In many cases, the decision to repair or replace a roof is straightforward. Repair is frequently the best option if a single, isolated leak is discovered that affects only a small portion of your roof; if old age has taken its toll on your complete roof, replacement is the obvious decision.
Unfortunately, deciding between roof repair and roof replacement is not always an easy decision. In many circumstances, the best option is determined not only by the extent of the damage, but also by the type of roofing material used.
The following information about typical roofing material options is provided to assist you in determining if repair or replacement is the best option for you once damage occurs:
Safety Comes First With Roof Repair Or Replacement
A stepladder, scaffolding, or shingle lift would be useful. You should probably know how to get up and off the roof in the simplest and most cost-effective method possible, unless you have exceptional jumping talents.
Consider renting a scaffold or shingle lift ladder for easier and safer access to homes with more than one story, or pay the shingle provider to put the shingles onto the roof for you as an alternative option.
Each alternative will save you both time and the risk of damage. Before loading the shingles, you should make sure to replace any damaged wood decking with new decking and then cover the old decking with felt paper or ice and water barriers.
A Helper Or Two.
When climbing the ladder and carrying around heavy material, having a trusted companion makes the work go more quickly and provides an additional layer of physical safety.
Fall Protection Kit.
If you need to get up on the roof to repair shingles, clear your gutters, or check for soft spots after a storm, you should make an investment in fall protection equipment. Fall protection systems typically consist of a safety harness, a rope lifeline, a shock-absorbing lanyard, and an anchor for the roof that may be reused.
Two-by-four Lumber Strips.
After securing yourself in a fall safety harness, you will be able to wander around on the roof without risking your life. If you choose not to use a harness, nail a few braces made of two-by-fours along the edge of the roof so that you can keep your footing while you work.
Considering that as you travel across the surface of the roof, you will need to lift up the bracing and re-nail them, purchasing a fall protection kit will save you time and energy.
Common Roofing Material Choices
Asphalt, metal, slate, tile, and wood are the five types of roofing materials that are most frequently used for residential buildings.
When damage does occur, each of these materials has the ability to be either fixed or replaced. Nevertheless, their traits and life expectancy will play a significant part in determining the path that is least expensive for you to choose.
- Asphalt shingles are without a doubt the most common type of roofing material used in the United States. Asphalt shingles are one of the solutions that are available, but they are also one of the least durable choices due to their low cost, dependability, and ease of installation.
- The use of wood for roofing is not nearly as common as it was decades ago. Wood roofing materials are more expensive than asphalt and require more upkeep than the vast majority of other roofing materials, despite the fact that the beautiful appeal of wood roofing is unparalleled.
- As a choice for roofing material, metal is quickly becoming more popular. In spite of the fact that older metal roofing was justly accused of being noisy during rain showers, susceptible to rust, and a poor insulator, modern metal roofing provides homeowners with an outstanding mix of price and durability.
- In some parts of the country, tile roofing is an exceptionally common roofing material choice. The installation of tile roofing, which is both quite expensive and very long-lasting, is an investment that will not only make your property more appealing but will also improve its worth.
- The use of slate as a roofing material is virtually unrivalled in terms of quality and durability. Slate is a material that the majority of homeowners find to be cost-prohibitive because of its extremely high price tag, despite the fact that it has been known to last for more than one hundred years. Its appearance isn't for everyone, and despite the fact that it has been known to last for that long, it isn't for everyone.
Constructional Shingles
Creating a composition or composing There is a wide range of roofing materials available, but asphalt shingles are among the most popular and easily accessible choices. Composition shingles are made up of three parts: asphalt, mineral granules, and a backing substance (such fibreglass or cellulose). Although they last longer than many other roofing options, their price tag is often higher.
Roofing Shingles Made of Metal
Metal shingles can be purchased in a number of different metals, including as steel, aluminium, and copper. It's also obtainable in a wide array of forms, like as sheets and tiles. Shingles made of metal have a smooth exterior, but if you don't like that look, you may go for stone-coated steel roofing, which mimics the look of asphalt shingles while offering the lifespan and resilience of metal. Below are some resources you can explore if you want to find out more.
