Should I repair or replace roof shingles? With the right expertise, it is possible to answer this question with confidence. However, you need to fully trust the roofing company you are working with. The wrong guidance could either lead to delayed roofing solutions or unnecessary repairs.
When the time comes for you to repair or replace roof shingles, you want an accurate assessment of both the type of damage and the extent of the damage.
Signs of Roof Damage
It is always important to start with a thorough evaluation by a certified roof inspector. While minor repairs to small areas will prolong the life of your roof, money spent on major repairs is often better invested in a new roof.
Let’s look at some of the signs of damage that will help you decide whether you should repair or replace your roof.
Cracked shingles
Homeowners in the Tri-state area see some extreme weather conditions. Their roofs are routinely assaulted by blistering summer heat and Arctic cold. Roofs in the area must also survive wind-blown rain, large hail and heavy snow/ice accumulations.
The force of a strong wind is amazing. Sometimes, the nails and adhesive that hold shingles in place are no match for extreme winds. Also, the force of water freezing and expanding may work shingles loose to the point that they crack. The freeze-thaw cycle may also cause tiny cracks to expand until they are large enough to allow water into the sub-roofing.
Missing shingles
Once nails come loose or adhesive strips lose their grip, high winds may peel shingles back to the point that they blow away. Since it is not always easy to see missing shingles from ground level, it is best to have a certified roof inspector examine your roof system once or twice a year.
Every time a shingle goes missing, your roof becomes more susceptible to water infiltration. When the felt or underlayment under your shingles is exposed, it is far more vulnerable to tears and punctures. Once water gets through this layer of protection, it can soften or even rot the sheathing.
Therefore, the prompt replacement of missing shingles prevents a minor issue from leading to a major one.
Distorted shingles
Excess heat in a poorly ventilated attic may cause curling or cupping of shingles. Also, over many years, UV rays can dry out shingles until they curl at the edges. This curling and cupping may allow water to get under the shingles and into the sub-roofing.
Unwanted moisture absorption also causes curling, particularly on roofs covered by organic shingles. Years ago, shingles were sometimes reinforced with cellulose rather than fiberglass. Occasionally, the cellulose absorbed enough moisture to cause severe distortion. When organic shingles start absorbing water, the only real solution is a full roof replacement.
Moss and algae
Warm, moist summers in the Tri-state area often lead to moss growth, particularly in shady spots on a roof. Moss is most common on north-facing roof slopes. It acts like a sponge, keeping underlying shingles moist and causing them to deteriorate. Sometimes, the moisture works its way under the shingles and into the sub-roofing.
New Jersey roofs are also subject to infestations of blue-green algae. Although it does not hurt your roof, it is unsightly. Therefore, the “repair” consists of occasionally cleaning the roof. Professional cleaning is recommended due to safety concerns and because of potential damage caused by excessive water pressure or improper cleaning solutions.
Missing granules
Those granules that cover your shingles aren’t just there because they look nice. They reflect light away from your home, and they provide added resistance to the impact of hail, falling branches and other objects.
When you start seeing more and more granules in your gutters, it’s a sign that your shingles are aging.
Shingles get hotter than they should when the black asphalt is directly exposed to UV rays. They are also more vulnerable to leaks from punctures.
Trust a Certified Roofing Contractor
When you are making key decisions about your roof, you want information you can trust. Factory-certified contractors are a good choice because you know that roofing manufacturers trust them. For example, when GAF names a company a Master Elite Contractor, it authorizes that contractor to offer better warranties than non-certified roofers. Why? Because the manufacturer trusts its factory-certified contractors to install its products up to spec.
After a thorough examination of every part of your roof system, a certified contractor makes recommendations. Ideally, you want to work with a factory-certified roofer who will patiently answer your questions so you can make an educated decision about your roof.
Fortunately, it is often possible to correct superficial roof damage to small areas of your roof with minor repairs. However, extensive damage to the felt, sheathing and/or framing often points to the need for a new roof.
Contact the Experts at CRS
CRS has served northern NJ homeowners for more than 45 years. Since 1977, we’ve built much of our business on repeat customers and referrals. Perhaps you’ve even seen our trucks in your neighborhood.
We are proud of our factory certifications from GAF, Owens Corning and Tamko, three of America’s premier roofing manufacturers. We provide New Jersey homeowners with every type of roofing service, from inspections and routine maintenance to repairs and replacements.
At CRS, we welcome the opportunity to learn more about your roofing situation. We’ll provide an honest assessment as to whether you should repair or replace roof shingles. Please contact us today to schedule a visit by our highly experienced, certified roof inspector!
