Many homeowners are unaware that their roof is in need of repair because from the ground it may look perfect, despite there being significant issues. With age and exposure to high winds and associated flying debris, problems will start to develop.
Ignoring these can lead to a full replacement rather than simple repairs. The faster a contractor performs an inspection, the better you’ll be as a homeowner, both financially and regarding safety and security in the home.
It takes a professional’s eye and extensive experience to know when repairs will suffice, or a full replacement will be necessary. An inspection with a quality and qualified company like Rock Roofing Contractor is the first step. These experts will provide a detailed inspection report and a plan for moving forward.
Factors To Consider Before Repairing or Replacing a Roof
Repairing a roof generally means taking care of isolated damage, whereas a replacement can be as simple as removing the moisture barrier or as complex as a complete failure with the entire structure, including the decking, vents, gutters, eaves, and soffits being replaced and any damages being repaired.
Until you have a roof inspection, you won’t know whether you need repairs or a replacement. You can get an idea by considering the following factors as you wait for the inspection.
Roof age
The roof’s age is a primary factor in determining whether the structure needs repairs or replacement. Its lifespan is based on the materials and manufacturer. Most endure roughly 15 + years with proper maintenance. For those that a relatively new, it makes more sense to repair damaged sections.
As age progresses, the roof wears, making it prone to damage. Repairing a roof that’s advancing in age becomes a temporary solution. It doesn’t necessarily help to extend its longevity. Despite having isolated damage to only a couple areas, it makes more sense to replace the roof.
The reason for this is that an aging roof will continue to develop problems with more frequent repairs being needed until you ultimately replace it. It’s more cost-efficient to go ahead with the replacement. In that same vein, the older the roof, the more difficult to color match the existing shingles since these are weathered.
Extent of damage
Consider the extent of damage to the roof, whether only a few shinglesblew off from harsh weather, or damaged or exposed decking, or a moisture barrier with water beneath it. Repairs can be a cost-efficient way to address issues if the damage is restricted to a small section.
However, if there is extensive damage, repairs can ultimately cost almost as much as a full replacement.
Plus, replacing the structure can reveal the root cause of what created the issue from the start. Visit – Replacing Your Roof: A Comprehensive Guide – This Old House – for a comprehensive guide on roof replacement.
Urgent repairs
If you’re alerted to a harsh weather, you may not have time to schedule a full replacement. The key to avoiding further damage is to at least protect the roof by making repairs. Some homeowners choose to wait until the storm is over believing this will save money because they can fix all the damage at once.
That’s actually incredibly risky since water invading the home’s interior or wind getting under the roof can cause damages that go beyond that of a roof replacement. Read here for steps on making roof repairs.
Future plans
If you intend to sell in a few years, a new roof can be a positive selling point for prospective homebuyers. That doesn’t mean buying the most expensive roof. However, keeping the old one could classify your house as a “fixer upper.”
For those who plan to retire in their current home, you may be able to justify upgrading the roof, because the investment will be spread out over the life of the house. You’ll have an excellent return on the investment.
In that same vein, materials continue to improve with each passing year, energy efficiency continues to evolve, enabling homeowners to recover installation costs in energy savings. That can add up over time.
Final Thought
While a full roof replacement can essentially reset the clock on your old roof enabling you to take advantage of quality materials and up-to-date solutions, there are many factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace.
If you’re uncertain, a credentialed roofer is a valuable resource. The professional will perform a thorough inspection of the structure and provide a detailed report.
This will identify the variables between roof repair, roof replacement and how they apply in your particular circumstances, including the true current condition of the roof.
If you intend to sell the house soon, basic repairs may be sufficed to satisfy prospective homebuyer concerns without taking on the expense of a full replacement.
However, replacing the roof entirely can increase the market value and appeal to a broad audience, especially if the existing roof is visibly damaged or old. As a rule, you want to weigh the potential return on your investment when deciding what to do and move forward from that point.
