While most roof damage can be repaired, sometimes a roof is too badly damaged to save. In these cases, a general contractor can construct a whole new roof for your home. You’ll likely need a professional opinion about whether you need simple roof repairs or a full replacement, but you can usually tell by looking for the following signs.

When You Need a General Contractor to Perform Roof Replacement

1. The Roof Is Old

Different roofing materials have different lifespans. For example, asphalt shingles usually last up to 20 years, while tile roofs can last about 50 and metal roofs last 100 years or more. If your roof is near the end of its lifespan, the material will start to break down, no matter how well you maintain it. Check when your roof was built to get an idea of when you’ll need a replacement.

2. There’s Structural Damage

The roofing material that forms the outer layer of your roof is easy to access and fix. The decking and rafters beneath are harder to repair. Fixing just the damaged area would still leave the roof dangerously weakened, risking a collapse in the future. If the structure has been damaged by wood rot, fire, an impact like a falling tree branch, or simple time and wear, it’ll need to be fully replaced. You can often see structural damage from the ground in the form of large holes or sagging areas.

3. There Are Many Leaks

If your house has just one or two leaks that need to be repaired, it’s cost-effective to address them one by one. If there are multiple leaks, or if you need repeated repairs, those repair bills will start to add up. If your roof is badly deteriorated, it can make more financial sense to replace it than to keep repairing it. Try going into your attic or crawlspace on a sunny day and looking up at the underside of the roof. Anywhere that you can see daylight through your roofing material, water can get through as well. Pay special attention to the joints where two sections of the roof meet and areas where chimneys, skylights, and other structures pass through because leaks are more likely in these areas. If there are many places where the light comes through, you need a replacement. You may also notice a moldy smell, mold patches, or dark or yellow stains on the walls, floor, and underside of the roof where water has leaked through.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, contact a general contractor at Carrington Contracting in Durham, NC. For over 20 years, they’ve offered Durham County commercial and residential construction services using the latest technology and quality materials. Founder Jim Carrington is a skilled general contractor who is licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. For a free estimate on your project, call (919) 479-0249, or visit the website.