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Even though a good roof can last between 15 and 30 years, at some point, you may have to consider your roof’s state and decide whether to repair it or replace it.
Making this decision requires more than crunching the numbers and looking at your budget – there are certain situations in which one course of action is preferable to the other.
But before you start ripping shingles and calling in a roofing crew, here are some factors you should think about before deciding whether to replace or repair your roof:
Take a moment to consider these four factors before deciding if you should repair or replace your roof:
As mentioned above, a good roof can last between 15 and 30 years – but this all depends on the materials used and the quality of construction.
However, the age of your roof is the first thing you should look at when deciding whether to repair it or replace it.
If you didn’t have your current roof installed yourself, find out when it was installed as well as the type of roofing material used.
Older roofs in dire condition should be replaced while normal wear and tear can simply be repaired.
Otherwise, by simply repairing an old roof, you could be looking at repairing the roof over and over again.
A roof leak was likely the first indication that something needs to be done with your home’s roof. When your roof leaks, you’ll notice water stains inside your home across your ceiling and down your walls.
However, a leaky roof can cause more than just aesthetic interior damage. Over time, leaks in your roof can lead to larger issues such as mold and rot as well as damaged ceilings and insulation.
Determining the extent of the damage that is causing the leak can be difficult, so it’s recommended that you have a certified roofing contractor inspect your roof to see if it can be repaired or if the roof needs to be replaced.
Signs of roof damage fall into two categories: aesthetic damage and structural damage.
Aesthetic damage is fairly easy to diagnose – you’ll notice that the roofing material is looking old and worn or is even missing in some places. You may also notice moss growing in cracks along your roof.
Structural damage can be easily spotted as well and can include curled or cupped edges, dented roofing components, and cracked, broken, or rusted shingles.
If your roof has deteriorated in appearance or has suffered any physical damage, it’s best to have a professional inspect it. They can advise you on whether or not your roof can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced entirely.
Lastly, where you live can affect the condition of your roof, despite its age.
For instance, if you live in a region that’s susceptible to hail storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes, your roof will likely suffer from missing shingles and materials. In these cases, repairs should be carried out as soon as possible following a storm to prevent leaks and future damages.
Overall, damage from extreme weather can lessen your roof’s lifespan so, even though it may fall in that 15-30 year window, it may need replacing sooner than expected.
Repairing your roof is relatively easy and inexpensive when it comes to dealing with minor damage such as torn or damaged shingles.
Just keep in mind that, unless you had the roof replaced and hung on to some spare shingles, it may be difficult to match your roof perfectly. When it comes to selling your house down the road, you may want to special order matching tiles.
Apart from missing shingles, you can also have your roof repaired when moderate damage is confined to one side or area of your roof. Partial roofing is always an option and can save you money compared to replacing the roof entirely.
Again, it may be hard to match the color and could affect the aesthetics of your roof. Even if you do match the shingles perfectly, the older roofing material could fade over time and the newly reroofed portion may stand out.
For most homeowners, choosing to repair a roof when possible, versus replacing it, usually comes down to saving money. To keep your wallet happy, a roof repair is a good option as long as the damage is reparable and not extensive.
The idea of replacing a roof may cause your bank account to shriek in terror but there are instances where it is necessary. Plus, choosing replacement over repair could save you money over time!
Yes, this route is more expensive upfront but a new roof can save you from spending money on multiple repairs to preventable damage.
Apart from preventing future damage and repair to your roof, having a new one installed will also increase your home’s energy efficiency as well as improve its aesthetic and curb appeal.
To save some money on your roof replacement, you may choose to have a new roof installed over top of the old one. Just keep in mind that, while it will still look amazing, you could face more repair costs to the old roof underneath
Roe Roofing & Exteriors is a third-generation family-owned business that is dedicated to customer satisfaction and reliable exterior home renovations throughout Edmonton and the surrounding area.
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