A leak doesn't automatically mean a new roof. Here's how roofers decide between a repair and a replacement.
Usually a repair
- A young or middle-aged roof with a few missing or damaged shingles after a storm
- A leak at one chimney, skylight, vent or wall where the flashing has failed
- A cracked plumbing vent boot
- Minor damage from a fallen branch
Usually a replacement
- Age. Shingles past 20 to 25 years are near the end, especially on south-facing slopes.
- Curling and cupping. Edges turned up or middles sunk, from heat and age.
- Granule loss. Bald patches, and granules collecting in the eavestroughs.
- Leaks in more than one place. A sign the whole roof is failing, not one spot.
- Sagging. A dip in the roof line can mean rotten sheathing or structural trouble.
- Daylight in the attic through the roof boards.
The cost of waiting
Patching an old roof again and again often costs more than it saves, and every leak risks soaked insulation, mould and damaged ceilings. If a roof is near the end, a replacement on your schedule is better than an emergency in January.
Get it looked at
A good roofer will tell you honestly if a repair will buy you a few more years. Send the form at the top of this page and we'll connect you with one for a repair or a replacement quote.