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When It’s Time to Repair or Replace Your Roof
Jun 19, 2015

Are there roof granules in your gutter? Is your roof’s color uneven? Have you noticed water stains in your attic?

If so,  your roof probably needs to be replaced…

Hot Texas summers, hail storms, and harsh winters aggravate roof problems and can shorten the life of your roof. The damage is easier to repair if you  catch the problems early — it’s either repair or replace later. As soon as you notice dark spots in the attic or uneven wear on your roof, you need to call Texas Star Roofing so we can assess the situation.

Texas roofs are continuously under attack by the elements. These factors may damage the  shingles, weather the corners, or completely strip sections  of the roof away during terrible storms. The pitch, the underlayment, and the materials also affect your roof’s lifespan. Texas roofs require quality materials and roofers experienced with our area who can help you pick the right materials for  our climate and conditions.

If your roof is over ten years old, look for streaks where the surface granules have fallen off. If you see shingle tabs in your lawn or in the gutter, there are probably more loose tabs on the roof. If the shingles or granules fall off, water can seep through around the nail heads to damage the underlayment. Then the water can drip down onto your interior ceilings, causing more damage.

Shingle Deterioration Steps

Usually, shingle roofs deteriorate in four steps:

  1. Surface granules start to wear off , which leaves blotchy patches that are easily visible on a light-colored roof. A darker roof needs to be examined more carefully, but be careful not to walk on the roof in the summer because it dislodges the tar that holds the granules. You can also check downspout outlets where the granules collect. Granule loss exposes the tab sections to the hot Texas sun, which makes them brittle. That makes them more likely to break apart. This is a good time to re-roof to avoid further problems.
  2. Next,  the bare spots get larger . The exposed tabs will start to curl. At this point, you should definitely have the roof repaired soon.
  3. In the next stage,  the brittle tabs will curl  to the point where they crack. You’ll probably find chunks of shingles in the gutter and on the ground. Now water can leak into your home around the exposed nail heads. Repair brittle tabs and broken shingles.
  4. By the time  most of the shingles are curled and brittle , you will have to replace the roof. Repairing is no longer an option.

If you notice even minor wear on your roof, don’t risk further damage – call Texas Star Roofing. We’re happy to come to your home or business to evaluate your roof. Knowing the difference between replacing and repairing your roof could save you money in the long run. To determine what’s best for your structure, contact us & receive your  free inspection.

Ages of Roofing Material

Each type of roofing material used has a different lifespan. The expected lifespan of the roofing materials often determines whether it’s time to replace your roof:

  • Synthetic Slate  — This type of material is fairly new to the roofing world. As the name suggests, it favors the look of slate in its natural appearance. Rubber and plastic are mixed together to create a synthetic slate and the lifespan expectancy is roughly 50 years or greater.
  • Synthetic Cedar  — These singles take on a natural appearance of cedarwood, but will outlive original cedar shingles. As with any synthetic roofing material, these shingles have an expected lifespan of 50 years or more.
  • Asphalt Shingles  — Residential roofing material is normally asphalt shingles. This is the most common and least expensive when looking for a quick fix. Depending on the climate asphalt shingles are expected to last up to 20 years. If the climate is sunny and blazing hot, the life span may be lowered.
  • Cedar Shingles  — Real cedar shingles can add a very elegant touch to the home as well as raise the overall value of the property. However, the lifespan of cedar shingles is roughly 25 years. Compared to its synthetic brethren, that’s half the lifespan.
  • Natural Slate  — Due to the lifespan of natural late being 100 years or greater, they are commonly found on old and new aged churches as well as historic buildings.
  • Metal Shingles  — Metal is beginning to see a spike in popularity as its lifespan is guaranteed for 50 years or greater. Many people who are considering replacing their roof choose metal due to its price and lifespan.

Repair vs. Replace: More Expert Advice

A leak in your home is definitely a sign that something is wrong, but it does not tell a homeowner what exactly to do. You need more information to determine if you should repair the roof or replace the roof.

Texas Star Roofing recommends repair over replacement  whenever possible, and leaks are MOST OFTEN taken care of with repairs.

If you have noticed  spots on your ceiling, missing shingles, or any other visual damage , more than likely a simple repair will do. Damaging winds and rains can cause shingles to come up slightly or disappear altogether. This warrants repairs.

Replacing a roof is necessary if you have seen more than a few leaks,  in more than one spot .

Water stains can appear on the ceiling if there is a major or continuous leak. If you are noticing these in more than one room of the house, chances are replacing your roof is ideal.

Aging causes the shingles to curl up, especially in the corners. Shingles that do not lay flat on the roof may need to be replaced.

If you are still unsure about your Texas roof, contact  the professionals at Texas Star. Replacing your roof can increase the value of the property as well as increase the look or curb appeal.

