Replacing a roof is a large expense that no one wants to do until they have to. The question is “Can I get by with repairs or is a replacement my best option? In this episode of Tucson Roofing tips, we will attempt to answer that question.
First we start with the obvious – is the roof leaking in a single, isolated area? If so, a repair might be all that’s needed. Does the roof show any signs of visible damage at or near the area where the leak is? Things like missing or broken shingles, nails that might have protruded through the roof, or creacked seals at flashings around vents and fireplaces may be trouble spots that can easily be repaired.
However, if the roof is showing signs of aging, repairs may only be a bandaid on a problem that will only get worse. Asphalt shingles have the lowest life expectancy of the roofing solutions for a pitched roof. With the intense sun we get in Arizona, the asphalt shingles won’t last as long they will in other parts of the country. There are various grades of asphalt shingles and their lifespan ranges from 10 – 30 years.
Signs that it’s time to bite the bullet and replace those asphalt shingles are things like curling or buckling shingles, granules in the gutters and downspouts and obviously, multiple leaks when it rains. To be sure, have an inspection done by a reputable roofing contractor.
Tile and slate roofs can last 50+ years but the felt underlayment will need replacing before that. Usually, the felt will need replacing after 15 – 20 years.
It’s always a good practice to have your roof inspected periodically. A good roofing contractor can spot signs of wear that can extend the life of a roof.
Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, helps their customers make the right decision when it comes to repairing or replacing their roof.
