Do I need to replace my roof?

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You walk out your front door and notice a shingle or two in your yard. You think, "Was there a storm?" "Are the squirrels really that vicious in this neighborhood?"

Whatever the case, unless you have experience in the industry, it's always best to consult a professional for the next steps. Herein lies a problematic situation faced in the Construction industry; when you trust a professional, you trust that their advice will always be in your best interest - unfortunately, it is often not.

Your first step on your journey to a solution is to vet and procure a licensed and reputable contractor in your area. Fortunately, the internet has become a valuable resource for these types of situations and makes scouring for a diamond in the rough that much easier. You will find one, and once you do, there are some things that you should know.

Not Every Roof Needs to Be Replaced 

Do you ever wonder why there are so many roofers in your area? It's because there's a lot of MONEY in roofing. Where there's an opportunity for money, there are opportunities for nefarious activities, including shady companies started to take your money and run. A clever tactic by these criminals is to automatically determine that with any damage, your roof should be replaced. This is not always true, and you should be aware of any potential deceit. These companies are out there, be wary of their existence. 

Every cloud has a silver lining. These companies don't last, AND they're pretty easy to spot. Be careful and keep your eye out for criminals, and you'll be just fine.

When you do find that perfect contractor, they will let you know what your unique situation is. No two roofs are the same - it's just a fact. Every component on every roof was installed with a degree of difference, making every situation completely one of a kind. Your first step once you've found your contractor is to schedule an inspection.

An inspection will consist of an on-site evaluation of the current state of your roofing system. This will outline any damage that your roof has sustained and the best solution for your home. It's important to note that not every roof needs to be fully replaced. Depending on the extent of the damage, there are many things that can be done to extend the life of your roof without replacing it. Often, a good contractor will recognize this and assist in resealing or reshingling specific areas that don't constitute a full roof replacement. This is a cost-effective way to eradicate any problems you are facing and extend the life of your roof until it is time to fully replace the roofing system.

Replacement vs. Repair

In general, a "repair" is the reparation of a specific area of concern on your roof. This could be a rotted seal around a boot or vent, missing shingles, or issues with your roof-to-wall materials, etc. A "replacement" refers to the re-roof, or full replacement of your roofing system. This includes removing all existing materials and compromised wood or decking and fully replacing the system so that is entirely new.

Some things to consider about whether your roof should be replaced or repaired:

1. How old is your existing roof?

2. Is it visibly damaged and/or showing signs of water intrusion on the inside of your home?

3. Your budget.

Once you understand the difference between the two, you should consult with a professional to show you the next steps in the process.

There are several pros and cons to both replacements and repairs, here are a few: 

Advantages of Roof Repairs

- Roof repairs are far more inexpensive than roof replacements.

- Your roof components all age differently - some may last longer than others. A repair can take care of the single failure in your roofing system without having to replace the components that aren't as affected.

Disadvantages of Roof Repairs

- Finding a qualified repair company can be the first of your problems when trying to get a roof repair. Most companies do not do repairs because of the time it takes and the low expense from the homeowner.

- Matching the shingles that are being replaced is very difficult. Over time your shingles will become discolored from the sun and other elements. It may be apparent that there was a replacement because of the difference in the color of the shingles. From an aesthetic standpoint, this could be less than ideal.

- Along with the challenge of finding a company to repair your problem, you may find it even harder to find a qualified company to take care of your repair. Shotty work can exacerbate a problem and leave your home worse than before. Repair projects take an experienced and skillful crew to complete. Don't settle for less!

Advantages of Roof Replacements

- There is no doubt that a brand new roof on the house increases the aesthetic of your home, but what about the value? Studies show that the average American roof purchase on a new asphalt shingle roof returns an average of 68 percent of the investment. 

- There is no question that a home is safest when its structural integrity is optimal. With a new roof, you are giving yourself peace of mind knowing that your home is much more durable and sustainable in a storm or other weather event. 

- Your home will look newer! A brand new roof can make even the oldest structures look modern and beautiful. You will undoubtedly have a new sense of pride in your home with a brand new roof replacement!

Disadvantages of Roof Replacements

- Be ready for the noise. It is inevitable that there will be noise... a lot of noise. To remove and replace a roof, crews must rip up the old roofing system, including rotted wood, and then replace it with new materials. This process includes hammering, nailing, sawing, and the use of other loud power tools. The good news is, it will end!

- There are some contractors that don't take as much care during the cleaning process. Your yard may be exposed to scraps of shingles and other buildings materials, nails, and metal. Always request that your contractor use a metal magnet to get all of the loose materials that could cause issues in the future. 

- Like any high-dollar expense, you will likely experience some level of stress. The idea is to limit the amount and stay focused on the positives. Soon, you'll have a brand new roof!

THINGS HAPPEN. It's not always sunshine and rainbows. A new roof can present some not-so-good circumstances; it's just important to be patient and work with your trusted contractor to make the process as painless as possible. A good contractor has systems and procedures in place to mitigate any of the disadvantages and make your project swift and easy! 

Get a Second Opinion

Last but not least, get a second opinion whenever you are determining whether or not to replace or repair your roof. Sometimes a second opinion will enlighten you to other aspects of your project that the original assessor did not account for. Sometimes you will realize that you don't need any work done at all. It's not usually because a contractor is trying to rip you off; there are just many variables that go into a formulated opinion. The more informed you are, the better decision you will be able to make.

In Summation

1. Be careful about who you choose to handle your project - use your resources.

2. Understand what the professionals are telling you.

3. Weigh your options.

4. There's no harm in asking for a second opinion. 

The NexGen Difference

At NexGen Restoration & Roofing, we ensure that every homeowner is as informed as we are so that their decision to replace or repair their roof is a sound decision. It is our priority to give you an experience that you will be happy with. Call us today for a free inspection or advice on your next home project!

For questions, you can reach us by phone at (904) 802-7150 or send an email to info@nexgenfl.com.