roof cost repair vs replacement

Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

A question I get often is at what point should you consider replacing your roof, as opposed to fixing it?

repair cedar shake roof outer banks nc
Can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?

Variables in roofing materials and your particular situation will ultimately help decide, but I’ve put together some helpful questions to help you make that decision. What is the age of your roof compared with its expected lifespan? Here is a quick guide for popular roofing materials.

Asphalt Shingles: This is the most common of residential roofing material and they generally last 15 to 25 years. This could be less if you live in a coastal, high wind or hot climate areas. Learn more about Asphalt shingle roof installation

Cedar Shingles or Shakes: Expensive but beautiful, these have a limited lifespan of perhaps 15 to 25 years. Cedar Shingles can add significant value to the right home.

Synthetic Cedar Shingles: Creates a faux look of its natural sibling but with a longer lifespan. Synthetic shingles are new product that is thought to have a 50 year or more lifespan. Again the area of installation could change this.

metal roofing

Metal: Gaining in popularity, today’s steel metal roofs can be expected to last at least 50 years in a non corrosive environment . Life expectancy can be greatly reduced if install in a salt or corrosive environment. In these areas it is recommended to use aluminum, copper, tern steel panels.

Natural Slate: Found frequently on historical buildings and churches. These can easily reach 100 years or more.

Synthetic Slate: A relatively new material that gives the appearance of natural slate. It is a mixture of plastic and rubber than should last 50 plus years.

Based on how close your roof is to the end of its expected lifespan, we can make the following suggestions on when to repair versus when to replace your roof.

Just the Beginning: Deciding to repair or replace your roofing material is just the beginning. Is it a job that should be completed by a experienced professional or should I do it myself?  Is the underlayment solid? Should you replace flashing?

If you are experiencing issues with your roof, we can help. Gallop Roofing & Remodeling Inc. is a trusted name in roofing and can assist from minor repairs to a complete tear off and re-roof with many different materials. If you’re located in the Northeast North Carolina or Southeast Virginia please contact us for any roof evaluation.

When to Repair your Roof (list by experts of roofing in Greenville): If you are experiencing a first, or even second leak in your roof. If you see water spots on a ceiling tile. If there is a leak after a rain that is limited to an easily identifiable area. When you can see an area where a shingle or a only few shingles are missing. Recent high winds have caused minor visual damage. Your financial situation necessitates repair over replacement.

Outer Banks Roof Repairs
Leak Repairs

When to Replace your Roof:  If the most recent leak is the latest of many recent leaks. If you are seeing water stains on ceiling tiles in multiple areas or rooms. If the leaks seem to be over a widespread area. If you lose shingles or roofing materials after high winds. If shingles have curling corners and don’t seem to be lying flat. If roofing materials appear to be chipped, cracked or have pieces broken off. If storm damage makes it possible the reroofing vs roof replacement cost will be covered by insurance. If you want to add curb appeal and value to your home.

Roof coating is an important factor to consider when maintaining and repairing your roof. In the case of your roof acquiring wear and tear, roof coating is an attractive and cost-effective roof repair option instead of doing an entire roof replacement. There are various factors to take into consideration, such as slope, heat, UV rays, location, and exposure to chemicals. There are several types of coatings on the market and here we have broken down some of them for you.

Roof Coatings

Classes Of Roof Coatings

There are three types of roof coatings, namely solvent, water based and 100% solids. The solvent employs organic solvents which act as a carrier for the coating. Water-based coatings uses water as the carrier for the coating, and 100% solids are the solvent-free coatings.

  • Acrylic Roof Coatings

    Acrylic is a cost-effective solution which is suitable for a variety of roofs. These are water-based and reflect sunrays, but will lose its mil thickness as it weathers. Acrylic roof coatings contain different types of acrylic polymer, which are designed to help elongate the coatings’ life and improve durability. This roof coating is durable yet cost effective.

  • Polyurethane Roof Coatings

    Polyurethane roof coatings have two main types: aliphatic and aromatic. Aliphatic coatings are costlier but are UV stable, whereas aromatic coatings are less expensive but not as UV stable, which is why it is normally used as a base coating. Ideally, an aromatic base coat with an aliphatic top coat should be employed with urethane roofing. This will ensure durability, the roof will stay cleaner, and unlike an acrylic coating, the urethane roof is more resistant to ponding water.

  • Asphalt Emulsions

    Extra strength is added to this type of coating because it contains many types of organic and inorganic fillers and fibers. They require little material, as the coatings can be applied to approximately 1.5 gallons per 100 square feet. Easy application is also a plus with this coating, as a push broom can be used to sweep it on.

  • Silicone Roof Coatings

    Silicone coatings can eliminate the need for a primer. These are moisture cured, and when exposed to humidity, can even promote their cure. Silicone coatings do not get brittle or hard, and weather better than other coatings. This type of coating does however hold dirt, and has resistance to tearing, which means that they should be used with fabric.

  • Solvent-Based Silicone Coating

    This is arguably said to be amongst the best in roof coatings. As the silicone is a natural ingredient, the coating is bio-degradable. Application is versatile as the solvent-based silicone coating can be sprayed on or rolled on, covering from 2 to 3.5 gallons per 100 square feet. Two major advantages are found in this type of coating:

    1. It can resist ponding water for an extended period of time, and
    2. It does not need a primer in order to adhere to most substrates.

    Thanks to these two advantages, solvent-based silicone coatings create the perfect balance between cost and efficacy.

Roof coatings are a great way to keep your roof in shape and to prevent and sometimes repair wear and tear. Acrylic roof coatings, as well as solvent-based silicone coatings are amongst the best in the business for any roof. It can however be a confusing project to tackle, so getting the help of your Outer Banks roofing professionals, Gallop Roofing & Remodeling.

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