Repair or Replace… Know When to Say When

Roof ReplacementIf your roof is more than twenty years old or if there are clear signs that it is past its life expectancy, replacing your roof may be a smart idea. However, before getting your roof replaced, you need to assess the general condition of your existing roof and carefully consider the both options.

Early signs of problems include the appearance of dark areas on ceilings, damp spots near the fireplace(s), and peeling paint in areas where the roof overhangs. Shingles that are curling, buckling, or blistering also indicate your roof might be worn out.

One big question to ask: Will repair make sense? If leaks are the only problem and the roof looks otherwise sound, you might want to look into getting your roof repaired.

How much will a new roof cost? A new roof is a major investment for homeowners and business owers alike. Installing a roof  involves many steps from stripping off your old roofing, maybe removing old decking and replacing with new decking, potential repairs of structure, new underlayments, labor, etc…  And sometimes you might have multiple layers of old roofing that will need to be removed. Be sure you get reliable estimates from at least three different contractors  to see what the actual cost will be.

Another consideration: multiple layers. Often times an existing roof has been installed over an old roof layer leaving you with multiple layers on your roof. If you’re considering a re-roof with DaVinci, we highly recommend that all existing roofing material be removed. In other words, it is not advisable to put DaVinci shingles on top of a layer of wood shake or asphalt shingles, etc. What’s more, when you have multiple layers of shingles, your roof might look lumpy.

Getting a new roof might be expensive; however,  continuous repair costs can add up. It’s wise to consult with a roofing contractor to have a thorough evaluation of your existing roof done. Carefully consider their recommendations and after thorough evaluation, schedule your repairs or know when to say when.

Are you planning to get a new roof? Consider installing one of our hugely popular roofing systems like our synthetic shake shingles. For more roofing tips, check out our blog.

Photo Credit: How to Tell if You Need a New Roof