Many householders that reside in older houses will have to face the question at one point or another if the roof of their home can be repaired or is it time to replace it.  I am sure your first thought is that roof replacement is expensive.  However , bear in mind that by simply repairing the roof on your home, you'll finish up spending additional money in the long term. 

The material used in roofing has varying costs.  The least dear roof material is the three tab asphalt shingle while the costliest are clay tiles.  Another thing to keep in mind is that roofing materials change from region to area too.  Areas that see cruel winters, such as new england would not use the ceramic and clay tiles that somebody living in southern California would use as these tiles couldn't handle the climate.  The wintry North Eastern states would be better served by utilizing materials of slate that can persist for years.  In all cases, there will be a time when you want to decide for a roof repair or if it is simply time to replace it. 

When to fix

One of the most clear times your roof will show wishes of repair is after damage caused by powerful winds or after a particularly tricky winter.  At a minimum you'll notice dark stains on the ceilings within your home.  On the other end of the spectrum you may even come across dripping water within your home that can cause further damage.  A roof that isn't correctly sealed can form ice dams along the sides.  This will permit liquefying water to enter under the edge of the roof causing ice build up to hurt the edge further and ruin the decking of your roof.  Numerous home owners will use heat tape along the fringe of their roof to get round this problem, but this "simple" fix comes with its own set of issues.  Read manufacturer directions carefully as there were house fires caused by heat tape. 

When to Replace

A good axiom to follow to help you decide if it's the time to replace your roof : is there damage to one third or more of your roof?  If you answered yes, then it's likely time to replace.  {However ,} this isn't the only thing you need to consider as there are several more aspects to roof replacement than simply the appearance of your roof.  Below are some pointers to help make your call. 

Dark spots or blisters on the ceilings and walls of your home's interior. 

Leaking inside your home after a hard rain. 

Attic has blackening or water damage. 

evidence of leaks in your attic after a buildup of ice. 

Shingles appear to be cracked or curling. 

Shingles that look mucky or contain algae. 

Decaying shingles, soffit or sheathing. 

An obvious escalation in your energy bill in the winter months. 

All of the above are signals of possible trouble with your roof.  Increasing energy costs over the winter months can indicate that you are losing heat thru your roof.  Decaying shingles may point to that water is entering the walls of your house and getting into the soffit.  Knowing what to search for is half of the battle. 

Before you get a home, be certain to check the roof and ensure that it's the correct type for your climate.  Homes in climates that are hot and damp need a particular sort of roof that will be different from a home in areas having a lot of snow and ice.  Homes that might be exposed to hurricanes need to have hurricane straps installed during construction as they need to be installed on interior walls before securing to the roof.  A little research about the climate of your area and what type of roof will fare better can go along way when it comes to roof repair and replacement.