How To Tell If You Need a Roof Replacement or a Simple Roof Repair

roofing companies Lincoln NE

After a certain period of use, each roof requires replacement or at least repair. The condition of the roof has a major impact on the safety of the people and the building, therefore all defects must be eliminated. If the roof does not meet the safety rules, it must be replaced altogether.

Unlike the problems inside the house that can be easily noticed, most of the time as soon as they happen, the wear and tear of the roof is not as obvious. Therefore, you must periodically perform checks and maintenance works. Specialists recommend that these operations be carried out at least once a year.

When checking the condition of the roof, you must look for leaks, broken, cracked and deformed tiles or even missing materials, signs of mold, as well as cracks in the walls. In the case of a metal roof cover, you should also look for dents and rust. Additionally, regarding the type of the roof, you must check the condition of the supporting elements, such as poles or beams; they must not be rotten, cracked or affected by pests.

How do you decide between repairing or replacing a roof?

According to some of the best roofing companies Lincoln NE has, here are 3 essential factors that will help you determine what is best in your case.

  • The age of your roof – Manufacturers offer a warranty for each of their products; roof systems and materials can be covered from 15 to 50 years, depending on their type. If a regular roof inspection reveals some defects, you can replace them; but if your roof reached the upper limit of the warranty period, the most advisable thing would be to start planning a replacement, because the repairs will probably not be efficient anymore.
  • The quality of the supporting elements – If the wooden structure of the roof is deeply affected, repairing cover elements and accessories is out of the question. You will have to replace your roof, but only after consolidating its structure.
  • The cost – in some cases, it will cost more to repair, than to replace.

There are also situations in which the replacement of the roof is obviously the right choice, for example when you want to make changes to the volumetric of the living space, or to modify the shape of your existing roof, or simply if you want a roof with a different aspect and made from more resistant materials that your existing one.

Both when replacing and repairing a roof, the quality of the materials is essential, but an equally high importance must be given to the quality of the work performed. Therefore, here are some aspects that you need to keep in mind when choosing a roofing company: the credentials (license, certifications), reputation, reviews, experience and portfolio, compliance with local building codes, compliance with safety rules, insurance and warranties.

Last but not least, the offer you receive is also important. The price will often make us opt for a certain service over another. It is normal to be interested in less expensive offers, but make sure to treat them with caution and avoid considering the price as the only criterion in choosing a roofing contractor.

About the author: Salvador Frazier