Leaky Roof: Repair or Replace?
Home ownership comes with a myriad of responsibilities, and one of them happens to be maintenance. It can be quite expensive to embark on the home-owning journey, especially if you have a lot of renovations to do. One maintenance woe that many homeowners will deal with at one point or another is a leaky roof. However, how do you know whether to repair or replace the roof? We’re here with some information to help you realize how your roof started leaking, the effects of a leaking roof, and what your best course of action is.
Leaky Roof Causes
The most common causes of a leaking roof include damage to the shingles, clogged gutters, cracked flashing underneath the shingles, condensation inside of the attic, and damaged valley seals. Damage can occur after an episode of inclement weather with strong rain, wind, or debris flying through the air. Your roof leak could also be caused by the age of the roof itself, as every roof will endure wear and tear after a number of years.
Roof Damages
The dangers associated with roof leaks can wreak havoc on the home and those who live inside of it. A long-standing roof leak has the potential to damage insulation, wood, drywall, flooring, and electrical appliances. If a roof leak drips onto electrical wiring, it can also be a fire hazard. Many leaks end up in the attic where families store sentimental and valuable belongings. Not only can a leak cause costly structural damage, it can also invite mold into the home. This is because mold and mildew thrive in conditions with excess moisture! If a mold issue keeps growing, health issues such as respiratory irritation and intense allergy symptoms can quickly arise.
Repair or replace?
So, how do you know if it’s best to repair or replace the roof? To make the distinction, you will need to introduce a professional to the situation. If the decking or underlayment of the roof is damaged, it’s best to replace the roof instead of simply replacing shingles. While there are options to patch areas or shingle over an existing roof to save money, it’s similar to putting a piece of tape over a pipe leak. It’s better for your health, the integrity of your household, and wallet to take the steps needed to solve the problem in the most efficient way.
