Every Austin roofer has received at least one call from a homeowner who wants to know if it is possible to replace just part of a roof. Usually, the wisdom of a partial replacement will depend on the roof’s age, the extent of the damage, and other factors that must be carefully evaluated by both the contractor and the homeowner.
What Factors Determine the Advisability of a Partial Roof Replacement?
When you call a licensed roof contractor to ask about replacing just a part of your roof, he or his representative will probably have several questions about your roof. However, most roofing contractors will still want to conduct a thorough inspection before providing you with a definite answer. Here are a few things that you and your roof company should consider.
1. How old is the roof? The age of your roof can have a significant impact on the advisability of performing a partial replacement. For example, if you have three-tab asphalt shingles that were installed 15 years ago, they are rapidly approaching the end of their life expectancy so that you will need a complete replacement roof soon. If you have a simple roof with only two planes, it will cost you more than twice as much to have each plane replaced at a different time, and any additional complexities can increase the differential. Furthermore, it may be impossible to purchase new shingles that will be a color match, so the repaired area may be self-explanatory.
2. How extensive is the damage? If you have only lost a few shingles, it is probably cost-effective to replace just those shingles. This is especially true if your shingles are relatively new. However, if the damage is spread over multiple roof planes or covers most of a large plane, it may be cheaper in the long run to choose a total roof replacement.
3. How many layers of shingles are currently on the roof? When roofing Austin homes, contractors cannot install the third layer of shingles without violating the building codes, and no licensed roof contractor would be willing to risk the potential consequences of doing so. If your roof already has two layers of shingles, your Austin roofer would have to remove them before proceeding. Despite his best efforts, you could still end up with a noticeable difference in height where the old and new sections meet at the ridge.
4. What is important to you? Every homeowner has certain things that are more important than others. For some homeowners, aesthetic appeal is significant, especially if they plan to sell their homes soon. Other homeowners emphasize the need to ensure that their homes are properly protected against leaks.
If you have questions, contact Alpha Roofing, the roof contractor Austin homeowners count on for dependable assistance and high-quality work. We offer an extensive range of roofing services, including asphalt shingle installation, emergency roof repairs, metal roof installation, and chimney repairs. We have an impeccable reputation that is based on our professionalism, craftsmanship, and integrity. To receive a free quote, call us at 512-777-1086 or submit our online form.