Your roof isn’t just an architectural feature; it is a protective barrier that keeps you, your family, and your possessions safe from the sun, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. But over time, your roof can become worn or damaged, resulting in missing, cracked, or curled shingles; leaks; and rot and mold problems. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consider whether you should repair or replace your roof.
While giving your home a fresh coat of paint or installing new cabinet hardware can be relatively easy, it is more complicated to determine whether you should repair or replace your roof. It’s important to know what the process of repairing or replacing your roof involves so that you can make an informed decision that ensures the safety of your belongings and protects your investment.
Roof repair and replacement both involve removing your old roofing https://www.lancasterroofingtx.com/roof-replacement-cost-flower-mound-pricing-guide materials, but they differ in several ways. Roof repairs only address damage in specific areas of the roof, whereas replacing your whole roof can be more cost-effective and allow you to choose a material that better suits your property.
In addition to removing the old shingles, a roof replacement includes replacing the underlayment, which is a layer of felt paper or synthetic sheets that protects your roof from moisture. It’s placed over the sheathing or decking, which is the flat surface made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) that lies on the rafters. In cold climates, a roofer might also recommend applying an ice dam protection membrane in the valleys of your roof to help prevent water from backing up under melting ice and damaging your sheathing.
Measuring the size of your roof is one of the first steps in figuring out the costs of a new roof, and it’s important to do it correctly to get an accurate estimate. A professional will take several measurements with a tape measure and level to find the square footage of your roof. To avoid making mistakes, try to stay on the rafter and advance the tape measure at an angle towards the peak, rather than walking along it straight.
During the recovering process, a roofer won’t be able to inspect the underlying layers of your roof, so re-roofing isn’t a good option if your roof has extensive or concealed damage.
While repairing or replacing your roof can seem like a major undertaking, it’s an essential part of protecting your property and the people you care about. It’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced roofer to ensure that your roof is in optimum condition. By doing so, you can ensure that your investment is protected for years to come.