Wooden Roofing Slats
Wood shingles are typically produced from cypress, pine, western red cedar, or redwood. They're a great choice for steeper-pitched roofs and look great doing it. The disadvantage is that it is easily destroyed by fire and insects. Even while wooden roofs can be treated to some degree as a fire retardant, they are not totally fireproof, and their fire-resistance properties degrade with age.
Drip edge made of aluminium. This product allows water to freely run off the edge of the roof without damaging the fascia board when put properly close to the edge of the roof.
Flashing
A flashing is a strip of metal that is installed underneath the siding and the shingles at the point where the horizontal or sloped part of a roof meets the vertical part of a home. Flashing prevents water from getting in. It makes it easier for the water to flow freely towards the edge of the roof and off of it. In the event that the flashing is not installed, water will seep through the shingles and eventually damage the wood that lies underneath.
Plywood Or Osb
The easiest way to assess whether or not you will need to replace any rotting or damaged wood is to inspect the deck from the attic and walk on the roof to check for soft patches. This will allow you to locate any weak spots in the deck.
Underlayment
Historically, roofers and homeowners have used a barrier made of felt paper in between the wood sheathing and the shingles on their roofs. When the shingles are put onto the roof, ice and water shields are said to give superior protection than other types of roofing materials because the rubberized asphalt seals the shaft of the nail. Because of this, water and ice are unable to penetrate to the wood below. It is possible for there to be a leak if water or ice breaks through the felt paper.
Coverings made of slate
As one of the few roofing materials made entirely from natural stone, slate has an exceptionally long lifespan. It is easily distinguished from similar products on the market and comes in a wide range of slate colours, making it a flexible choice for usage in homes of all styles and sizes. However, a slate roof is quite heavy, so you'll need to reinforce the frameworks that hold up your roof. Furthermore, slate is among the most expensive roofing materials that can be purchased.
Roof Tile Made Of Clay Or Concrete
To make roof tiles that aren't metal or composite, the most popular materials are clay and concrete. Because of their lengthy service life, they are widely popular; nonetheless, their extreme heaviness disqualifies them from usage in many homes.
Roofing tiles composed of clay or concrete are heavy, so you need to make sure your roof can handle the extra load. Clay tiles tend to be more expensive than their concrete and adobe equivalents, although all types of tile are more expensive than alternative roofing options.
Roof Decking
The structure of your roof is made up of decking, which consists of boards made of wood. On these boards, your shingles and other components will be put, along with any other necessary components.
It is possible that the decking of your roof may need to be replaced if you decide to have a new roof. Unfortunately, your roofing contractor won't be able to tell if it has to be replaced until they finish pulling up your existing roof and inspecting the underlying structure.
If they uncover any rotting boards, your roofing contractor will need to replace those boards before they can begin installing your roofing components. If they do not locate any rotten boards, they will continue with the installation. If, on the other hand, your decking's integrity is deemed to be good by your contractor, then your deck can manage the weight of your new asphalt roof.
Roof Flashing
Flashing is a piece of metal that is attached to your roof in areas where your shingles come into contact with other surfaces, such as walls, chimneys, or open valleys.
When you receive a new asphalt roof, your flashing might not need to be replaced as well as it normally would.
In the event that your flashing has not become corroded and the structural integrity of the metal has not been compromised, then it will not be necessary to repair it. However, if it is damaged, corroded, or if you are upgrading from a 3-tab asphalt shingle to a dimensional asphalt shingle, then you will need to repair the roof flashing on your roof.
Underlayment
Underlayment is a material that is applied over your decking and can be felt (15 lb, 30 lb, or synthetic) and is used to provide additional protection.
As a result of this, it is an essential component of your roof. Your roof replacement must entail installing brand new underlayment, so plan accordingly.
Be aware that the underlayment of your roof system is the very last line of defence that your decking has against the elements. Consequently, it is essential to make an investment in the very best roofing components that money can buy.
