Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof? How To Decide Which One is the Right One

The look, and more importantly, the efficiency of your roof are vital to your home. When situations arise, such as leaks or weather damage, the right course of action can be tough to choose. Clean Roof Today is here to offer you free roof inspections and give expert recommendations for whether it’s time for roof repair or replacement.

There are several things that you can consider before you get a contractor involved. The answer of whether to repair or replace your roof will depend on your unique situation, what the damage is, and how much you can afford. 

 

Things to Consider Before Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Roof

Let’s dig into the biggest factors you should consider when deciding if you should repair or replace your roof. 

 

How old is my roof? 

The age of your roof is an important aspect to consider when deciding whether to replace or repair your roof. If you aren’t sure how old the roof is, a roofing contractor will be able to inspect it and tell you. You may want to get a few opinions from roofing contractors to make sure that you’re getting an accurate assessment of your roof’s age.

For a common three tab asphalt roof that has been installed properly, it can typically last 15 to 22 years. Some signs of an old roof that you can find yourself include curling, buckling, or missing shingles, sagging in the roof, moss cover, or granules in your gutters and downspout. 

 

Has it been repaired before?

If your roof has already seen multiple repairs, it may be a sign that the roof is nearing the end of its life. At the very least, it indicates that you should continue to have your roof inspected regularly to prevent any major and expensive issues. 

 

How much longer will I be living here?

Replacing the roof on a home that you’re selling could surely get you a higher market price. But is it worth it? The house will be a tough sell if it’s roof needs replacing in the near future. You should see a 68% return on the roof replacement when it comes time to sell the house.

If you’re already in your forever home, it’s still a good idea to have your roof regularly inspected once or twice a year, to get the best value out of your roof and protect your home. 

 

What is my available budget?

A full replacement is sure to cost more at once, but will it be worth it if you have to keep paying for repairs? It may be if a replacement is not in your budget right now. Talk to your contractor and see what your options are. They may be able to make enough repairs to get you by until you can afford a full replacement. 

If you have the budget for a full replacement, this could save you money in the long run that you would have otherwise spent on multiple repairs to extend your roof’s life.

 

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: The Pros and Cons

 

When to Choose a Roof Repair

Repairing your roof is often the most cost-effective way to extend the life of your already existing roof. Things that can factor into the cost of a roof repair include the roof complexity, accessibility, pitch, and your contractor, and insurance coverage among other things. 

There are many scenarios in which you will need to make a repair to your roof. Obvious situations are when there has been damage caused by trees or weather, or if your roof is causing leaks in your home. Additionally, if you spot any shingle shrinkage or splitting, punctures or holes, granule loss, cracking and blistering, or missing shingles – you will want to repair. These are easily fixable things that a contractor can take care of. 

 

Advantages of Roof Repair

As mentioned above, simple repairs to your roof’s specific problem are the cost-effective way to go. Repairs are certainly more budget-friendly than a full replacement, typically in the hundreds of dollars rather than thousands. 

While repairs may be more affordable and make less of an impact on your life, they also take more skill than a roof installation. One downside to a roof repair rather than a replacement is that it’s extra important to choose an experienced roofer who is skilled in the precision it takes for quality repairs. 

Aesthetically speaking, if shingles need to be replaced, the new ones will stick out from your older, sun-faded ones. This may not be a big deal to you but curb appeal is always something to consider whether you’re staying in or selling your home. 

 

When to Choose a Roof Replacement

Repairs are always an option but in some cases a replacement is necessary. The age of your roof, the amount of wear and tear, the quality of the roof’s installation, your attic ventilation, and the likelihood of weather or other factors damaging the roof are all things that should have you considering a roof replacement over a repair. 

 

Advantages of Roof Replacement

A new roof could improve your home’s curb appeal and give it an edge on the market. You will see your return on investment when you sell the home and recoup some of the cost of the roof. This is particularly an advantage if you’re hoping to sell the home soon. If you’re staying then you can take pride in the aesthetic and function of a brand new roof. 

Improving the function of your roof by replacing it will give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about leaving the house and coming home to an expensive disaster or finding long term damage caused inside your home because of a faulty roof.

 

Made a Decision Whether to Repair or Replace Your Roof? Get a Second Opinion 

Several factors go into the decision of replacing or repairing your roof. Take into account your budget, the age of the roof, and your plan to stay in the home.

Many repairs are possible by an experienced roofer and can extend the life of your roof until you can afford to replace it. You can’t be sure until you get a trusted roofing contractor to inspect your roof and determine the best course of action. We recommend getting another opinion to ensure that you have the right information and a good deal.

Keep in mind that there are some times when replacing the roof makes more sense, like when you’re selling the home or the roof is past the point of being repaired.

Schedule a free inspection with Clean Roof Today, and our skilled and experienced contractors will give you the peace of mind in your decision.