Don't jump the gun and replace an aluminum roof. First assess if it is the material beneath the roof that is rotting. Find out more information now.
If you are like most homeowners, you want your existing roof to last as long as possible since it can cost a pretty penny to install a new roof. Knowing when a repair is sufficient and when you will need to replace an aluminum roof altogether can be a bit tricky, but some background knowledge should help you to make an informed decision.
If you're thinking it may be time to replace an aluminum roof, you may be hoping that you can just repair the roof so that it will last a little bit longer before you are forced to fork over some serious cash for a new one. Keep the following in mind.
An aluminum roof might fail for a number of reasons. Because aluminum roofing is impervious to many of the issues seen with asphalt roofing and wooden shakes, it is usually the material beneath the roof that fails, not the metal itself. Nonetheless, aluminum roofing can deteriorate over time, especially if it is not properly coated with the appropriate roof-coating material.
A lack of maintenance can also contribute to the deterioration of an aluminum roof. However, a problem with moisture is the most frequent cause of damage to a roof's substructure and the most common reason for needing to repair an aluminum roof.
When you're deciding on whether to replace your existing roof or just repair the roof, a roofing professional may suggest that your roof needs to be recoated. This is a common practice that can help you avoid total replacement for some time. Replacing an entire roof can be a very expensive and time-consuming process, but it may be the only option if your roof is beyond repair. It is sometimes the case that recoating will save money and time, but it is not always a viable fix for the roof.
When replacing an aluminum roof, a roofer will usually need to remove not only the old metal roofing panels, but also replace the plywood underneath. This material is known as decking.
Recoating, by contrast, involves painting a roof-coating substance onto the aluminum roof in much the same way that paint is applied to a wall. The amount of damage to your roof will determine which option is best for your situation.
The best way to determine whether the entire roof needs to be replaced is to have a roofing professional come out and have a look. Leaks and other structural issues that can be seen from the ground or by looking around in the attic may indicate the need to replace the whole roof. Damp spots, spongy areas and water stains can be strong indicators that the problem is sufficient to warrant a new roof or a partial repair, depending on your roofer's report.
QualitySmith is a great resource for finding reputable local roofing professionals to help you with the decision about whether to repair or replace your roof. Your roofer will be able to advise you about residential roofing materials and discuss prices and any roofing cost concerns that you might have. Look for a roofing professional who will provide a roofing estimate at no cost, and who offers a roofing warranty on the work that he does.
As you can see, it is not always necessary to replace an aluminum roof. You may be able to recoat the roof and put off the replacement expense until later on down the road. It's always best to be as informed as you can so you don't incur any unnecessary costs.
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