Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: Which Do You Need?

Roofs provide primary protection from the sun, rain, snow, wind, dust, and other severe weather conditions. It also prolongs the deterioration of a structure, especially the interior components. But all structure starts to deteriorate upon completion, and roofs require immediate attention if damaged.

Depending on the severity of the damage, you may repair or replace your roof before it gets worse. Many factors can damage your roofs, such as extreme weather conditions, mold and mildew, pest infestations, rust, and leaks. This article will discuss the issues you must consider when deciding what to do with your damaged roof.

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement

Roofing is one of the biggest home maintenance costs you have to consider. That’s why it’s important to know what are the available options for you.

First, understand what each one entails.

Repairing a roof means focusing on the damaged section of your roof. It’s ideal if the area of concern is small and can be resolved by patching or replacing missing shingles. While you can inspect these problems on your own, you may want to have the roofing inspected to make sure it’s the only issue.

If roof repair only needs minimal work, roof replacement is more extensive since you need to replace the entire visible area. You may need to completely strip off your home roofing to install the new roof. This also means you may need work on the rafters, sheathing, and trusses.

The process and cost are much more extensive, but it’s more beneficial in the long run.

Repair or Replace: Factors To Consider

It is always best to gather enough information before doing any maintenance project for your home. Roofing is an expensive part of a structure, and it requires immediate attention so you can prepare with the right tools and equipment, materials, methodology, and help from other people.

Here are some factors you need to know to help you decide what to do with your damaged roof.

Roof Age

Know your roof’s age. Asphalt shingle roofings have an average of 15 to 20 years of life before you need replacement. During this period, you must inspect dilapidations and determine if you need to replace them as soon as possible.

If your home uses a metal roof, expect a 50 to 75 years lifespan. It can be more expensive than other roofing materials, but it can save you a lot of money with lesser maintenance work.

Here is a chart of other roofing materials and their estimated lifespan from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).

Extent of Damage

The first thing you need to do if you have roofing problems is to find out what caused it, which will help you determine if you will repair or replace the damaged roof. Once you know the cause, check the damage’s extent before proceeding with how to solve your roofing problem.

Knowing the extent of the damage also depends on your roof’s lifespan. If the problem occurred close to the edge of its lifespan, replacing the whole roofing system would be best instead of repairing the affected area. Visible structural defects and curling shingles at the edges indicate replacing your roof rather than repairing them is a must.

Minor roofing problems caused by improper installations, wrong venting, or deterioration of shingles may require repair work.

Roof Quality

Even if the damage to your home is minimal, replace it if the roof quality is deteriorating. You will likely have to deal with these “minor issues” from time to time.

It might be cost-efficient to replace the entire roofing and invest in a longer-lasting one.

Time of Year

Consider the time of year when doing any roof work. A simple roof repair may suffice when you catch a leak during winter or rainy seasons. However, always think that it may only be a temporary fix.

Any major roofing work should be done during the summer.

Location

Some areas will have local building codes that you must follow. For example, homes with double layers of shingles won’t be allowed to add a third layer since it presents various hazards.

You may also want to factor in the weather in your home location. Does it often rain that may require you to repair leaks constantly? Or won’t your old roof stand a chance against the extreme heat? If yes, roof replacement may be the best option for you.

Budget

Above everything else, you should have a budget that you’re willing to work around. If you have a limited budget and think you can manage a simple roof repair. However, it’s best to set aside a budget to focus on the roof replacement.

The problem with delaying roof replacement or any home repairs is that it’s common for the issues to worsen if not addressed immediately.

Consider looking at your home insurance coverage to see how much you will shell out. Insurance companies will typically cover roof damage, provided it’s not due to neglect. They might pay part of the cost if loose shingles were due to a hailstorm.

In general, roof repair will have an average cost of $150 to $1,500 for minor work. For major roof repairs, prepare to shell out up to $7,000.

Short and Long-Term Plans

If you plan to sell your home on an as-is basis, minor repairs may suffice. However, a replacement may be necessary if it’s your investment and you’re looking at increasing home value.

You should also consider your current situation. If you plan to travel anytime soon, you should delay the roof work until your return. Most roof replacements may take a while, depending on the expanse of the roof, hidden issues, complexity of the roofing, and even roofing expertise.

Key Takeaways

Several factors come into play when deciding whether you need a roof repair or replacement. Weigh each one and determine which one best applies to your situation.

• Determine whether you should repair or replace the damaged roof.
• Know your roof’s material and lifespan.
• Investigate the extent of the damage.
• Opt for the best quality of work and material.
• Solve your roofing problems with perfect timing.
• Consider the building codes.
• Prioritize time and money.