Roof Maintenance Done Right in Central Ohio: Patching vs. Replacing
Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement - Columbus Ohio Best Local Roofer
Your home’s roofing system plays an important part in not only having the comfort of a structurally sound home that protects your family from the harsh realities of Mother Nature, but it is also a key factor in the value of your home. Should you ever decide to place your home on the market, CNBC Real Estate reports that a new roof not only adds curb appeal for potential buyers, but can also increase the asking price by $10,000, depending on the type of roof.
Yet in some cases, a total roof replacement is not necessary. All roofs have a life expectancy, so if your roof hasn’t suffered damage from extremely high winds or heavy falling objects, or worst case scenario, the original roofing contractor did an extremely poor job when the roof was added to the home, chances are a professional or DIY patch can solve some problems you may be experiencing. As a general guide here are the lifespans of some of the most common residential roofing systems:
Asphalt or Fiberglass Shingles – 20 to 40 years, and are most prone to wind and rain damage.
Wood Shingles and Shakes – about 30 years, with periodic maintenance.
Slate, Clay or Terra Cotta Tiles – 40 years or longer, extremely durable.
Metal Roofing – 50 years or more, yet consider the noise when it’s raining hard.
When considering patching vs. replacing many homeowners immediately assume that the most economical solution is repairing the roof as leaks or other problems arise. This is not always true; there are times where patching a roof every couple of years is more expensive than a replacement. Home improvement guru, Bob Vila, explains it like this:
“Counter to intuition, partial reroofing jobs are more expensive on a cost per square (a 10′ x 10′ area) basis. They can create added problems, too. For example, if an asphalt roof already has two or more layers, all layers will have to be removed in order for the partial re-roofing to proceed. So in addition to increased labor and disposal costs, you may face the possibility of a lopsided effect at ridges, with the old roof ending up a couple of inches higher than the new one.”
Five Warning Signs You Need a New Roof
If your asphalt roof is over 25 years old, most experts agree it is time to be replaced.
Water seepage at multiple locations leaving attic, ceiling or walls water stained. Excess moisture and inadequate ventilation are also key precursors to mold growth.
Shingles that are curled, cracked or buckling along the slope of your roof indicates the shingles are past their life expectancy.
A spongy bounce when walking on your roof can signal that the underlying decking has weakened from moisture.
If you live in an area where harsh weather is common – prolonged sunlight, fallen debris, high winds and heavy rain can cause major damage, sometimes in only one season, requiring a roof replacement.
When Roof Repair May be Sufficient
Unless you are experiencing major leaks in your roof, determining whether a simple roof repair is sufficient means examining the interior and exterior for signs of moisture, rot, mold, missing shingles, and damaged flashing. Also check your roofs drainage system to eliminate any ponding caused by damaged gutters and downspouts. Many of these repairs can be DIY projects, especially with small leaks or replacing a few shingles. Work with a reputable roofing company that will not only perform minor roof repairs but many also offer a maintenance program to keep your roof in the best possible condition.
Roof Replacement in Central Ohio
Contact us to discuss your roofing needs. At Newman Roofing we offer affordable roofing solutions without sacrificing high quality workmanship. Our company is licensed, insured and bonded in the Columbus and Central Ohio area, and with over two decades of industry experience, we can assure you that our team will be the best choice for your project.
