There’s a point during a roof’s lifespan where homeowners are not sure whether they need a new roof or if repairs will do. Fortunately, there are ways you can tell one from the other and as one of the leading roofing contractors in Ontario, Paragon Contracting and Renovations shares how you can tell if your roof needs repair or replacement.
Roof Inspection
Start with a visual inspection of your roof, which you can do without risk of injury. On a clear day, use a quality pair of binoculars, inspect every inch of the roof and note the following:
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Gaps between the roof edge and the first row of shingles
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Cracking, curling, or damaged shingles
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Missing shingles, particularly areas where the underlayment or roof felts are clearly visible
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Valleys, dormers and other areas that require flashing
You may also need to check the gutters and look for granules in the runoffs, which signifies an aging roof. Take a flashlight, climb into the attic and keep an eye out for the following:
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Bare wood parts like the rafters, trusses and the roof deck. If the waterproofing layer is intact, there should be no apparent water stains. Make a note if you see signs of warping or bowing.
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The insulation material on the attic floor or under the roof deck shouldn’t have any clumps, which is a sign of water intrusion.
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Attic temperature should be close to outside conditions: if the attic is too warm, or if there’s a persistent wind inside, it may have insulation problems.
Repairs Vs. Replacement
If your findings appear to be concentrated in one area, there’s a good chance that your roof will need repairs. This is especially true with not-so-obvious issues like shallow dents or the aforementioned gaps at the roof edge, indicative of wind damage. While these are relatively minor issues, we recommend having these fixed as it leaves your roof vulnerable when a storm hits, at which point your roof may need emergency roof services.
On the other hand, if the issues appear to be widespread, you will likely need a new roof. Your roof’s age is also an indication, as asphalt shingle roofs have a 20- to 30-year expected lifespan. In either case, have your roof inspected by a professional. Paragon Contracting and Renovations can assess your roof’s condition and make a proper recommendation moving forward.
To learn more about our roof replacement, repair and maintenance services, call Paragon Contracting and Renovations today at (877) 338-5551 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free quote. We serve many areas in and around Orleans, Ontario.
