Roof Repair Vs. Replacement: How to Decide What’s Best for Your Home
Homeowners are encouraged to periodically do a visual inspection of their roof to assess for any obvious signs of damage or issues that need to be addressed. Despite having no noticeable signs of a problem, it’s further recommended to have a certified roof inspector checking the structure more in-depth.
Investing in preventive inspections and maintenance can save you much frustration and costs. With their extensive training and experience, these professionals detect developing issues and make the necessary repairs before they turn into major problems.
The outcome of the inspection will help you determine whether to continue making needed repairs on the structure or if it’s time to consider replacing it.
A qualified and trustworthy contractor, check this website, will consider the roof’s condition, age, and the installation quality and the materials used before presenting solutions.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof
A roof’s condition should be assessed at least once per year with preventive professional inspections and subsequent maintenance. The earlier builders catch developing problems, the more solutions you’ll have available to you. This could mean making some much-needed repairs or replacing the entire structure.
Which is best will depend on a few variables such as the materials covering the roof, the amount of wear and tear, and how far along the roof is in its life cycle.
Visit – Should I Replace My Roof? Here's What to Consider – for guidance as to whether a roof replacement makes sense in your situation. Consider the following factors when deciding whether a new roof is the best solution or if repairs might be feasible.
Roof age
The roof’s age is a major consideration when deciding on a replacement or making repairs. Depending on the material used and the manufacturer, the structure will have a life expectancy. The average ranges between 10 and 15 years.
For those that are relatively new, it makes sense to make repairs to damaged areas. Considering the age, however, the structure could incur further wear that leaves it susceptible to significant damage.
Repairs offer a temporary solution but doesn’t necessarily extend the longevity. The lifespan is limited by the original roof’s age. The older the roof gets, the more challenging it becomes also to match the existing shingles’ color. These become weathered and stand out against new ones.
Roof type
The roof type will play a role in deciding whether to repair or replace the existing structure. A slate roof, for instance, has a life cycle of 100+ years making it wise to repair damage as it happens than to put on a new roof. Tiles can be replaced individually with minimal labor-intensity.
If damage, however, results from a compromised structure or if the deck has been exposed to water damage, replacing the roof, even those with slate tiles, makes sense. The tiles, fortunately, can be reused.
The extent of the damage
Consider factors such as whether few shingles blew off from harsh weather conditions, if the deck was damaged and if a leak resulted from the damage, or whether water seeped beneath the moisture barrier. When damage is limited to a single section or a smaller area, repairs can be a cost-efficient solution.
If the structure incurred extensive damage, repairs could range as high as it would cost to put on a new roof. By replacing the roof, contractors can expose the underlying reason for the damage.
Urgent circumstances
When a major storm is forecast, there may be little time to schedule an entire roof replacement. In order to avoid the potential for further damage, repairs will help to protect the roof as the storm passes through.
While some homeowners feel it’s more cost-efficient to address all damages incurred at one time following storm season, it’s risky and could result in a substantially higher cost.
Water damage making its way to the home’s interior or if wind catches beneath the roof, these damages can lead to extensive costs that go above that of a roof replacement.
Future plans
The length of time that you plan to stay in your home will help to determine whether you add a new roof or make essential repairs. If you plan to sell in a few years, a new roof adds value and can be an attractive selling point for prospective buyers.
That doesn’t mean you need to invest a substantial amount, but you want to avoid being classified as a “fixer upper” due to the condition of the existing structure.
For those who plan to stay in the home long term, a roof upgrade is warranted. The expense will extend over your lifetime in the house. The priority is to choose higher quality materials and work with a credentialed contractor to ensure proper installation for an extended longevity.
Final Thought
When deciding whether to add a new roof or make the necessary repairs to the existing structure, it’s important to consider the many variables that play into that decision. When uncertain, a reliable and trustworthy builder can review the factors as they apply to your situation and present the most feasible solution.