Drip Edge
A drip edge is a metal flashing that is set at the edges of the roof. Its purpose is to help manage the flow of water away from your fascia and other components of your roofing system.
When installing a new asphalt roof, the drip edge must be updated at the same time. It is required to be shown on the top of your roof. It is possible that you will fail a home inspection if it is not installed in accordance with the applicable codes.
For instance, if you employ a contractor who takes shortcuts and doesn't instal your drip edge, you'll have to correct it before you can even consider putting your property up for sale. This is because a buyer might be concerned about water damage.
Ice And Water Shield
Roof valleys are an essential component in ensuring that water continues to go in the desired direction down the slope of a roof. Because of this, they require something that can shield them from the steady stream of water that comes their way whenever it rains.
The ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane that is installed on your roof to protect it from damage caused by ice and water.
When you receive a new roof, you will need to make sure that new ice and water shields are installed in the valleys of the roof as well as around any roof penetrations. Through routine roof maintenance, you should make sure that your valleys are free of any debris at all times.
If you don't do that, water will run over your shingles or saturate the shield down to the decking, which will cause leaks in your roof.
Asphalt Shingles
The part of your roof that is exposed to the elements is known as the cap layer, and it is covered with shingles. Because of this, the typical item that comes to people's minds when they consider replacing their roof is their shingles.
This indicates that the replacement of your shingles will also take place. Please be advised that the shingles on your roof need to be installed using the appropriate roofing techniques.
When you are covering over an existing roof, use architectural shingles instead of 3-tab shingles to conceal any low or high places that were caused by the previous roof. If you have already installed two layers of shingles on your home, the local building codes will not let you to instal a new layer of shingles on top of the existing ones.
Ensure that you purchase some starter shingles. It has been suggested that these shingles, which have been particularly developed, should be installed along the eaves or margins of the roof in order to deter water runoff from reaching the fascia.
Ridge Capping
Ridge capping is the trim that is added at the peak of a roof, at the intersection of the two slopes that make up the roof. They are pre-bent and more substantial than standard shingles, allowing them to conform to the contours of your roof's ridges.
During the replacement of a roof, the ridge capping must also be replaced. Be careful that in an effort to save costs, some roofing contractors will try to use 3-tab asphalt shingles as ridge capping.
They were not intended to be used in this manner and have the potential to result in a typical roof leak. It would be helpful if you constantly reviewed the quote for your roofing project with your roofing contractor to make sure that you are getting true ridge capping.
Roof Vents
If you do not have adequate ventilation in your attic, the hot and cold air that is trapped there will drastically reduce the lifespan of your roof. The roof vents that you have installed are there to prevent something like this from occuring by ensuring that your attic has adequate ventilation.
This indicates that the replacement of your roof will also include the roof vents. After that, the choice of whether you want to continue utilising the same sort of vents or if you want to acquire a new type is entirely up to you.
Pipe Boots
To prevent water from entering your home through the pipes located on your roof, you should cover them. The use of pipe boots is highly recommended in this situation.
To keep water from leaking via roof penetrations, you can instal a pipe boot, which is a boot made of synthetic rubber. When you have a new asphalt roof, you are required to have them changed.
Be on the lookout, because a roofing contractor cites damaged pipe boots as one of the most common causes of leaks. As a result, it is absolutely necessary to do routine roof maintenance that includes an inspection of your pipe boots.
Other Things To Know About Roof Replacement Materials
Energy-Efficient Materials
When selecting the appropriate roofing material for your new roof, one of the most crucial considerations to give attention to is the level of energy efficiency it offers. Energy-efficient roofing, commonly referred to as "cool roofing," can provide you with monetary savings in addition to environmental advantages.
Your home will naturally stay cooler and your energy bills will be lower if you instal roofing that is energy-efficient since it helps to deflect the sun's energy, which in turn helps to minimise the cooling needs of your home.
