Why Shouldn't You Keep Repairing A Failing Roof?
An asphalt roof can last many years, with architectural shingles providing protection for up to thirty years. Unfortunately, time and the elements will eventually wear down any roof. Maintaining your roof and quickly repairing issues can help extend its lifetime, but all roofs will eventually reach a point where further repairs may not be cost-effective.
While knowing when your roof is beyond the point of no return can be challenging, an experienced roofing contractor can help you understand if it's time for a replacement. But why shouldn't you continue to conduct spot repairs and try to squeeze a few more years of life out of your old roof? Here are three reasons why burdening your old roof isn't always the best option.
1. Roof Replacements Are Costly — Water Damage Is Worse
The most common reason to defer a roofing replacement is the cost. No one can deny that replacing a residential roof is expensive, but it's an investment in your home that will pay off in resale value and protection. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, the risk of incurring water damage will begin to increase substantially.
Of course, a leaky roof is more than just a minor annoyance. While placing buckets around your home can be frustrating and embarrassing, the more severe problem is the damage that water can cause to walls and ceilings. Excess moisture can also lead to long-term mold issues and expensive remediation. Replacing your old roof can help you avoid these issues and save huge amounts of money.
2. Aging Roofs Require More Frequent Attention
Roofs often fail because aging shingles no longer protect the underlayment and decking below. Even well-maintained asphalt shingles in calm environments will eventually degrade thanks to constant UV exposure and heating and cooling cycles. Severe weather, such as heavy rains, wind, and snow, can cause them to wear down even more quickly.
These problems rarely affect one portion of your roof since the whole surface typically has similar exposure to the elements. As your roof ages, problems will become more frequent as shingles fail across the entire roof. Replacing your roof may seem expensive, but frequent repairs can often add up and become even more costly.
3. Decking Replacement Is Expensive
When you think about roofing leaks, you're probably thinking about the damage to the interior of your home. However, there's an equally important exterior factor to consider: your roof's decking. Your decking is the lowest layer of your roof and typically consists of oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood. This material is not waterproof and can sustain substantial damage from moisture intrusion.
Your decking is often the first part of your home to suffer as your roof ages and fails, and repairing or replacing decking can make your roofing replacement significantly more expensive. Installing a new roof before your decking suffers moisture damage is often the most cost-effective option. Contact a roofing replacement service to find out more.