Repair or replace? How to tell when your roof is done

Signs your roof may need replacing

• Shingles that are curling, cracked or missing in several places
• Bare spots where the granules have worn off, or lots of granules in the gutters
• A sagging roofline, which can mean the decking underneath is soft
• Leaks in more than one spot, or leaks that come back after repair
• Hail or wind damage across large areas of the roof

When a repair makes sense

If the damage is limited to one area (a few blown-off shingles, a leak around a vent pipe, or flashing that has pulled loose) and the rest of the roof is sound, a repair can be the right call. Leaks around chimneys are common, and often the fix is the chimney flashing, not the roof. See chimneys.

What a full replacement should include

• Tear-off down to the decking, so the boards can be inspected
• Decking repair where boards are rotten or soft
• Ice-and-water shield at the eaves, valleys and penetrations
• New flashing at walls, chimneys and vents
• Ventilation that matches the attic
• Clean-up, including the nails in the yard

Questions to ask any roofer

• What is your Minnesota contractor license number?
• Will you remove the old roof, or go over it?
• Who will be on site, and who do I call with questions?
• Is the full scope in writing?

How we help

Todd comes out in person, tells you straight whether you need a repair or a new roof, and puts the full scope in a free written estimate. See roofing or contact Todd.