Repair Vs. Replacement For Different Roofing Material Options
To reiterate, certain types of roofing materials are more suitable candidates for repair than others. Replacement is not typically recommended when dealing with slate and tile. If your slate or tile roof is less than seventy years old, there is a strong chance that even substantial repairs will be a better investment than building a whole new roof on your home. This is because slate and tile roofs tend to last longer than asphalt shingles.
On the other hand, if a wooden roof has deteriorated to the point that it needs substantial repairs or has gone into disrepair, the best solution might not only be to replace it but also to replace it with a roof made of a different material.
The use of wood for roofing has fallen out of favour for a very good reason, despite the fact that many homeowners believe the low life expectancy and high maintenance requirements of wood roofing are an acceptable trade-off for its aesthetic. If the passage of time has taken its toll on your wooden roof, you should (at the very least) take a look at the cost and performance of other roofing material choices that are more durable before you choose to go with wood again.
Those who are in the know cannot sing the praises of contemporary metal roofing systems loudly enough. Metal roofing will almost never need to be repaired throughout the course of its extraordinarily long lifetime (unlike tile and slate that, while characterised by the longest life spans in the roofing world, are also brittle, often leading to many smaller repairs over their lifetimes).
If your metal roof is old enough to have reached the point where it requires repair on a regular basis, the likelihood is that it has already served its purpose for several decades and has to be retired and replaced. If an impact causes damage to a metal roof, there is a strong chance that the damage may be repaired completely, and there is also a good chance that the roof as a whole will continue to operate well for many years into the future.
When it comes to determining whether or not replacement or repair is the better option, asphalt is likely the most challenging material to work with.
Asphalt can, in fact, be repaired multiple times, but it is also true that, in comparison to other roofing materials, it is likely to deteriorate at a far faster rate over time. However, the most significant advantage of an asphalt roof is the low cost of maintenance and replacement. In fact, the expense of installing an asphalt roof can be reduced to the level where it is comparable to the expense of installing any other type of roofing material just once.
An independent roofing inspector is your best friend in situations where your asphalt roof has been damaged or is ageing. Not only will they be able to provide you with sound, objective guidance on what preventative actions can be taken to lengthen the life of your roof, but they will also be able to provide you with sound, objective guidance on whether replacement or repair is the better decision for you to make in this situation.
Tips For Do-it-yourself Roofers
- Replace any nails that are missing and fix any gaps. Caulk or sealant should be applied over the nail to prevent it from coming loose and allowing water to enter the space.
- Don't overlook the importance of venting your roof, and double check that it has the appropriate quantity of insulation. If you do not have the necessary expertise, you should pay a professional. Any manufacturer's warranty is null and void if the roof does not have enough ventilation.
Conclusion
Choosing between roof repair and replacement is not always an easy decision. Repair is frequently the best option if a single, isolated leak affects only a small portion of your roof. If old age has taken its toll on your complete roof, replacement is the obvious decision. Asphalt, metal, slate, tile, and wood are the five types of roofing materials that are most frequently used for residential buildings. Purchasing a fall protection kit will save you time and energy in the event of any damage to your roof or siding.
There is a wide range of roofing materials available, but asphalt shingles are among the most popular and easily accessible choices. Shingles made of metal have a smooth exterior, but if you don't like that look, you may go for stone-coated steel roofing. Historically, roofers have used a barrier made of felt paper in between the wood sheathing and the shingles on their roofs. Slate is one of the few roofing materials made entirely from natural stone. Clay tiles tend to be more expensive than their concrete and adobe equivalents.
Roof Flashing is a piece of metal that is attached to your roof in areas where your shingles come into contact with other surfaces, such as walls, chimneys, or open valleys. When installing a new asphalt roof, the drip edge must be updated at the same time. When you receive a new roof, you will need to make sure that new ice and water shields are installed in the valleys of the roof as well as around any roof penetrations. The shingles on your roof need to be installed using the appropriate roofing techniques. If you do not have adequate ventilation in your attic, the hot and cold air that is trapped there will drastically reduce the lifespan of your roof.
