Deciding When To Replace A Roof
A roof is one of the most important parts of any structure. It is the primary shield against weather and water and is responsible for the protection of all the valuables beneath it. A failure in the roof structure can quickly, and often silently, compromise the rest of the building, causing damage to ceilings, walls, the rest of the interior and even the foundation. Roof failure is most often a slow and unremarkable process that homeowners can easily overlook. Inspections done by a Middletown roofing contractor will be important throughout the life of a roof. After inspection, the contractor can recommend any needed repairs.
As a roof ages, making repairs becomes increasingly costly and less effective. Since a roof is the most weathered part of a structure, it is usually one of the first parts to need total replacement. A professional can help a homeowner determine how salvageable the current roof is and make the important choice between repair, recovering or total replacement.
Recovering is usually the less expensive roof restoration option, but it is not always appropriate. Recovering has a tendency to lead to earlier failure in the new roofing layers.
While it may save some money up front, it usually ends up costing more in the long run because more repairs and replacement will be needed sooner.
If a roof is beyond repair, the best option is usually to replace it entirely. This means removing all of the old roof material and essentially building a new roof. It is important to note that the timing of a total replacement should be considered carefully. The building will be vulnerable during the process, which can take several weeks depending on the size of the project, and should not be done during times of inclement weather. A family may also want to find alternative living arrangements during construction.
Roofs that have been at the edge of failure for several years have probably developed leaks and other problems. Water intrusion is the leading cause of damage to lower layers of roofing that wouldn’t normally need replacement. Once this damage has occurred, replacing the entire roof is the only effective remedy. Attempting to recover a roof that has water damage and mold or rot growth in the under layers is only going to compound the problem.
Despite the added cost of total replacement, it is the most effective method of roof restoration. A homeowner can be confident that the new roof won’t continue to be a source of aggravation and problems. Have a question regarding gutters or skylight installations? Ask a professional from Fortified Roofing, Middletown roofers.
Term explained by roofing contractor Fortified Roofing, Middletown roofers:
Recovering
Recovering is a roof restoration method that attempts to save money and time by putting new layers of roofing material over the top of existing layers. If done properly, this can squeeze more life out of an old roof without the expense of total replacement.
Middletown roofers FAQ:
How long do most roofs last?
Maintenance and roofing material are the keys to roof longevity. Consistent annual maintenance can greatly extend the longevity of many roofs. By contrast, ignoring the roof year after year can dramatically shorten its expected lifespan. The roofing material plays a major role in the longevity of the roof as well. Less expensive materials like asphalt or wood tend to fail first, lasting about 20 to 25 years on average. The most expensive materials, like metal or slate, can last a lifetime or longer.
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