Repair Or Replace? 5 Things To Consider When You Have A Damaged Roof

Whether you live in Lancaster, York, Berks, Dauphin, or anywhere in the South Central PA area, the choice to repair or replace is a big decision for homeowners dealing with roof damage. Working with a trusted North American roofing contractor can take the guesswork out of the decision. As you talk through this issue with your preferred roofer, here are 5 items you need to consider: 

1. How old is your roof?

Depending on what material your roof is made of, the lifespan of your roof will vary. If your roof is getting close to (or is past) 20 years old, replacing it may be more cost-effective than doing repairs. Here is a helpful list with average lifespans of different roofing materials to use as a guide:

• Wood Shake – 15-20 years

• Asphalt Shingle – 15-25 years 

• Metal/Steel – 50+ years

• Slate – 50+ years

• Tile/Concrete – 50+ years

• Single-Ply – 30+ years

2. Are your leaks localized?

With the tornado and storm damages this past summer near Lititz, Ephrata, Sinking Spring, Reading, Wyomissing, and other Berks Counties, there was a lot of damage done to homes and roofs. If the damage to your roof is isolated to one area, repairs will be simpler than if you have leaks spread over several sections. Often, roofs will leak along flashing points. If this is the case and leaks are localized to one area, a skilled contractor can let you know if a quick repair is all your roof needs. If the damage is more widespread, talk with your local roofing contractor about if a replacement could be necessary.

3. Are there signs of rot?

When your roof shows signs of mold or rot, you have trapped moisture that could be causing serious damage to your property. A trusted contractor can advise you on how extensive the damage is, internal to your home and externally to your roof. It may only require replacing one section, but when you see rot, repairs are certainly in order.

4. How long will you be in this home?

If this is a home that you plan to sell in the next couple of years, replacing the roof may not make sense if it’s still in generally good condition. If you’re planning to live in this home for the next several decades, it may be a better investment, in the long run, to replace it instead of doing several rounds of repairs. Your roofing contractor can help you decide the best way to approach these repairs.

5. Could Your Material Choice Affect Your Home Insurance?

If you do end up replacing your roof, the type of materials you choose can qualify you for significant discounts on your homeowners’ insurance. Often, using shingles that are fire, wind, or hail damage resistant will result in lower rates. Make sure that you are working with a roofing contractor who uses the highest quality materials, both for your insurance rate and for the longevity of your investment.
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If you’re concerned about damage to your roof or leaks you’ve noticed in your home, get in touch with us. We’d be happy to give you a free roof inspection and have an honest discussion about what would be the best repair or replacement decision for your home. We consider it our mission to protect your home, your family, and your wallet.

Upgrades for a More Energy-Efficient Home

You may be dealing with higher utility bills over the next few months—an indication that your home isn’t as energy-efficient as it can be. Now might be the time to beautify your home, though it’s also good to plan your next home upgrade that will reduce your energy consumption and subsequent costs.

From planning to installation, we’ll work with you to achieve the results you want. Learn which home upgrades you can pursue to reach higher levels of comfort and energy efficiency today.

Windows

In addition to compromising your protection, old and drafty windows can also add burden to your heating and cooling system. Windows that don’t perform as intended due to age and damage cause your utility costs to increase. As one of the best local window replacement companies, we recommend replacing old windows as soon as possible.

Many of today’s windows have features that help contribute to better indoor comfort and efficiency. For example, low-emissivity glass allows natural light to pass through while blocking the sun’s ultraviolet and infrared rays. Together with the right frame material and components, you won’t have to rely on your HVAC system too much.

Siding

Your siding isn’t just installed for aesthetic purposes. It also contributes to the home’s insulation, creating a barrier to minimize thermal energy loss. Choose a material that can provide protection from the elements and offer minimal upkeep. When looking for siding replacement companies in your area, look no further than Greenawalt Roofing Company.

Gutters

Gutters don’t add to your living space’s comfort, but they are worth keeping in top shape nonetheless. Superficial damage to the system may clog them, and once that happens, it affects your roof, siding, foundation and other parts of your exterior. Look out for cracks, rust and other forms of damage; they might mean a new gutter installation is in order.