Making The Decision

These factors can help you decide when to replace your roofing system:

  • The Age of the Roof  – Even if the problem with the roof is small, it is a good idea to consider the age of the roof when making the decision. A roof that has already lived passed its lifetime (15 to 20 years for an asphalt shingle roof) may be better to replace than to repair. The small problem may be a sign of bigger problems to come. Replacing it now will save money over the long run.
  • The Reason for the Damage  – Is the damage to the roof because it is simply getting old and wearing out, or is it a result of a tree falling on the roof or some other type of accident? If it is the latter, the better option may be repairing the damage that was caused, as the rest of the roof may not have been harmed at all.
  • The Homeowner’s Plans  – A homeowner should also think about what their plans are for their home. If planning to sell, replacing a roof that is nearing the end of its life may be a smart option. It will increase the value of a home and make it easier to sell. If planning on staying in the home, choosing to repair the roof and consider replacement down the road may be the smarter pick.

If you’re experiencing roofing problems, consider both options. Compare the costs of replacing and repairing, and then take careful inventory of the advantages and disadvantages. That way, you make the best, most educated decision for your structure.

Location, Time of Year & Cost

When people consider roof replacement, they may think that is talking about after how many years a roof has been on, or when the damage to the roof is so great that replacement is the only option.

While there certainly are times when a homeowner will have to replace the roof because it is a necessary thing, there are other times when people can plan to replace their roof at some time in the future. When replacing a roof is something that can be planned for, the question of when to replace a roof will then be trying to figure out what the best time of year to get it done is.

Consider The Fall

For almost any area,  the best time of year to replace a roof in the fall . The temperatures during the fall months are much better suited for roofing. They allow for the material to work the best, and they provide the best conditions for the roofing professionals that are doing the job.

During the winter months, the problems of ice and snow and cold weather can be dangerous. Snow can stop any roofer from working on a roof. If possible, it is best to wait until a time when snow and ice is not an issue. Extreme cold can prevent a roofing professional from doing the job well, and performing under such conditions can be much more dangerous.

During the summer months, the temperature on the roof can easily exceed 100 degrees. This makes it more difficult to work with the material and can cause the workers to struggle to give their best. People that live in warmer climates may be able to get their roofs done during the winter months, but it depends on how cold it can get.

Lastly, the fall also tends to be drier than other parts of the year. Extended rainy periods during Spring and other weather considerations should be taken into account when deciding the best time of year to replace a roof.  Fall is by far the best time of year  to replace roof shingles.

Consider The Cost

While the fall may be the ideal time of year to replace a roof, it can also cause other issues to consider. It is the busiest time of year for roofing contractors. That means they will be charging higher prices for their work.

Roofing professionals usually work year-round. During the slower times of the year, they will reduce the amount they charge for their labor just to keep working.  If a person wants the cheapest roof , picking slower times such as the winter or spring may be a better option.

In the end, the best time to replace a roof depends on the needs of the homeowner and location. You need to consider the budget, weather and time of year. The best way to find the best option for your home or building in or near Dallas, TX, is by talking to roofing professionals like those at Texas Star.

We’ll help you put a plan in place  before replacing your roof, so you can make informed, educated decisions about your roof replacement.

Free Inspections by Texas Star Roofing

How long have you been in your home? 5 years? 15 years? 30 years?

When was the last time you really looked at your roof? …You probably look at it as you approach your home. But to really be on top of things, and know if your roof is at the end of its lifespan, you need to take a closer look.

You’ll need to do a more in-depth inspection — do you know what to look for?

Having a professional roofing company like Texas Star Roofing inspect your roof will certainly tell you everything you need to know about re-roofing an aging roof. As a homeowner, there are many things  YOU can spot  before calling the pros in, to give you some clues about whether or not you need a new roof.

As we mentioned before, the best time to check your roof for wear and tear is in the spring and fall. And the best place to start looking at your roof is  from the inside of your home . Take a flashlight and head for the attic. You’ll be looking for light coming in from the outside. You will also be looking for dark spots and signs of water leaks or damage. Also, check for sagging.

Checking your roof from the outside of your home is easy. These are simple to spot. Get up on that ladder and check-in your gutters.

  • Is there a mold build-up?
  • Are you missing shingles or flashing?
  • Do you see a large number of shingle granules?

If you notice lots of roofing debris, this means your roof has advanced wear. While you’re up there, check to make sure the gutters are flowing freely and not clogged with leaves or other blockages.

Once you’ve checked for the obvious signs of wear and damage, hiring  a roofing company like Texas Star is the next step  in assessing the overall condition of your roof. Texas Star Roofing offers totally free roof inspections in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Our experts will inspect your roof and give you an estimate. It’s that easy!

Don’t wait  for the rain to drip through your roof.  Don’t wait  for a rotting roof to cave in on you.

Be proactive and check your roof twice a year for any roofing issues that might be apparent. Your home is probably your biggest investment. Your roof protects that investment.

Texas Star Knows How Often You Should Replace A TX Roof

A home is built to last a long time. The roof of the home is not supposed to last as long as the home. Over time a roof can become damaged or it can simply wear out. When it does, the home that is beneath the roof is not protected in the way it is supposed to be. A damaged or worn-out roof can end up causing extensive damage to the home that may shorten the lifetime of the home if nothing is done.

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