NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Getting down to the decking definitely makes sense, even if it’s a bit more work. I’m trying to keep costs down, though, so I’m wondering—if you find a small patch of rot or soft wood, is it possible to just replace that section instead of redoing whole sheets? Or does that end up being more trouble than it’s worth in the long run? Just trying to figure out where it’s okay to save and where you really shouldn’t cut corners...
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
If it’s just a small spot of rot, you can cut out and patch that section, but make sure you overlap the seams well and support the patch underneath. I’ve done it a few times—works fine if you’re careful, but if the rot’s widespread, replacing the whole sheet is usually safer in the long run. Sometimes those “small” patches end up being bigger than you think once you start digging in...
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
Funny how “just a little rot” always turns into a weekend-long project... I tried patching once and ended up replacing half the sheet anyway. If you’re already up there, might as well do it right the first time.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
You nailed it—patch jobs almost always spiral into something bigger. I used to be all about the quick fix, but after the third “small” leak turned into a full-blown mess, I started thinking maybe it’s just smarter to bite the bullet and do a full replacement. It’s a pain, sure, but at least you know what you’re dealing with instead of playing whack-a-mole with leaks every rainy season.
That said, I get why people try to patch first. Sometimes you just don’t have the time or cash for a whole new roof. But honestly, in my experience, those patches never last as long as you hope. Plus, crawling around up there every few months gets old fast.
If you’re already seeing rot, there’s probably more hiding under the surface. Might sound harsh, but roofs are one of those things where cutting corners just comes back to haunt you later. Better to rip off the band-aid now than deal with mold or water damage down the line.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
That’s been my experience too—patching just delays the inevitable and sometimes makes things worse. I’d add, if you’re replacing anyway, it’s a good time to look at better insulation or even a cool roof material. We did that last year and our energy bills dropped noticeably. It’s more upfront, but over time it pays off, especially if you’re already tearing things up. Just something to consider if you’re ripping out old layers anyway.
