Old House Roof Shingles: Repair or Replace?

The Pros and Cons of Repairing VS Replacing
Shingles On Your Aging Malvern Home

Why Repairs Or A Replacement May Be Necessary  

As a homeowner, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to repair or replace the shingles on your old Malvern home. Shingles protect your Chester County home from the elements and play a critical role in its structural integrity.

Without functioning, durable materials, your family could be compromised by debris, water infiltration, etc. 

Over time, shingles become damaged, worn, or faded from UV rays, leading to severe hazardous problems. 

While repairing or replacing your shingles can be a significant investment, taking a thoughtful and strategic approach is crucial to ensure you make the best decision for your home and your budget. 

In this article, we’ll explore the factors you should consider when deciding whether to repair or replace the shingles on your older home.

Signs That Your Shingles Need Attention

There are various indicators that your residential asphalt roofing may need to be repaired or replaced, including curling, gapping, and discoloration on your interior ceiling. 

Cracked Or Split Shingles

Cracked or split shingles are a common sign that your roof needs renovation. As asphalt ages, the material becomes brittle and prone to cracking, compromising the system’s ability to protect against the weather and reflect heat. 

Additionally, shingles can deteriorate from severe weather conditions like high winds and heavy New England rain. 

You should visually inspect your roof from the ground or a safe vantage point to tell if your shingles are cracked or split. Look for split edges and debris from cracked shingles. 

If you suspect that your shingles are cracked or split, a simple repair may be all your roof needs. This could include replacing a few individual shingles or deck boards, or applying adhesive to join the splits.

However, you’ll probably need a roof replacement if the damage is all over the surface. 

Curling Or Buckling  

Curling occurs when the edges of shingles turn upwards, while buckling is when the shingle’s middle portion rises above the roof deck.

To determine if your Malvern residential asphalt roofing material is curling or buckling, you should visually inspect the area from the yard or on the roof if it’s safe to do so. 

Look for shingles that appear to be raised or have edges that are turning upward. You may also notice that the shingles look wavy or distorted. 

This warping typically occurs for a few factors, including: 

• Age
• Poor Installation
• Inadequate Ventilation
• Exposure To Harsh Weather Conditions

These issues can lead to the inability to lay flat, causing them to lift and become vulnerable to wind, rain, and other elements.

Gaps In The Shingles  

Gaps commonly occur from weather, sun exposure, and age. It’s usually pretty easy to tell if your Chester County roofing is missing shingles because you’ll start finding pieces of shingles in your yard, or see water infiltration.

This can appear as discoloration on the interior ceiling, indicating mold growth or water damage from excessive trapped moisture. 

If you suspect gaps in your shingles, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor so an inspector can assess the damage and inform you of the necessary next steps. 

Granule Loss

Your water drainage system is closely related to your residential asphalt roofing, and if your shingles need to be repaired or replaced, you’ll often find granules in your gutters. 

These pieces of debris come from the shingles, often after a harsh storm or sun exposure, and indicate that the material is falling apart on top of your Malvern home. 

The first step to address this issue is to call a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roofing and determine the extent of the damage. 

They’ll assess the current condition of your shingles and provide you with recommendations on how to proceed, whether that be a few simple repairs or a total replacement. 

If the damage is minor, the contractor may be able to replace just the damaged shingles, which can help extend the lifespan of your roof. However, if the damage is widespread, a total roof replacement may be necessary to protect you and your family. 

In the meantime, keeping your gutters clean is essential to prevent further damage and ensure water is flowing away from the home. Excessive granule shedding can lead to clogs, which may cause water damage to affect your home’s foundation. 

Factors That Decide Whether You Should Repair Or
Replace Your Shingles  

A few specific components determine whether you should completely replace or repair the shingles of your old Malvern home. These factors include the following: 

• Age: older asphalt shingles typically last between 15-20 years, depending on maintenance. If your shingles are approaching the end of their lifespan, it may be time to consider a replacement rather than a repair.
• The Extent Of Damage Or Wear: If your shingles are curled or cracked in only a few places, you can probably get away with a repair. On the other hand, widespread damage usually requires a complete replacement. 
• Cost Of Repair VS. Replacement: While it’s crucial to consider the other factors in this list, you should also evaluate your spending budget concerning each renovation option. 
• The Impact On Curb Appeal: A residential asphalt roofing replacement can significantly increase your curb appeal and resale value, as the new materials function better and provide better aesthetic appeal. 
• Potential For Future Problems: Purchasing an entire replacement may be less expensive if a repair is a temporary fix. This is because the material will last longer, preventing unnecessary costs. 
• Condition Of The Roof Decking: Decking is the foundation of your entire system and keeps the structural integrity of your home intact. If the material is worn, replacing the roofing is best to avoid sagging and collapsing. 

Hire The Most Reliable Roofing Company In Malvern For All Your Renovation Needs  

At Best Contracting, our dedicated roofing experts can guide you on whether your home needs repairs or a replacement. We prioritize the customer experience, ensuring you’re never in the dark about what’s happening with your renovation project. 

Contact us or call us today at (717) 283-4524, and we’ll help you protect your family with durable, functioning asphalt shingles!