Kansas City is no stranger to heavy rain, high winds, sleet and snow—all of which can harm your roof and leave it vulnerable to leaks and other problems. When that happens, you may wonder how to effectively deal with the missing, loose, cracked or punctured roof shingles you’re seeing.
Can you handle the damage with a quick repair, or do you need to replace the roof entirely? Here’s what you need to know so you can make the best decision to protect your home long-term.
Factors that Come into Play When You Consider Roof Damage
Whenever your roofing sustains harm, it’s important to act promptly to keep your home protected. If needed, have a tarp professionally placed over your roof to secure it while you take your next steps.
To weigh whether a repair is possible or whether a replacement is the right option, use these questions to evaluate what your home needs.
How Old Is Your Roof?
As your roofing ages, it wears down and becomes less effective at safeguarding your home against moisture intrusion. So, take a look at how long you’ve had your current roof. If your roof is old and nearing the end of its warranty, replacement is a better choice because new roofing will be more effective in keeping your home safe.
Tip: Even if your roof is fairly new, your particular style, color, or shape of roofing material may have been “retired” since you installed it. Roof manufacturers likely won’t guarantee performance if you make repairs with a different type of shingle, making a full replacement necessary if you want warranty protection.
How Much Damage Do You Have?
There’s aesthetic damage—things that don’t look pretty but aren’t putting your home at risk, like black algae streaks. And then there is structural damage—such as missing, curled, or perforated roofing—which exposes your home to leaks and mold.
Tip: A roofer should inspect your roof to catch any concerns. Even something that appears minor may be hiding more significant damage, such as wood rot or cracked structural beams in your attic. The greater the damage, the more likely it is you’ll need to replace your roof.
How Quickly Do You Have to Act?
Since your roof provides essential protection to your entire home, serious problems need to be addressed as soon as possible. If you’ve had storm damage such as a falling tree that has punctured the roofing, or if you’re missing roof tiles, you’ll want to deal with that fast. Repairs may make sense as a temporary solution while you file an insurance claim and schedule a roof replacement.
Tip: You’ll want to have a roofer do an inspection to help you catch any issues right away, so you can address them in a timely fashion. If you want a roof replacement, it’ll likely take a little time to get on a roofer’s schedule, especially after a storm. So, it’s a good idea to set up an appointment for a consultation quickly and get the process started.
What are your long-term plans for your home?
Repairs may seem like an affordable and convenient option in the short term, but that’s all relative to what your goals are. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, keep in mind that some buyers see a roof replacement as a deal-breaker, while others will offer less to compensate for the damaged roofing. If you’ll be in your home long-term, a new roof can give you peace of mind for decades.
Tip: Balance factors such as your budget and cash flow with issues like home value, curb appeal, the energy efficiency of new roofing materials, and the amount of risk you’re willing to take on future damage. A quick, inexpensive fix isn’t always the best solution, and your home is a significant investment that is worth protecting.
Protect Your Home with a Lasting Roof Replacement from Smart Exteriors
Your roof keeps your home safe—it’s that simple. So, getting answers about the best path forward to address damaged roofing is critical. As local experts, the Smart Exteriors team knows what works to protect homes in the Kansas City area. Our thorough roof inspections will help you get a handle on what will work best for your roof.
As you research your next steps for addressing your home’s needs, check out our roofing replacement services and reach out to us anytime. We’re here to answer your questions, so you can enjoy a lasting new roof for years to come.
