major signs that a roof is at serious risk:

• Shingles with curling around the edges or beginning to buckle.
• The presence of granules: the small, pebblelike pieces that cover the outside of the Shingle — in your gutters and on the ground.
• Water leakage and rot in your attic.
• A sagging roof can be a sign of a larger problem.

It might not be possible to repair your roof. A patch is a larger area than one that needs a few shingles. This makes it difficult to blend with the existing roof.

This article was written by a roofing and solar installation specialist at HD Roofing & Construction. At HD Roofing & Construction, our roofing team is the heart of the company, and we are proud to have a highly-trained, professional team. If you need a roof over your head, we’ve got you covered. We offer roof repair in Lakeland FL and home improvement services, including roof replacement and repairs, emergency tarps, home restoration, and solar!