Summary
- This article is specifically focused on asphalt three-tab or dimensional shingles, which are what many homeowners have in the greater Richmond and Tri-Cities area, but would not apply to metal roofs, slate, cedar or “designer” asphalt shingles.
- Age is generally the first indicator of whether the roof needs to be replaced, though the condition of the roof will also play a part. If the roof is less than 20 years old, it likely has at least a few more years left on it. Conversely, if the roof is in its mid-20s or older, it may be time to have it replaced.
- Issues that generally indicate a roof replacement is needed include excessive granule loss, widespread nail pops and cupping or curling shingles.
- Issues that may not necessarily indicate a roof replacement is needed include dry-rotted pipe boots, flashing issues or workmanship issues that are limited in nature.
How to Choose Between Roof Repair vs Replacement
Roofs are unique to each home, and there are many factors that will affect how long your roof will ultimately last.
In this guide, we’ll explore indicators and considerations when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, with a focus on asphalt three-tab or dimensional shingles—a very popular choice among homeowners, particularly in the Richmond and Tri-Cities area.
Age
Age is often the most important indicator of whether you’ll need to replace your roof or whether simple repairs are all that’s needed. In general, if your roof is less than 20 years old, you can likely still get a few more good years out of it. Conversely, if the roof is in its mid 20s or older, it’s often a better investment to replace the roof. Older roofs are more likely to have/become susceptible to damage. Oftentimes, replacing the roof altogether is a more cost-effective option than continuing to pour money into repairs for an older roof.
However, roofs don’t all age the same way. The team at A Plus Roofing has seen asphalt shingle roofs that have lasted 30+ years, and asphalt roofs that have lasted less than 20 years. Oftentimes, preventable issues like excessive heat from poor ventilation are what cut their lifespan short.
Workmanship Issues
If the entire roof was nailed on wrong (ex., high-nailed or if too much pressure was used on the nail gun), then a replacement will likely be recommended.
Conversely, if there is a limited or minor workmanship issue such as improper flashing installation or a cut in the valley, then you may only need repairs.
Pipe Collars
The white or metal plumbing pipes that generally come out of the back or the roof have a pipe boot/pipe collar around their base. These pipe boots dry rot with time and will start leaking (see dry-rotted pipe boot in picture above). Oftentimes, these are the first things to fail on the roof.
If you see daylight coming in around the pipes from inside the attic or a spot on the ceiling, the pipe boots have likely dry rotted. However, leaky pipe boots don’t necessarily mean that it’s time to replace the roof. In some cases, it can be a better investment to install pipe boot covers on top of the dry rotted pipe boot to get more years out of your roof.
A reliable, professional roofing company will be able to assess your roof and see if repair or replacement would be the best option.
Flashing Issues
Flashing issues are another common leak source. Similar to dry-rotted pipe collars, flashing issues don’t always necessarily mean that the roof needs to be replaced. When the caulk on top of flashing along brick walls wears out, water can start running down the wall and get inside.
Flashing issues such as these can often be solved relatively easily by re-securing the loose flashing and/or sealing it back to the brick. A quality roofing expert will be able to evaluate your flashing and determine whether repairs or replacement are needed.
Cupping or Curled Shingles
When shingles start to cup or curl at the end, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Cupping or curling occurs when the shingles lose their flexibility and become brittle. This is often caused by exposure to excessive heat from a lack of ventilation. When the shingles get to this stage, there’s nothing that can be done to restore them, and roof replacement is needed.
If you notice your shingles cupping or curling at the ends, contacting a professional roofing company can help you determine the next steps for your roof.
Granule Loss
When shingles start to lose their protective granules, the roof is nearing the end of its life. Aesthetically, granules give the shingles their color. Functionally, the granules protect the asphalt from the sun’s UV rays. Once the protective granules are gone, the asphalt will start cracking, and the shingles will fail.
In these cases, roof replacement will likely be recommended.
Nail Pops
Nail pops occur when nails on the roof (either from the shingles or wood decking) back out and start lifting up or poking through the shingles. Generally, once nails start popping up through the shingles, they will continue to do so in other areas.
If you’ve ever been to an arcade and played the game Whac-A-Mole, nail pops are similar.
If you see a lot of nail pops on your roof, it may be a good decision to go ahead and have it replaced. Consulting with a professional roof company can help you weigh roof repair vs replacement and determine the best option for you.
Richmond’s Trusted Experts for Roof Repair and Replacement
Roof repair vs replacement can be a difficult situation for homeowners to navigate on their own. We recommend calling a company that will come out and assess your roof and that has the expertise needed to diagnose the issue and remedy it through either quality repairs or replacement.
A Plus Roofing is proud to serve the Greater Richmond Region and has both a repair and replacement department. In fact, when you call our office, one of the first questions our team will ask is whether you want a repair or replacement quote and how old your roof is. Depending on your answer, we’ll send either a repair mechanic or a roof replacement estimator out to diagnose the issue and give you a quote.
Whether you need minor repairs, extensive repairs or full roof replacement, our team has the technical know-how to get the job done right and is committed to delivering quality service you can rely on.
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