DIY Roof Repairs for Homeowners

How to know whether you need re-roofing

26 February 2015

Fernando Silva

The end of winter brings warmer and better weather with beautiful showers and amazing sunlight. However, you need to know if your roof is ready to handle the spring weather you've desperately been waiting for. The choice between getting a new roof and having yours repaired can be a daunting one. Here are some tips to help you decide on whether to replace or repair it.

Check the roof status

This is the first step in determining whether your roof is ready to handle the oncoming weather conditions. Damages vary depending on the material used on the roof. For wooden roofing, check for any presence of splits or moulds that may have been brought about by the moist conditions. Concrete roofs indicate wear through cracks so ensure you correct any signs of disrepair. Do a thorough internal and external check of the roof. If it's clean, then you can enjoy your spring, but damages present need to be taken care of.

Repair costs

After checking the status of your roof, assess the size of damage that is present. A roof repair is a good option when the damage is minimal—for instance, the absence of a few shingles. A repair would also be a good option if all the damage is present on one side of the roof. This is because it'll be more economical as most contractors give you estimates per roof side. However, it may not be that simple. Your roof may have small areas that need patching because it is nearing its replacement stage. In this case, it's better to let your contractors re-roof the whole home.

Material of the roof

The type of roof you have can also determine whether you would best benefit from a repair or a replacement. This is because the repair costs vary depending on the roof. Asphalt roofs, for instance, require very many layers removed so that the repair process can begin on any section. This increases the labour costs and may make a re-roofing the best option.

Age of the roof

You should also take the age of the roof into account. A brand new roof may benefit from a repair but one that is nearing its lifespan calls for a replacement. How often you are repairing your roof should also guide you on the choice to make. If your roof constantly needs repairs, then it's about time you get a new one. The continual replacement costs may accumulate to much larger amounts than a single replacement.

For more information, contact a company like The Roof & Wall Doctor.

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