Reasons You Should Install a New Roof and Reasons to Repair Your Roof

Homeowners and commercial building owners in the San Gabriel Valley often ask the same question:

Should I install a new roof or repair my existing roof?

Local roofing contractor Garvey Roofing, headquartered in Monrovia, assesses the situation by knowing the goals of the owner. The answer is obvious if you know the roof is quite old, you can see it deteriorating, and the home or commercial building is leaking.

But what do you do when the answer isn’t obvious?

Here’s a self-assessment to help you answer that common question.

By the way, Garvey Roofing offers free estimates and makes a guarantee unique in the roofing industry:

All labor and materials are guaranteed.

Know the Purpose of Your Roof

Most people say the purpose of your roof is to protect you from the heat of summer and the chill of winter while keeping you dry when it rains.

That’s true but there’s an even better way to know the reason you have a roof: energy efficiency.

Your roof and the overall roofing system are key to making your home energy efficient.

Photo by Don Simkovich

New decking and the newest underlayment reflect the sun’s rays back into the atmosphere and reduce the amount of heat that transfers from the roof’s surface into your attic and your home’s interior.

Today’s roofing materials like Therma Sheet and the newest shingles or tile are manufactured to create a home where your air conditioning and heating aren’t stressed.

That’s important, especially after our week-long heat wave in early September where temperatures reached up to 105 degrees around cities like Pasadena and Alhambra.

Consider the Age of Your Roof

If it’s more than 20 years old and you’re noticing how it’s degrading then installing a new roof may be a smart move, especially if you’re planning to stay in your home long term.

However …

… if you’re planning to move within the next few years and you’re noticed leaking or areas where the roof seems soft when you step on it, then repairs may make the most sense.

Attic ventilation and proper attic insulation are also important in making your home energy efficient and prolonging the life of your roof.

A new roof, that’s properly installed, along with effective air flow and insulation will protect your home for the next several decades.

Check Your Roof’s Condition

Here’s a simple do-it-yourself test to know the condition of your roof.

If you have asphalt shingles then you can touch the shingles near the eaves and see if they’re brittle, chipped, or cracked. Do you see the white fiberglass core showing through? If so, a new roof seems likely.

Discoloration due to missing granules is another sign you may need a new roof. Granules in today’s roofing material help reflect the sun’s most harmful rays. The more granules that are missing means your roof is deteriorating and you should consider installing a new roof.

Do you see pieces of underlayment in the gutter from either your asphalt roof or tile roof?

Check for Leaks

Leaks don’t automatically mean you need a new roof.

Look in your attic and see if there are water spots. If your roof is less than 10-15 years old then it may be leaking due to poor craftsmanship. If so, Garvey Roofing can assess how it could be repaired.

Sealants around chimneys, vents, and other protrusions may have gotten old due to the sun beating down on it, or flashing may not be installed correctly. If so, Garvey Roofing will make the needed repairs if that’s in your best interest.

Know How the Local Environment Affects Your Roof

We live in a region where there are numerous micro-climates. Homes higher in the hills of Altadena and Monrovia may be subject to stronger Santa Ana winds than homes in Temple City or Baldwin Park. If you notice roofing materials on the ground after high winds then that could be another sign of deterioration.

Learn more on the website of the California Energy Commission which has a building zone map for different micro-climates.