Roof repair is an important aspect of roof maintenance. The tiles, shingles, or sheets of the roof are subject to wear and tear as they receive maximum exposure to the various elements of nature. Even with regular roof maintenance, there will be minor problem fixes. However, all roofing materials come with a shelf life. For instance, shingles have a life of 15-20 years, whereas metal roofing will last 35-40 years, and wood roof will last for 20-25 years. After this period, a well-maintained roof’s life may be stretched for 5 more years at the most, before the roof must be replaced.
Roof repair and restoration
The entire roof is not torn down during roof repair and restoration, but minor issues are fixed to prolong its life. It is less evasive and expensive than complete or partial roofing. To determine if the roof requires repair or replacement, a thorough roof inspection must be done. During the roof inspection problem areas are spotted such as broken or loose tiles or shingles, cracked sheets, or damaged metal sheets. The proper documentation of annual roof maintenance has to be handy and the last roof inspection must not have been carried out more than 6 months since the last repair and restoration.
Roof repair in Dallas is passed when the overall condition of the roof is good, without any moisture or decay. All leaks are permanently fixed and missing or cracked and damaged flashings are also fixed. The core sample of the deck and the insulation is checked to determine their condition. There should be no traces of moisture in these areas. Roofs that are up for restoration will have at least two layers of roofing material because the stripping and replacing would be more expensive compared to stripping one layer or layering one set of shingles atop another. Roof repair and restoration will add very little weight to the roof and can be performed without stripping the shingles.
Roof replacement
Roofs that are beyond repair and restoration must be restored. Roof replacement involves stripping all the shingles from the roof, then replacing the underlayment and the shingles, and then layering on a new set of shingles atop the first. If a roof has many documented problems leading to multiple leaks, moss, or lichen growth, it indicates decay from moisture accumulated on the deck or insulation loss beneath the roof. In such circumstances, the roof has to be replaced.
When to repair the roof and when to replace it?
Roof repair and restoration is a less expensive option than roof replacement. However, roof repair and replacement are not an alternative for all types of roofs. In very rare cases asphalt and metal roofs can be repaired, but that is only if they meet certain criteria first. After a roof inspection in Dallas, the licensed inspector will give you a recommendation if the roof must be replaced, and when would be the best time to carry out the work.
The roof inspector will suggest whether you need a roof repair or replacement after studying the conditions of the room. If there has been a storm, a lot of debris is accumulated on the roof, or there is water pooling or dampness in parts of the roof, the roof inspector may use a thermal camera to study the roof health under the sheets and shingles. If they feel the damage is deep, then they will advise roof replacement. They may advise partial or complete roof replacements depending on the extent of the damage.
Is it better to replace the roof?
In most circumstances, it is unnecessary to replace the entire roof. Replacing individual tiles, or sheets is adequate. If the underlying mat is damaged and the roof looks like it is on the verge of collapse, then it is better to replace it. You will be able to easily judge the roof condition from a cursory inspection.
Roof repair in Dallas is generally recommended in the summers as there is snow and rain in the other seasons. It will take time for the new roof to adhere and become functional to withstand the weather. Whatever the roof needs, ensure that it gets the best treatment as the life of the house depends on the roof’s health.