5 Things to Keep in Mind When Making a Roof Repair vs. Replacement Decision

The following are some things to keep in mind when looking at the possibilities of a roof repair versus a roof replacement.

1. ROOF AGE

Do you know when your roof was put on? Depending on what type of roofing material was used, its age might be one of the determining factors in knowing when to replace.

If your roof is aging or has been damaged by storms, leaks, or otherwise, it might be wise to replace it. Replacing an old, damaged, or failing roof rather than constantly paying for repairs can be a sound investment, no matter if you will be occupying your home for years to come or intend to sell it in the next few years.

2. ROOF LEAKS

A leaking roof is one of the primary reasons homeowners find themselves needing either repairs or a replacement. If you’ve noticed water stains on the inside of your home that run across ceilings or down walls, a leaky roof could be the culprit. Identifying the source of the leak can often be a challenge, but a certified roofing contractor can assist in this process.

Regardless of where your leak is coming from, it is important to fix a leaky roof condition in a timely manner — what begins as a small leak may become a larger problem down the road, including:

– Mold

– Rotting framing and roof sheathing

– Damaged ceilings, and

– Wet or ruined insulation

3. DEGREE OF ROOF DAMAGE

If you are being offered the choice of repairing or replacing a roof, then your roof either deteriorated significantly in appearance or was physically damaged. Having an experienced roofing contractor will allow you to better get an idea of how much damage your roof sustained and therefore make the best choice for your home and budget.

Physical manifestation of roof damage varies slightly depending on the roofing material employed, but is generally categorized into two broad classes: aesthetic damage and structural damage.

Aesthetic damage:

– Roofing material appears old and weathered

– Moss, dark streaks, or algae accumulation on or between the roofing material

Structural damage:

– Curling or cupped edges on wood or asphalt shingles

– Bald spots or missing granules on asphalt shingles

– Broken or cracked tile, wood, or asphalt shingles

– Dented or punched roofing materials made of tile, wood, metal, or asphalt

– Rusting on metal panels or shingles

4. GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

Do you reside in a neighborhood that is subject to hailstorms, hurricanes, or tornadoes? If so, it’s extremely crucial to replace missing shingles and other roofing components promptly after a storm in an attempt to prevent further problems, like roof leaks.

Hail impact and debris strike can also affect your roof’s long-term functionality, aesthetic looks, and ability to create a watertight roof deck.

5. Roof Replacement Cost

Naturally, the price of a new roof is one of the very first matters that homeowners take into account when they decide whether they will repair or replace. 

Typically, repairs to the roof will be less expensive than a full reroof job; however, if you are continually paying for numerous repairs over a period of a few years, those costs could eventually be more than it would be to replace the roof entirely.

Your roofing contractor can provide you with estimates so that you can break down what would be the cheapest option without sacrificing your home to a falling roof, and can also provide financing for the roof.

While a new roof replacement will cost more in the short run, it will prevent you from spending money on recurrent repairs, especially if you have several areas of concern with the roof. Besides, a roof replacement is comforting since it ensures that your most valued items below it are safe from nature.

When to Get a Roof Repair

Minor Damage

But if you really need to repair a small area of your roof or repair a few shingles in one area that has been lightly damaged by the wind, then repairing the broken material in that area can be quite easy and cheap.

For instance, damaged, ripped, or missing asphalt shingles can most often be simply replaced with new ones. But other materials used in roofing can be harder or more costly to replace individually, like metal panels.

A drawback of this method is equating roofing materials in such a manner that the fixed section becomes an extension invisible from the rest of the roof. For instance, if you have leftover shingles from a previous roofing project, the colors could be extremely close to each other but will not quite match due to sun exposure.

A second option is to have your roofing company order shingles as similar in color as possible to the original color.

Moderate Damage

If the damage to your roof is more extensive but limited on one side or portion, partial reroofing may be an alternative, and it will likely be less expensive than a full reroofing project.

Again, an aesthetic downside of a partial reroofing project is that the color of the new roofing material may not be readily available to match the old. Roofing materials may change color due to exposure to the elements over a long period of time, which could result in the newly roofed section appearing mismatched to the rest of the roof.

When to Get a New Roof

Though generally more costly in the near term, a new roof may be more economical in the long term by avoiding the rolled-up expense of multiple repairs or additional damage.