Should I repair my leaking roof or replace it?
A repair usually makes sense when the leak is in one spot on a roof that is in good overall condition, such as a cracked pipe boot, worn flashing or a few storm-damaged shingles. A replacement is usually the better choice when the roof is more than fifteen years old and leaking in more than one place, when shingles are losing granules across the roof, or when a storm damaged the whole roof. A roof inspection will help you decide, and GLC Roofing offers free roof inspections.
Where the Leak Is
Most roof leaks start at a detail, such as a pipe boot, flashing, a valley, a skylight or a satellite dish mount. These are usually repairable. A leak in the open middle of a roof slope can mean the shingles themselves are worn out, which may call for a replacement.
How Old the Roof Is
In Texas, a three-tab shingle roof often lasts about fifteen years, and an architectural shingle roof about twenty to twenty-five years. Hail can shorten both. Repairing a newer roof usually makes sense. Repeated repairs on a roof near the end of its life may cost more over time than a replacement.
How Many Leaks There Are
A single leak is usually a repair. Several leaks in different areas, curling shingles, exposed mat and granule loss across the roof are signs that the roof is near the end of its life.
Whether a Storm Caused the Damage
If a storm caused the leak, the damage may be covered by your homeowners insurance. When hail or wind has damaged the whole roof, a replacement may be covered, so it is a good idea to have the roof inspected before paying for a repair yourself.
What a Good Repair Includes
A good repair finds the actual source of the leak, replaces the damaged part, reseals the surrounding shingles and replaces any rotted decking underneath. Sealant alone is usually a short-term fix. Ask for a price before any repair work begins.
Related Questions
How much does a roof repair cost?
A small repair, such as a pipe boot, flashing or a few shingles, often costs a few hundred dollars up to around a thousand. Larger repairs involving valleys, chimneys or decking cost more. Roof inspections are free.
Can part of a roof be replaced?
Sometimes a single slope can be replaced, such as after wind damage to one side. New shingles may look slightly different from the older ones for a while.
Should I wait and see if it leaks again?
No. Water that gets into the decking can cause rot, and a small leak can become a bigger repair over time. Have it inspected soon.
