How to Tell if You Need to Repair Your Roof

We tend to take our roofs for granted; after all, when they’re working as intended, we don’t need to think about them. However, even minor issues with your roof can cause all kinds of damage and disruption to your home, so it’s important to stay on top of essential maintenance and to know when to make roof repairs.

When Should You Repair Your Roof?

The average roof is built to withstand the elements for years on end – asphalt shingle roofs last on average around 20 to 25 years, with sturdier roofing materials like metal standing seam lasting as much as double that! Other factors to consider include the climate that you’re living in. A roof that’s constantly exposed to inclement weather like hail, snow and heavy rain is going to degrade faster – and require more frequent repair – than a roof in more temperate climes.

In either case, there’s a good chance that at some point, you’re going to need some repairs done in order to keep your roof healthy. For instance, think about replacing damaged or missing shingles, and keeping an eye on the state of your roof trim and fascias. This can help prevent common issues such as leaks, as well as damp and rot creeping in from the gutters. Left alone, small issues could lead to further degradation in your roof quality further down the line. It’s best to be proactive and nip any roof damage in the bud by carrying out routine roof maintenance using quality, long-lasting materials.

Do I Need to Repair or Replace my Roof?

Firstly, it’s important to assess whether any damage to the roof can be buffed out with some repairs, or whether an entirely new roof is required. We will cover the pros and cons of each approach in this section, to help you figure out whether repair or replacement is better suited to your needs.

In general, roof repairs are more than adequate to address minor issues with the roof, such as broken shingles or isolated interior leaks. They are much easier to arrange and significantly less of a time (and money) sink than a roof replacement. Timely repairs can help you keep an otherwise robust roof intact for many years to come. Consider roof repair if you know that your roof has only recently been replaced, or you have ascertained that the damage is localised to a small part of the roof. Repairing the roof can save you a lot of money on a future roof replacement.

On the other hand, a full replacement will ensure that you can sleep easy under a roof that will last for decades, or even centuries, to come. A new roof can give your property a new lease of life, while bringing it up to date with modern building codes and negating all existing problems that the old roof was posing to the property. In the long term, roof replacement can save you money on the cost of repeated roof repairs and can improve insulation.

Ultimately, the question of repair or replacement depends on the age of the roof and the durability of its material, so be certain to consider these factors when it comes to making your decision.

What Can I Do if I Can’t Afford a New Roof?

Replacing a roof is costly and time-consuming. In the UK, the average cost to homeowners of roof replacement is £5500, with costs for installation ranging from £300 to £380 per square metre of roofing. For that reason, roof replacement might not be right for you. You may have to consider other options if your budget is tight, if you don’t have those kinds of funds, or if you’re unsure that roof replacement is entirely necessary for the problem at hand.

If any of the above are the case, then roof repair is almost certainly your best bet. The average cost of a roof repair in the UK is £650, and will almost never amount to more than £1000 for a single repair job on an otherwise healthy roof. Something that looks like a structural problem at first glance could end up being simpler than you thought. In fact, some new shingles or flashing around chimneys could completely remedy the problem, preventing a lengthy and expensive roof repair. This way, you can keep your roof healthy and appealing to the eye without having to break into your piggy bank.

How to Prevent Damage to a New Roof

If you’re lucky enough to get a brand new roof installed, then it’s good to be proactive and future-proof your new roof against any potential damage. This will ensure that your roof will last for many, many years to come.

After periods of severe bad weather, make sure to inspect your roof for signs of aesthetic damage, pooling water, and wear and tear around any flashing. While this might not be a problem at present, if left unattended it can reduce the lifespan of your roof. Left unattended, you could end up paying out for further roof repairs on top of the cost of replacing the roof in the first place.

Additionally, consider investing in our high quality roof trim and fascias. Not only do they give your new roof a perfect and professional finishing touch, but they have a practical element too. Fascias help to support the lower rows of your roof tiles, and prevent moisture from reaching the rafters of your home. New fascias will mean that you’re much less likely to experience problems like a build-up of damp or rot. Our PVCu roof trim requires minimal maintenance and is likely to last for many years, making it the ideal complement to your new roof.

Why not give us a call, browse our brochure, or arrange a free home appointment and quote so that we can coordinate a style and finish that is perfect for your home?