To prevent water from entering your home through the pipes located on your roof, you should cover them with pipe boots. Replacement is not typically recommended when dealing with slate and tile. If an impact causes damage to a metal roof, there is a strong chance that the damage may be repaired completely. Metal roofing will almost never need to be repaired throughout the course of its extraordinarily long lifetime. Asphalt can, in fact, be repaired multiple times, but it is also true that, in comparison to other roofing materials, it is likely to deteriorate at a far faster rate over time. The most significant advantage of an asphalt roof is the low cost of maintenance and replacement.
Content Summary
- In many cases, the decision to repair or replace a roof is straightforward.
- Unfortunately, deciding between roof repair and roof replacement is not always an easy decision.
- In many circumstances, the best option is determined not only by the extent of the damage, but also by the type of roofing material used.
- The following information about typical roofing material options is provided to assist you in determining if repair or replacement is the best option for you once damage occurs:Safety Comes First With Roof Repair Or ReplacementA stepladder, scaffolding, or shingle lift would be useful.
- Fall Protection Kit.
- If you need to get up on the roof to repair shingles, clear your gutters, or check for soft spots after a storm, you should make an investment in fall protection equipment.
- After securing yourself in a fall safety harness, you will be able to wander around on the roof without risking your life.
- Considering that as you travel across the surface of the roof, you will need to lift up the bracing and re-nail them, purchasing a fall protection kit will save you time and energy.
- Common Roofing Material ChoicesAsphalt, metal, slate, tile, and wood are the five types of roofing materials that are most frequently used for residential buildings.
- Asphalt shingles are without a doubt the most common type of roofing material used in the United States.
- As a choice for roofing material, metal is quickly becoming more popular.
- In some parts of the country, tile roofing is an exceptionally common roofing material choice.
- The use of slate as a roofing material is virtually unrivalled in terms of quality and durability.
- Constructional Shingles
- Creating a composition or composing There is a wide range of roofing materials available, but asphalt shingles are among the most popular and easily accessible choices.
- FlashingA flashing is a strip of metal that is installed underneath the siding and the shingles at the point where the horizontal or sloped part of a roof meets the vertical part of a home.
- Plywood Or OsbThe easiest way to assess whether or not you will need to replace any rotting or damaged wood is to inspect the deck from the attic and walk on the roof to check for soft patches.
- Historically, roofers and homeowners have used a barrier made of felt paper in between the wood sheathing and the shingles on their roofs.
- When the shingles are put onto the roof, ice and water shields are said to give superior protection than other types of roofing materials because the rubberized asphalt seals the shaft of the nail.
- It is possible for there to be a leak if water or ice breaks through the felt paper.
- However, a slate roof is quite heavy, so you'll need to reinforce the frameworks that hold up your roof.
- Furthermore, slate is among the most expensive roofing materials that can be purchased.
- Roof Tile Made Of Clay Or ConcreteTo make roof tiles that aren't metal or composite, the most popular materials are clay and concrete.
- Roofing tiles composed of clay or concrete are heavy, so you need to make sure your roof can handle the extra load.
- Roof DeckingThe structure of your roof is made up of decking, which consists of boards made of wood.
- It is possible that the decking of your roof may need to be replaced if you decide to have a new roof.
- If they uncover any rotting boards, your roofing contractor will need to replace those boards before they can begin installing your roofing components.
- If they do not locate any rotten boards, they will continue with the installation.
- If, on the other hand, your decking's integrity is deemed to be good by your contractor, then your deck can manage the weight of your new asphalt roof.
- Your roof replacement must entail installing brand new underlayment, so plan accordingly.
- Be aware that the underlayment of your roof system is the very last line of defence that your decking has against the elements.
- Consequently, it is essential to make an investment in the very best roofing components that money can buy.
- Drip EdgeA drip edge is a metal flashing that is set at the edges of the roof.
- When installing a new asphalt roof, the drip edge must be updated at the same time.
- The ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane that is installed on your roof to protect it from damage caused by ice and water.
