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Roof Repair or Replacement: Which Option is Right for You?
Making the right choice for your roof repair or replacement will ensure your home’s optimal performance, reducing your stress and improving your peace of mind.
Are you experiencing leaks in your ceiling and wondering what you should do about your roof? Making decisions about home improvements can be difficult, especially the bigger projects like your roof. You want to make sure that you consider all your options before rushing into any decision. However, not addressing a roof leak in a timely manner can cause more problems later. Making the right decision for you and your home as soon as possible will help you save money and time in the long run.
When it comes to repairing your roof versus replacing it, there are pros and cons to both. At the end of the day, it will ultimately come down to your roof’s condition. To get a better idea of your roof’s situation, you will need to contact a local roofing company to complete a roof inspection to determine what is necessary. Once that has been completed, you will be given options suited to your specific needs.
We have listed some things to consider and the pros and cons of both repairing and replacing your roof for you. Keep reading to learn more.
5 Things to Consider When Deciding between Roof Repair of Replacement
The age of the roof – One of the most important factors to look at when considering repairing or replacing your roof is the age of the roof. If you are unsure of the age of your roof, one of our roofing contractors can estimate it for you. Depending on the type of roof that you have installed, your roof may have a lifespan of 15–40 years.
The extent of the damage – Roof leaks can be caused by several issues. Before deciding if it is better to repair your roof or to replace it, you need to consider the extent of the damage. Smaller damage confined to one area may be fine to patch up. However, if your roof has extensive damage, replacing it may be the better option.
The location of the damage – The location of the damage may seem insignificant but patching your roof may lead to discolouration of the shingles. Patching your roof for smaller damage in less noticeable areas will not affect the aesthetic of the roof too much. If the damage is large enough and in a central part of your roof, however, you may consider replacing it – if aesthetics and maintaining curb appeal are important to you.
Your budget – Your budget may be the main deciding factor. For some, a roof replacement just isn’t possible because it’s not in their budget. If this is the case for you, your roofer should be able to come up with a repair solution for you until you do have the budget for a roof replacement.
Quality of installation – The reasons for your leak may not be from damage but in fact, it has been caused by poor installation. Hopefully, it’s just a minor deficiency that can be fixed easily and doesn’t require full replacement of your roof.
Repairing your Roof Pros and Cons
There are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to roofing repairs. The #1 advantage is going to be the cost. That being said, making the decision to either repair your roof or replace it should not be dependent on the cost alone. Each specific situation is different and the amount of damage you have will also be a primary factor.
Below you will find some of the pros and cons of repairing vs replacement.
Roof Repair Pros
- Cost – Getting a roof patched up is significantly less money compared to full roof replacement. If the leak or roof issue is minimal then this is definitely going to be the more economical decision.
- Time – A roof repair job is usually a simple project and can be completed by a roofing contractor quite quickly. Your house will likely not be under construction for very long.
- Maintenance – A roof repair can be completed as part of your regular maintenance, removing urgent problems and preventing bigger issues from happening in the future.
Roof Repair Cons
- Hiding Bigger Problems – Having your roof repaired may solve the immediate problem, but there may be more problems later. If the underlying issues are not addressed, the repair may only be masking them.
- Extending Damage – The goal of roof repair is to address the problem that is causing the issue in the first place. If for some reason the roof doesn’t get repaired properly, it can cause bigger issues than before. That is why we recommend that you work with a reputable roofing company to complete all roofing repairs that are done on your property.
- Waste of Money – If the damage to your roof is too severe, or you will need to replace your roof in the near future, getting a patch-up repair may not be enough and is essentially a waste of time and money.
Roof Replacement Pros and Cons
Roof Replacement Pros
- Eliminating Leaks and Damage (and Stress) – The chance that you take with a repair job is that you may not be able to see and fix everything, which could lead to more leaks, damage, and headaches down the road. Replacing the roof will ensure that all the leaks will be addressed, and you will have peace of mind.
- Longevity of the Roof – One big advantage to replacing your roof is that you won’t have to worry about it for a very long time. New roofs have a life span of 15–40 years, depending on the shingles that you choose.
- Working with a Professional Roofer – Repairing a roof may seem like a simple job, so some try to complete the job on their own or with a friend or hire a general contractor. The job can become a stress and a mess if not done correctly. When you replace your roof, hiring a credible and trustworthy roofing company can make the process much easier for you.
Roof Replacement Cons
- Time – A roof replacement takes more time to complete than a simple repair job. Depending on the size and type of roof, the construction can take 1–5 days or more.
- Cost – The major drawback to replacing your entire roof is the going to be the cost. The cost to replace your roof will be considerably more than just repairing it.
- Disruption – Getting your roof replaced is a huge project and your life may be disrupted due to the construction.
While the disadvantages may seem extreme, it is recommended to replace your roof as soon as possible if there is significant damage and prevent repair cost from spiraling out of control. Your roof is a vital component to your property and your property’s safety of it is dependent on the stability of your roof.
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