Roof Replacement vs. Roof Repair
Since roof replacement is rather pricey, many wonder if repair could “finish the job” equally efficiently. What if you just replace a few tiles or add some new layers instead of changing the whole construction?
So, if you notice loose shingles or watermarks on your ceiling, it’s time to ask yourself a couple of questions. First, how old is your roof? If it’s almost 50 and has never been changed, we believe that the answer is clear. Then, for how long are you planning to stay in the house? If you’re just the renter and not the owner or have plans to sell in the near future, repairs may be a better option. Again, it depends on the damage as well. You should also consider the area you live in. If your roof has suffered damage from hail storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, minor fixing won’t solve the big problem. And in the end, reconsider your budget and check what the best option long term is.
Roof Repair
Let’s give you a general idea of when a repair will be enough and when you should definitely call the contractor and book a roof replacement.
For example, if your roof suffered minor damage – losing a few shingles from the wind and similar, repair should be enough. Most likely, you have some spare shingles from the roof installation, and even if not, ordering new ones from the contractor shouldn’t be too expensive.
Besides, if your roof has any of the following issues, you may consider repairs over a replacement:
- Leaks around the chimney
- Cracking
- Splitting
- Shrinkage
- Punctures and holes
- Tree damage
Of course, more minor issues are to be added to this list, but these are the most common. If you notice any of these, you may want to call professionals and book an appointment for roof repair.
Also, if the damage is a bit larger but concentrated in one area, you may want to consider partial roof replacement. This is a replacement, but of one part only, which will impact the price significantly while resolving your issue at the same time.
The good sides of having your roof repaired are saving money and extending your roof’s life. However, it may be difficult to find matching shingles or tiles, especially if you have an older roof. Also, if the job is not done correctly, it may cause more issues than those you tried to fix.
Roof Replacement
As mentioned, you should always consider the age of your roof. If it’s the time for the new roof, no repairs will be as efficient as having the new one installed. You can usually check your warranty as it represents roofs life expectancy. If the warranty is due, you know what to do. Also, if your roof is hit by a heavy storm or falling apart due to poor installation, it’s time for a new one.
Before going for a roof replacement, make sure you find a contractor you can trust. Since most premature roof replacements occur due to poor installation in the first place, you don’t want that same thing to happen again. Then get a few offers before going into the business since roofing is a competitive industry. Get the most out of it. After all, replacement is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and you want to make sure you got the best deal possible.
Good luck!