Should I Repair or Replace My Brittle Roof?

Making the right decisions is important for minimizing short- and long-term expenses associated with roofing. When it comes to deciding between roof repair and roof replacement, there are some crucial questions you should ask yourself to make an informed decision.

1. How Do I Determine My Budget?

The quality, beauty, and longevity of your roof will largely depend on your budget i.e. how much money you can afford to invest in your new roof. So, at the end of the day, your budget decides what kind of roofing services would be more suitable for you. For example, if you're on a tight budget and can't afford a total roof replacement, getting high-quality roof repairs from trusted experts makes more sense.

If your roof is old and worn-out and it has already reached the end of its lifespan, a total roof replacement can save you more money and trouble in the long run.

2. How Old Is My Roof?

To make a well-informed decision regarding your roof, always make sure to consider its age and expected lifespan. Each type of roofing system comes with a specific lifespan. To know yours, look at the lifespan of popular roofs listed below

• Asphalt Shingle Roof: 15-20 years
• Metal Roof: 50 years
• Slate Roof: 100 years
• Tile Roof: 50-100 years

3. How Often Should I Perform Roofing Maintenance?

If you opt for professional inspections and maintenance at least twice a year, you can drastically reduce your repair expenses down the line and avoid complex issues like premature roofing failure.

On the other hand, neglected roofs not only need constant repairs, but their useful life is much shorter than well-maintained roofing systems for instance, if most of the shingles of your roof have become brittle due to lack of proper maintenance, you may need to replace your entire roof to get rid of your roofing issues permanently.

How to Fix My Damaged Roof?

Once you've considered the above factors, you can decide on your best course of action i.e. whether to go for roof repair or roof replacement. If, after consulting with experts, you have decided to repair your roof, the following methods can help you restore your roof to its original condition.

1. Replace the Damaged Parts

If the damage is not extensive and only a small part of your roof needs to be fixed, you can find the appropriate part and replace the damaged part. However, replacing a damaged shingle will be somewhat difficult as you must choose new shingles that match the existing color, shape, and size of the damaged material. In case, most of your roofing parts are damaged, then it is better to hire professionals roofing contractor in Fairhope AL to know your best option.

2. Glue the Corners

If the tiles or shingles of your roof have bent corners, you can fix this problem on your own if you’ve some roofing experience. All you need is a caulking gun and some roofing sealant. Simply, apply the sealant beneath the bending shingles and press the shingle down with another brick. Leave it for a day and your problem will be fixed. However, make sure to use appropriate tools to avoid causing any more harm to your roofing system.

3. Conceal Cracks

Cracks are a common sign of brittle tiles or shingles. The good news is that you can quickly fix it yourself by following the steps below.

• Apply roofing sealant or glue on the cracked parts
• Press down the tile or shingle firmly or place a heavy object on it for a few minutes
• Spread the sealant uniformly on the top of the cracked shingles
• If you wish the conceal the sealant, you can spread some granules on the sealant

For more information, contact Watkins Construction and Roofing at 251-299-8151 in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL.