Performing regular maintenance on your home will not only be good for its appearance, but it can also save you money. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, because it protects the interior from exterior elements (such as sun, wind, and rain). While putting off repairs for another time will save you money in the short run, it will cost you a lot more to fix later on. But, not every home improvement decision is as simple. It may be possible (and even more practical) to repair a roof than to replace it, but it will depend on several factors (such as the type of damage and how much of the roof’s surface needs to be repaired).

WHEN YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR ROOF SHINGLES

In some situations, it might be okay to replace a few shingles instead of the entire roof. Asphalt shingles can last for decades, but modern technology has allowed manufacturers to design roofing materials that will last as long as you own your home. Before you make a decision on how to proceed with a roof repair, you should have it inspected by a professional. It’s one thing to have a few missing shingles that get blown off by strong winds, but a leak that goes through the inner layers of your roof can do a lot more damage in the long run.

Shingles are continuously exposed to rain, snow, and heat. So even if you have a box left over from when the roof was first installed, you might not be able to match them with the ones on your roof. It may be hard to find replacement shingles to match with the rest of the roof. But, if the affected area is in an inconspicuous location or is relatively small, you might be able to replace the ones that have been damaged without drawing further attention to the affected area. You should never wait to replace them. Your shingles are there to protect your roof deck from moisture and wind, and even the smallest exposed area is enough to allow water to seep into the underlayment and onto the deck.