I get the logic behind opening things up, but sometimes it feels like overkill, especially if the leak’s been caught early. I patched a small spot last winter and kept an eye on it—no spread, no hidden damage. Guess it depends how old the roof is and how long the leak’s been there.
Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
That makes sense, especially if you’ve been monitoring it and nothing’s changed. Sometimes a small patch really does the trick, at least for a while. I’ve seen folks go all-in with demo and end up with more mess than they started with. Out of curiosity, did you check the attic or ceiling below for any signs of water stains or mold? Sometimes the damage hides in places you wouldn’t expect...
I hear you about unexpected mess—seen that play out more than once. Even with a patch, I’d still be a bit wary if it’s an older roof. Sometimes water sneaks in behind the scenes and you don’t catch it till there’s real damage. Did you happen to check around any vents or chimneys? Those spots seem to be troublemakers on older roofs in my experience...
TITLE: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
Vents and chimneys are notorious for leaks, but honestly, if the roof’s already old and patching hasn’t solved it, you’re probably just delaying the inevitable. I’ve seen folks spend more on constant repairs than if they’d just bitten the bullet and replaced the whole thing. If you’re seeing water stains or soft spots inside, it’s time to get serious. No sense risking hidden rot.
Totally agree—patching only gets you so far, especially with older roofs. I’ve seen people try to stretch things another year or two and end up with way bigger headaches. Once you spot those stains or soft spots, it’s usually a sign there’s more going on underneath. Sometimes folks are surprised how much damage can hide under the shingles... not worth the gamble.