- When you receive a new roof, you will need to make sure that new ice and water shields are installed in the valleys of the roof as well as around any roof penetrations.
- Asphalt ShinglesThe part of your roof that is exposed to the elements is known as the cap layer, and it is covered with shingles.
- This indicates that the replacement of your shingles will also take place.
- Please be advised that the shingles on your roof need to be installed using the appropriate roofing techniques.
- Ensure that you purchase some starter shingles.
- Roof VentsIf you do not have adequate ventilation in your attic, the hot and cold air that is trapped there will drastically reduce the lifespan of your roof.
- The roof vents that you have installed are there to prevent something like this from occuring by ensuring that your attic has adequate ventilation.
- This indicates that the replacement of your roof will also include the roof vents.
- After that, the choice of whether you want to continue utilising the same sort of vents or if you want to acquire a new type is entirely up to you.
- The use of pipe boots is highly recommended in this situation.
- Be on the lookout, because a roofing contractor cites damaged pipe boots as one of the most common causes of leaks.
- As a result, it is absolutely necessary to do routine roof maintenance that includes an inspection of your pipe boots.
- Other Things To Know About Roof Replacement Materials Energy-Efficient MaterialsWhen selecting the appropriate roofing material for your new roof, one of the most crucial considerations to give attention to is the level of energy efficiency it offers.
- Energy-efficient roofing, commonly referred to as "cool roofing," can provide you with monetary savings in addition to environmental advantages.
- Replacement For Different Roofing Material Options
- To reiterate, certain types of roofing materials are more suitable candidates for repair than others.
- Replacement is not typically recommended when dealing with slate and tile.
- This is because slate and tile roofs tend to last longer than asphalt shingles.
- On the other hand, if a wooden roof has deteriorated to the point that it needs substantial repairs or has gone into disrepair, the best solution might not only be to replace it but also to replace it with a roof made of a different material.
- The use of wood for roofing has fallen out of favour for a very good reason, despite the fact that many homeowners believe the low life expectancy and high maintenance requirements of wood roofing are an acceptable trade-off for its aesthetic.
- If the passage of time has taken its toll on your wooden roof, you should (at the very least) take a look at the cost and performance of other roofing material choices that are more durable before you choose to go with wood again.
- Those who are in the know cannot sing the praises of contemporary metal roofing systems loudly enough.
- When it comes to determining whether or not replacement or repair is the better option, asphalt is likely the most challenging material to work with.
- However, the most significant advantage of an asphalt roof is the low cost of maintenance and replacement.
- In fact, the expense of installing an asphalt roof can be reduced to the level where it is comparable to the expense of installing any other type of roofing material just once.
- An independent roofing inspector is your best friend in situations where your asphalt roof has been damaged or is ageing.
- ConclusionIt is essential to keep in mind that there is a wide variety of roofing material at one's disposal for making repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Repair
For residences, the five most common roofing material options are asphalt, metal, slate, tile, and wood. Each of these materials can be either repaired or replaced when damage occurs. Still, their characteristics and life expectancy will play a huge role in the most cost-effective route for you!
Top 5 Roofing Materials
- Composite/Asphalt Shingles.
- Wood Shingles.
- Metal Roofing.
- Clay Tiles.
- Slate.
Below you'll find the steps your roofing contractor takes to replace your roof.
- Roofing materials will get delivered to your home.
- Moving your vehicles out of the way.
- Your old roof will be torn off.
- Your gutters will be cleaned out.
- Your contractor starts installing your roofing materials.
- Cleaning up after the replacement.
- Wood shakes and shingles for 15 to 20 years.
- Asphalt shingles: 10 to 30 years.
- Metal/steel: 50+ years.
- Slate: 50+ years.
- Tile and concrete: 50+ years.
- Foam: 25+ years.
- Built-Up roofs: 25-30 years.
- Single-Ply: 30+ years.
Asphalt
Asphalt is the cheapest of all roofing materials in the market and will last you between 15 to 30 years. This is the best option for homeowners facing budgetary constraints. It is also widely available and comes in a variety of colours.