Roof repair or roof replacement? Roofing is an expensive affair – just the idea of replacing a roof will keep any homeowner on tenterhooks. Knowing what to look for is the first step to choosing whether to opt for another repair job or go all out with a roof replacement.
Consider the age, extent of the damage, the frequency of roof repairs, the cost of repairs versus replacement, and long-term plans. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, consider how many layers of shingles your roof has – most states prohibit more than two layers.
In most cases, when discovering a roofing problem, there are easier and cheaper solutions than replacing your entire roof. And if you do proceed with replacement be sure to catch our piece on 13 Details That Should Be Covered In A Roof Replacement Estimate.
Here are the top eight factors to look into when deciding whether to repair or replace your home roof.
Repairing vs. Replacing Home Roof: Factors to Consider
After discovering roof damage, you’ll need to decide whether to repair the problem or replace the roof. Consider the following factors before making your decision.
1. The Age of Your Roof
Every roof has a certain estimated lifespan depending on the type and quality of the roofing material. Asphalt shingle roofing is the most common material used in residential roofing, accounting for 64% of the residential roofing market in the United States in 2020.
Traditional asphalt roofing needs replacing every 10 to 15 years and every 20 to 30 years for architectural asphalt shingles. Have annual inspections once your roof nears this age to determine when it needs replacing.
Determining the age of a roof made from long-lasting material like slate, metal, or clay may be challenging unless you bought it or the seller provided the relevant information. If this is the case, contact a local roofing contractor to help you determine if the roof needs repair or replacement.
Although expensive, replacing a roof approaching the end of its lifespan may be more cost-effective instead of repairing it and tearing off the repair after a few years.
2. The Extent of Damage
Some roof conditions are simply beyond repair and need replacement. Even a brand-new roof may need replacing after extreme weather conditions like fires, hail, or fallen tree limbs.
However, if minor and caught early, your roof may only need a few repairs. Conducting professional roof inspections after a storm or extreme weather event is essential to assess the damage.
You can repair minor damage, like missing shingles, but you’ll need to replace the roof if there are signs of extensive structural damage. Repairing large-scale damage can compromise the integrity of your house, increasing the likelihood of roofing issues later on.
3. Signs Your Roof Needs Repairing
Determining the extent of damage and which approach is best can be challenging. Here are some signs to help determine whether your roof only needs repairing.
4. Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing
While we all would like to save on the high costs of replacing a roof, there are instances where repairing your roof isn’t worth it and may cause additional costs in the future. The following signs indicate your roof needs replacing.
5. The Frequency of Roof Repairs
How often are you repairing roof leaks and faults? If frequent, it may be a sign of faulty installation or an underlying roofing issue, like damage to the roof decking.
Before replacing the roof, hire an experienced roofer to conduct a thorough inspection and identify the root of your roofing issues. The faults can often be fixed with basic repairs at a fraction of the replacement cost.
6. Cost of Repair vs. Replacement
Considering the cost of repairing versus replacing your roof is vital when determining which option best suits your budget.
A roof repair is cheaper and takes less time than replacing one, making it an excellent choice for someone on a low or fixed budget. However, repairing a roof is more expensive per square foot. You miss out on bulk material discounts and pay more for labor and replacement. There’s a high possibility of undetected damage that can lead to additional repairs.
7. What Are Your Long-term Plans
Are you planning on staying in your house?
A new roof is an excellent selling point for potential buyers. At the same time, if you plan make your house a “forever home,” you might be able to justify the costs of upgrading to a high-quality new roof that will last a lifetime.
Finding the perfect color match for aged shingles can be a real struggle. Replacing odd shingles may be aesthetically unappealing to you and potential buyers.
8. The Number of Shingle Layers on your Roof
Many homeowners try saving roofing costs by nailing new asphalt shingles over their current roofs. However, most states and building codes prohibit more than two layers of shingles.
If you already have two layers of asphalt shingles, you will need a full tear-off and a new roof. Adding a third layer is too heavy for a standard roof structure and can cause an uneven surface, a high risk of leaks, and roof damage.
To Repair or Replace – Wrap Up
Knowing the cause and degree of damage to your roof can differentiate between shelling and reroofing or only paying for repairs.
It may be tempting to only consider the costs of repairing or replacing a roof; however, there are multiple factors to consider before deciding. If you’re uncertain, hire a trusted service roofer to do a thorough roof inspection and discuss your options. (Related article: Roof Replacement Costs in Florida: Here’s What to Expect)