Homeowners: How To Figure Out If You Require A New Roof Or A Roof Fix?

You’ve just noticed an empty spot on your ceiling or water is leaking through the roof. What can you do now? depending on its material, a roof can last around 30 years or even more, but your roof can be ruined and break down early due to falling dirt, wind, storms, or ice. Skeleton problems with roof ventilation, flashing and chimney issues may also ruin the entire roofing structure.

But when you notice something off, do you need to get a new roof or can you go for a roof fix?

It depends on several factors.

What is your roof’s age?

In case your roof is up to 20 years old, it is logical to check if the damage is minor and can be fixed, since your roof may be in service for another 10 years or so. However, if you are having major and widespread issues with your roof and its expiry date is approaching, it may be best to get a new one.

What kind and level of damage does your roof have?

In case you only miss a shingle or two due to heavy wind or accumulated debris, replacing the shingles will suffice. However, if many shingles have fallen off, if they are rolling and buckling, or if their granules are missing, you better invest in a new roof.

What are your budget & needs in the long-run?

Smaller fixes are usually less costly. If a mere replacement or patch can fix the issue, that’s fine but a “fix it now and forget it later” action may work better otherwise.

Extra Roofing Considerations

If your roof requires more than a single patch, you still have some choices. If the damage is noticed only to one part of a roof, you may go for a partial re-roofing project. However, if we consider that a partial re-roofing is placed and charged per square, you will end up paying more than a total reroofing job. Furthermore, a partial re-roof may not match well the original parts of the roof.

Common Myths About Metal Roofing Dispelled

Metal roofs are growing in popularity among residential property owners, however, some folks may be still unsure about their efficiency. This is attributed to common myths surrounding their function and appearance. In the present article, we’ll dispel the most common misconception on metal roofing:

Myth No.1: Metal Roofs Are Noisy

Since this type of roof is made of metal shingles, many mistakenly think that they will be very loud during rainfall. However, this isn’t the case as metal roofs are actually less noisy compared to typical concrete shingle roofing. Unlike their concrete counterparts, metal roofs have a steady protective overlay that controls noise output.

Myth No.2: Metal Shingle Roofs Are Not Appealing

Many people imagine metal roofs as those ugly old-school tin roofs found in factory buildings. However, thanks to the progress of technology, metal roofs have evolved and today we have a wide array of styles and textures–some are so good that they look similar to conventional roofs. Furthermore, metal roofs are available in broader color and texture collections compared to concrete roofs. Whether you have a rustic or modern style home, you may get a metal roof to enhance your home’s style very easily.

Myth No.3: Metal Roofs Are Costly

While the price you’ll pay for getting a metal roof is initially higher, they provide a greater return of investment than concrete shingle roofs. Due to the fact that they are stronger, they need less maintenance work. Furthermore, they have a lifespan of up to 50 years which is more than 2X that of a concrete roof.

Commonly Asked Questions About Initial Roof Replacement

If this is your first time getting a full roof replacement, it’s natural to feel worried about the unfamiliar steps of the process. Since most homeowners who are getting a full roof replacement for the first time keep asking roofing experts the same or similar questions, we have gathered the most common ones below:

Should I Go For Repairs Instead Of A Full Replacement?

This is based on the specific state of your roof. However, in most cases, if there is leakage in a separated area, getting a minor repair is enough. In case the damage is all over the place, however, it’s best to go for a full replacement of your roof. A Vista roofing contractor is going to carry out the inspection to gauge the state of your roof and provide you with a proper evaluation of all necessary work.

Can I Add A New Roof Over My Current One?

Yes, you can do that, however, for maximum functionality, we suggest that you detach your current roofing first. In case there are problems with the roof bed, we won’t be in a position to determine the issue if we just add another roof on top.
Can I Attach A New Roof During the Winer?

Yes, you can certainly do this. As top roofing experts, we can set-up, maintain, and fix roofing systems throughout the entire year which is totally convenient if you wish to do some repairs in the off-seasons.

Can I Select A Different Material For My Roof?

Generally speaking, this will vary according to the slant of your current roof. Concrete shingle roofs for example can host metal roofing systems and conversely as well. Specific materials e.g slate need higher slants and may, in turn, need a new or adjusted roofing system. Our expert roofers can offer your plenty of choices and a proper evaluation after an initial consultation.

What Types of Warranty Do You Cover?

Our warranties cover both the craftsmanship and construction materials, the scope of which varies based on the kind of roof. For instance, the “GAF GOLDEN PLEDGE LTD WARRANTY” comes with a 50-year long coverage on used materials and up to 25 years of craftsmanship as well as up to 130mph wind speeds (equal to Rank 3 hurricanes), among other aspects.

How Do You Remove Debris Following Installation? What Can You Do With the Previous Roof?

We pull off every remaining of the detached roofing and utilize some magnets to collect every roofing nail that was knocked-off to the ground. Some materials e.g concrete, metal, and paper can be recycled so we pick them up and forward them to the respective recycling units. Only a minor portion of the detached roofing will end up in a dumping ground.

How To Choose A New Roof To Prevent Disappointment

How can I make the best choice for a new roof? Good question. Now that the home improvement period has expanded further from winter to early spring, purchasing and getting a new roof can take almost a year in America.

The answer to the above question is taking your time to consider your needs and wants when it comes to your next roof because it’s a major purchase.

How Can I Select A New Roof? Consider Your Needs & Desires

We’ll consider your notes of what your wants and needs are when it comes to getting a new roof to identify your buying criteria. These particular criteria will address clearly what you wish to achieve with your roofing project. By conducting your own research early and clearly setting the features and perks that you wish to get from a new roof, you will prevent disappointment afterward.

If you intend to buy a new roof this year, our primary suggestion is this: Set your buying criteria now.

As you imagine your new secure roof and what you like to achieve with it, we present you a list of important criteria to consider as a homeowner:

Looks

Is your roof’s appearance an important factor in making your decision? If yes, would you consider a rustic type e.g a shingle roof, or maybe something bolder and more modern such as a standing seam roof?

Longevity & Durability

In case you plan to reside in your house for more than 10 years, durability is another factor to consider when making your decision.

Fire-proofing abilities

Bigger areas across the country may be exposed more to fire bursts. If you live in a fire-prone region, then a fire-resistant roof should better be included in your buying criteria list.

Wind-Tolerance

Like fire exposure, if heavy winds are a common issue in your region or hurricanes may strike on a regular basis, a metal shingle roofing with interfastening panels will offer the protection that you need.

Power-Savings

Homeowners who reside in warmer climates or those who are impacted by the functional expenses of their house will frequently go for metal roofing with mirroring layers and integrated thermal spots to decrease their energy during the hot season by -20%.
Ecological benefits. For some, the idea of getting a roof with recycled materials is a great ethical choice. Will you include this in your list of criteria?

The criteria mentioned above are just a few examples to consider. You may also consider other factors such as a certain color or coating grade, flashing details, covered fasteners, or ease of installation.

The whole point of the matter is to avoid making a decision that you will recall later and consider all necessary parameters.

We hope that this helps you make an educated decision when choosing to get a new roof for your home.