If you are like most people, your roof is probably something that you take for granted. When it becomes damaged or starts leaking, however, it quickly becomes apparent just how essential a well-maintained roof is to the comfort and safety of your home.
The roof of your home is exposed to a tremendous amount of wear and tear on a daily basis. Not only does it have to withstand the intense heat of the sun during the summer months, but it also has to hold up under heavy rain, hail, extreme wind, and possibly even snow. Over time, this exposure to the elements can cause your roof to wear down, leading to problems such as loose shingles or leaking.
When damage does occur or when your roof starts to show signs that it is deteriorating, you have to answer an important question: should you repair your roof or replace it altogether? Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to this common question. It depends on a number of different factors. There are some general guidelines from Armor Services that you can use, however, to make the decision-making process a little bit easier.
When To Consider Repairing Your Roof
In some cases, you may be able to extend the life of your roof by making minor repairs. The cost of repairs is usually much lower than replacing the whole roof, making this an economical choice. Here are some scenarios where repairing your roof make sense:
1. You have a relatively new roof that sustained minor damage
Roofs can become damaged in a number of different ways. For instance, a major windstorm could come through your area, loosening some of your shingles and causing them to blow away. Alternatively, a tree branch could fall on your roof, damaging one specific area but leaving the rest of your roof untouched. In these cases, making repairs makes more sense than replacing the entire roof since the majority of your roof is undamaged.
2. Your roofing materials are not showing signs of wear
If your roof develops a leak or some other type of problem, you may not need to replace the whole thing – especially if the roof itself is still in good shape. As long as your roof isn’t showing a lot of signs of wear, you can typically get by just repairing the damaged area. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, the shingles should still have a lot of granules on them and they should be flat rather than cracked, peeling, or curling.
Drawbacks Of Repairing Your Roof Rather Than Replacing It
While repairing your roof is a viable option in certain situations, it is not without its downsides. Depending on the age of your roof, you may have a hard time matching the shingles that were used for the repair to the original shingles that were used for the roofing project.
As a result, you may wind up with an extremely visible patch on your roof. This can detract from the appearance of your home – especially if your roof is highly visible from the street. It can also make your home harder to sell, simply because buyers are usually wary of houses that have patched roofs.
From a financial standpoint, you may also find that it is more economical to have your roof replaced rather than repaired. Companies include the cost of setting up and tearing down the equipment in the price that they charge, regardless of whether they are repairing or replacing your roof.
As long as you are paying these fees, you may want to get an estimate on how much it would cost to replace the whole thing. You may find that you get a better rate by having the entire roof replaced rather than simply repairing one small part of it. Although the total amount will be higher, the cost per square foot may be significantly lower.
When To Consider Replacing Your Roof
Below are several scenarios where it makes a lot more sense to replace your roof rather than paying for repairs:
1. Your roof is at the end of its expected life
All roofing materials have an estimated lifespan. For instance, most asphalt shingle roofs are estimated to last anywhere from 20 to 25 years. If you start experiencing problems with your roof and it is approaching the end of its lifespan, it may be more economical to replace it rather than repairing it.
As your roofing materials start to wear out, you will experience more and more problems, leading to even more costly repairs. You may wind up saving money by replacing the roof right from the start rather than waiting until more damage occurs.
You can find out the average lifespan of your type of roofing by searching online. Compare that figure to the amount of time that it has been since the last time that it was replaced. If your roof is within a few years of the end of its estimated lifespan, you should definitely consider replacing it.
2. You are going to be selling your house in the near future
Selling a house that has an old or damaged roof can be difficult. Because the cost of replacing a roof is so high, most buyers prefer properties that have brand-new roofs. Replacing the roof yourself could make it easier to find a buyer for your home. It could also help increase its resale value.
Unlike roof repairs, you don’t have to worry about having mismatched shingles on your roof when you replace the entire thing. Instead, you can help your home retain its curb appeal by creating a consistent look across the entire span of the roof.
3. The underlying structure has been damaged
If the underlying structure of your roof has sustained damage, you should consider replacing the entire thing. From a structural standpoint, it is extremely important that your roof is fully intact. Otherwise, your chances of experiencing problems such as leaks, storm damage, or cave-ins are quite a bit higher.
This should give you a better idea of how to decide whether you need to repair or replace your roof. Repairs are ideal for situations where your roof is in relatively good shape and has sustained minor damage. Full roof replacements, on the other hand, are the best choice if your roof is old, if the underlying structure has been damaged, or if you are planning on putting your house on the market in the near future.
