Leaking Roof

Is Replacement the Only Solution to a Leaky Roof?

Do What’s Right for Your Roof – No More, No Less

There’s no debate that when you find a leak in your roof, no matter how small, it needs to be addressed immediately. What you may not be as sure of is what the appropriate course of action is – can it be patched? Is it possible to just fix a particular section of roof? Is replacement the only way to go? As you might guess, there is rarely a clear-cut answer that can be applied to all situations. See what our experts have to say about different recommendations for different circumstances.

Can I Just Patch the Leak?

A simple patch is often the homeowner’s ideal solution, as it is a much smaller, cheaper, and less time-consuming process than most other fixes. In some cases, it may even be the right way to go! If a professional inspection determines that there is a singular, tiny leak that was noticed early, it can serve as a fast way to fix the issue without putting the rest of the structure at undue risk of further damage.

The main issue with this solution is that there are relatively few problems that it can reasonably be expected to fix. A patch covers only a small area and, worse, could actually make it more difficult to spot spreading damage until it is too late. You should only consider a patch if your roofing expert is certain that there are no other structural problems caused by the leak.

When Would Replacement Be Necessary?

If you call in a roofer due to a tiny, barely noticeable leak, it can feel like a huge escalation to hear a recommendation for roof replacement. It is important to remember, however, that the tiny leak is just the first problem you noticed in a system that is largely hidden from view. Unfortunately, even issues that begin as tiny leaks can grow out of sight, making the structure of your roof vulnerable and inviting into your home water damage, and all that comes with it.

There are several issues that patches will not effectively address, such as:

  • Undiscovered leaks and damage
  • Sagging or pooling
  • Cracked, curled, damaged, or missing shingles
  • Flashing issues
  • Frequent leaks

What Could a Little Leak Do?

The smaller a leak is, the easier it is to pretend we didn’t see it. This is just human nature. However, you should be aware that even those tiny leaks have the potential to wreak major havoc on your living space.

A leaking roof can lead to serious problems such as:

  • Damage to essential structures
  • Mold and mildew growth
  • Introducing water damage to other parts of the home’s structure

At the end of the day, treating a small leak like a small problem simply isn’t worth it. The possibility of damage and unsafe conditions is too great to ignore.

Finding the Right Option for You

When it comes to making decisions about your roof, it is important to get insight from knowledgeable professionals in the field. DIY roofing projects are not only unsafe, but could mean missing important clues that might have prevented bigger issues. Find a team that you trust to be straightforward in their recommendations who can also work with you to prevent future problems.

To get started, give Lyons Roofing a call at (520) 447-2522 today! We can provide you with an in-depth inspection and help you understand your unique situation.

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