Greenawalt Roofing Company is the top roofing and home exterior to turn to for your home improvement needs.

Contact us today for your FREE estimate, 717-898-6000 or 610-779-3111.

Tips for Preventing Roof Leaks

A leaky roof can be a costly problem. In addition to the expensive roof repairs needed, mold and mildew that thrive in moist environments can lead to serious health issues for you and your family. The best way to avoid these costs is to take a few simple steps to prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.

5 Ways to Avoid a Leaky Roof

1. Replace Missing & Damaged Shingles

A few missing or damaged roof shingles may not seem significant, but water needs only a single opening to cause lasting damage to your home. When you notice an issue with your shingles, replace them immediately. As a simple and inexpensive roof repair, it will save you money and headaches in the long term.

2. Regularly Inspect Around Chimneys, Vents, & Skylights

It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the source of a leak, but the most likely areas are openings created around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Make sure the flashing and any caulking around the openings are in good shape. For plumbing vents, inspect the condition of the pipe and replace it if it’s worn.

3. Install Proper Insulation & Ventilation in Your Attic

Leaks don’t always come from the roof; plumbing, condensation, and ventilation problems in your attic can also cause water issues. Check that your attic is properly insulated and that ventilation is adequate to keep the air moving. Without proper ventilation, moisture can build up, resulting in leaks and mold.

4. Ensure Gutters Slope Properly 

Gutters should be cleared regularly to prevent the accumulation of leaves, branches, and other debris that can cause water to pool up. Gutters must also be installed at the correct slope so that they drain away from your home’s walls and foundation.

5. Trim Tree Limbs & Branches

If tree limbs are allowed to grow too close to your roof, you risk damage when the next big storm or heavy winds come through. You can avoid leaks and the need for roof repairs by having your trees trimmed every year or removing trees that are too close to your home.

At Greenawalt Roofing, we’ll provide a free assessment and give you an honest feedback on your roof’s condition. We’ll even tell you if your roof is still able to provide adequate protection for a few more years. We can help you make an informed decision.

New Year’s Roof Resolutions

2019 is a wrap. 2020 is an excellent time to look past the holidays and focus in on the health of your roof this year. A lot of us like to create lists containing our New Year’s Resolutions to achieve on a personal level. Some of the most common resolutions include losing weight, giving up smoking, saving money and vacationing more. But have you considered focusing your resolution efforts on your home or business and making some money-saving roof resolutions?

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

The truth of the matter is that most home and business owners are unable to spot faults on their own in a roofing system until it’s too late — or until water has penetrated the surface. By scheduling an inspection with one of our roofing experts, we can help to pinpoint potential problem areas before it’s too late. Preventative action always pays off.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR GUTTERS

It’s critical to keep your gutters in working order to allow water overflow to drain from your roofing system. You want to ensure that water flows away from your roof without pooling in corners. You can also check your gutters to find out if you have significant and threatening shingle or tile breakage as well.

REPLACE BROKEN SHINGLES OR TILES

If your home or business has loose or missing shingles or tiles, you may wind up facing much more than an aesthetic problem. With missing or damaged shingles or tiles, your roof is much less likely to remain weatherproof.

CONSIDER ROOF CLEANING

Cleaning your roof not only helps to please the eye, but it also helps in keeping it in efficient working order. Eliminating leaf and debris buildup can reduce the risk of mold and mildew that can seriously threaten the functionality of your roofing system.

CONSIDER A ROOF REPLACEMENT

Do you know the age of your roof or what it's expected lifespan is? You never want to wait too long to replace the roof. Catching problems before they occur can help to preserve the interior of your home as well as your belongings and can wind up saving you a lot of money.

CONTACT US NOW

If you don’t know where to start with your roofing resolutions, allow the roofing specialists at Greenawalt Roofing Company to help you with all of your roofing concerns and needs. We will help you reach your roofing resolutions.

Greenawalt Roofing Company recommends that you add your roof to this year’s important list of New Year’s Resolutions. Contact us today for your FREE estimate at 717-898-6000 or 610-779-3111.