How To Decide Whether You Should Repair or Replace Your Roof

Though most roofing materials have a long lifespan, you might need to repair or replace your roof due to damage at some point in life. Roof damage mainly occurs due to old age, construction errors, bad weather, and debris. While some damage is repairable, extreme roof damage is not repairable, requiring a roof replacement.

So, how do you tell whether your roof requires a repair or a replacement? Read on to discover some of the factors you should consider.

The Roof's Age

If you are the original homeowner, then you can use your roof's lifespan to determine when to reroof, but if you bought the house, you can only rely on signs of old age. Signs of an aging roof include leaks, dark stains, sagging, torn shingles, and increased energy bills.

If your roof has exceeded its lifespan, then you should not attempt to repair the damaged areas, as problems will continue to appear. For example, if a large percentage of your shingles have lost granules due to aging, the best solution is to install new shingles over the entire roof because the other shingles will also start showing signs of old age over time.

Also, the new shingles' color may not match the older ones due to old age, negatively affecting your home's aesthetics.

The Extent of Damage

Minor damage, like several missing shingles or small leaks, is more economical to repair than to replace. However, if the damage is to an extended area of your roof, you can consider replacement as the repair cost may equal the cost of reroofing.

Other roof damage, like structural damage, is irreparable without tearing down the whole roof. For example, if a tree falls on your roof during a storm, then the weight could damage the trusses and other roof support structures, requiring a new roof. Also, rain could damage the interior of your home, and the wind could lift up parts of your roof. These usually require a complete replacement.

Your Future Plans

If you plan to resell your home and the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you can replace the roof to increase the value of your home. A new roof will also attract more buyers, increasing the probability of a fast sale. On the other hand, you can choose a repair if you are staying in the home and the roof is not close to the end of its lifespan.

Your Roof Type

If your roof is made of a premium and durable material, then the cost of installing a new roof is more expensive than most repairs. For example, due to the material's durability, it makes economic sense to repair damage that happens to asphalt shingles. Also, repairs are less labor-intensive since you often can replace asphalt shingles individually.

The Frequency of Repairs

While repairs are cheaper, the cost of frequent repairs may exceed that of reroofing in the end. Unending roof problems are a sign of poor installation or poor-quality roofing materials. The only solution to such roofing problems is to tear down the faulty roof and install a new one. Only hire professional roofers to ensure a flawless installation.

Due to the high risk of damage, you cannot afford to ignore roof damage, no matter how minor it may seem, as it can cause more damage to your house. As a homeowner, you must choose between repairing the damage and installing a new roof. Use the information above to make an informed decision.

At Stronghold Restoration & Roofing, we value our customers' safety and guarantee to do a great job the first time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Whether you need repair or replacement, we work with you and your insurance company to get the service you need.