Being a homeowner comes with some headaches. You are fully responsible for fixing any issue that rears its ugly head, which can range in cost greatly. One home improvement project that will take significant financial investment is addressing roof damages. But is a complete room replacement needed? Or will a repair suffice for the damage? Let us discuss which option is right for you regarding roof repair vs. replacement.
Factors Affecting Your Decision
A handful of factors determine if a replacement is the right choice for your roof or if you can skate by with minor repairs.
1) Where You Live
The first consideration should be where you live. You may want to be cautious if you live in a geographical region where tumultuous weather doesn’t have an off-season. You shouldn’t hesitate to replace a shingle or other roofing imperfections if natural disasters and heavy rainfall are prevalent in your area.
2) Age of the Roof
Roofs do have expiration dates. As such, it’s not always a matter of if the home will need a total roof replacement, but when. If the official conclusion is that a roof replacement is in the cards because your current one is near the hypothetical finish line, a costly roof repair may have little benefit.
3) Signs of Leaks
The most common flaw a roof can have is when it begins to leak. When water starts seeping into your home via an opening from the roof, it’s integral to act as swiftly as possible. You can only collect so much water in pots and pans before addressing the issue head-on. Furthermore, the longer you let the leak continue, the worse things can get. Mold, damaged insulation, and wood rot can occur if you ignore water damage.
4) Extent of the Damage
Maybe your roof has lost its luster or sustained physical damage. Aesthetic damages are an issue; however, they’re more of an eyesore than anything else. On the other hand, if your roof has sustained structural damage, the situation will require a hasty response. The extent of the aesthetic or structural damages will determine whether a roof repair or replacement is the better solution for your situation.
5) Cost
A reliable roofing contractor can help you assess the state of your roof and advise you on the best course of action for your house and budget.
If your roof has several problem areas, the initial cost of a replacement may be higher, but in the long run, you will save money by not having to do as many repairs. Keeping your most prized possessions safe from bad weather is a major benefit of a new roof.
When To Replace
As previously stated, a new roof will save you money in the long run. A full replacement is your best bet if you are in your forever home. A new roof will improve the home’s energy efficiency, curb appeal, and peace of mind. You will never have to worry about a windy, rainy, or snowy day again.
When To Repair
In the event that just a small piece of your roof has sustained damage, it may only be necessary to replace a few shingles or other tiny components. When choosing asphalt shingles, for instance, you will find that the material is easy to repair if it wears down, is damaged, or shingles go missing. Some roofing materials, such as metal panels, might be more difficult or costly to repair in sections. Aesthetics are another issue that might arise with a partial reroofing job. Replacement roofing materials may be less likely to be an exact color match to the old ones.
Figuring out if a roof repair or replacement is right for you doesn’t have to be difficult. Assess your situation and review the five considerations listed above to decide which path is right for you.
