Deciding between a roof repair and a full replacement depends on the age of your roof and the extent of the damage. If your roof is under 15 years old and has minor, isolated issues, a repair is usually sufficient, but widespread damage or an aging roof typically requires a full replacement.
When to Repair:
- Isolated Leaks: A single leak from a blown-off shingle or damaged flashing.
- Minor Wear: A few missing or cracked shingles from a recent Michigan windstorm.
- Younger Roof: Your roof is under 15 years old and the underlying structure is sound.
When to Replace:
- Widespread Damage: Shingles are noticeably curling, buckling, or missing across large sections.
- Heavy Granule Loss: You find excessive "shingle sand" (granules) filling your gutters.
- Structural Issues: The roof deck appears to be sagging, or you have major interior water damage in the attic.
- Age: Your asphalt roof is approaching or past the 20-year mark.
Pro Tip: Don't wait for a leak! If you notice daylight shining through your attic boards or severe moss growth trapping moisture during Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles, call Michigan Exterior Pros for an honest, zero-pressure inspection.