Not every leak means you need a new roof. Plenty of roofs in Vernon, Rapides and Natchitoches parishes have years left in them and just need a pipe boot, a flashing rebuild or a few shingles replaced. Others have had three repairs in two years and are telling you something.
These are the questions we work through with homeowners before recommending one or the other.
How old is the roof?
Age is the starting point, not the whole answer. A younger roof with a single problem is almost always a repair. A roof near the end of its expected life, especially builder-grade three-tab shingles, is often a candidate for replacement even if the leak itself is small.
Is it one problem or many?
One leak at one pipe boot is a repair. Leaks at the boots, a valley and the chimney at the same time usually mean the whole roof is aging out, and repairing each spot gets expensive fast.
What does the decking feel like?
Soft or spongy spots underfoot mean water has been getting into the wood for a while. A small soft area can be repaired with the shingles around it. Widespread soft decking usually means replacement.
How do the shingles look up close?
Heavy granule loss, curling or cupped edges, cracked tabs and brittle shingles that break when lifted are signs of a roof near the end. Repairs on brittle shingles are harder to do well, because the surrounding shingles crack when they are lifted.
What are your plans for the house?
If you are selling soon, a buyer's inspector will flag an old roof. If you are staying for the long run, putting repair money into a roof that is nearly done often makes less sense than replacing it. Some insurance carriers also ask about roof age and condition at renewal, so it is worth asking your agent.
When a repair usually makes sense
- The roof is relatively young and in good shape overall
- The leak traces to one spot: a boot, a vent, a flashing or a few shingles
- The decking is solid
- Matching shingles are still available
When replacement usually makes sense
- Multiple leaks or repeated repairs in the last few years
- Widespread granule loss, curling or brittle shingles
- Soft decking in more than one area
- Storm damage across several slopes
- The roof is near the end of its expected life
The bottom line
We will tell you honestly if your roof is worth repairing. You get photos and a free written estimate with your options.
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