Should I repair my roof or replace it?
It mainly depends on the age of the roof and how much of it is damaged. A problem in one area on a roof with years of life left can usually be repaired. A roof with wear across every slope, or one near the end of its expected life, is usually better off replaced. For roofs in between, an inspection of the roof and the decking helps you decide.
Where most roof leaks start
On a younger roof, leaks usually start where something passes through the roof or where two surfaces meet. Common spots include pipe boots, flashing around chimneys and walls, roof valleys and skylights.
These problems can often be repaired without replacing the whole roof. A cracked pipe boot or a section of loose flashing is a common, straightforward repair.
If the problem is in one location, a repair is usually the first thing to consider. If the whole roof is worn, a replacement may make more sense.
How the age of your roof affects the decision
A three-tab asphalt shingle roof in North Texas typically lasts around fifteen to twenty years, and architectural shingles often last longer. Heat and hail can shorten that.
On a roof near the end of its life, repairs may keep coming up in new places, and the cost of repeated repairs can add up. On a younger roof, a repair is usually the better value.
If you do not know the age of your roof, an inspection can help estimate its condition.
Why the decking matters
Under the shingles and underlayment is the roof decking, usually plywood or OSB. Decking that has been exposed to water over time can become soft and will not hold nails properly.
Decking cannot be fully seen until the old roof is removed. That is why a roof replacement can uncover decking that needs to be replaced.
Signs of decking damage can sometimes be seen from the attic, such as water stains or sagging on the underside of the roof.
Getting an inspection
The best way to decide between a repair and a replacement is to have your roof inspected. An inspection shows where the problem is and the overall condition of the roof.
RTAC Roofing Solutions inspects roofs across Denton County and sends you photos and video of what we find.
Related questions
Can I replace just one section of my roof?
Sometimes, depending on the layout of the roof. New shingles may not match older, weathered shingles on the rest of the roof.
How many repairs are too many?
If a roof keeps needing repairs in different places, it is often a sign the roof is near the end of its life.
How long will a roof repair last?
A good flashing or pipe boot repair can last for years. How long the roof lasts overall depends on the age and condition of the rest of the roof.
