Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement – Factors to Consider

Last Updated on April 18, 2022 by Kravelv

Over the course of time, your roof may end up becoming damaged, or even worse, just have to be replaced due to harsh weather conditions, time itself, water, and more. If you don’t get your roof replaced or repaired soon enough, your roof can develop leaks that can cause numerous problems to your home, from water damage, mold, and even structural damage (due to water and other elements that affect it). But when should you replace it and when should you repair it? There are some very important factors to consider when it comes to deciding which to do, and we’ll make sure to help you make the right decision on which one you need!

The Factors to Decide When Choosing Roof Repair and Replacement

There are a few primary factors that you need to consider when looking at roof repair tips, because there are key differences that can affect which one you need. Of course, you may want to just replace your roof anyway, but if you don’t want to spend more money than you need to, then a simple replacement may suffice. Here are the determining factors:

How Old is Your Roof?

Depending on how old your roof is, you may be due for a replacement instead of a simple repair. If your roof is not anywhere from 15 to 30 years old and you have mild damage, you’ll want to consider just a repair. Otherwise, it may be necessary to have your roof replaced if the damage is too severe (i.e. – from storm damage) or if it’s too old.

Is It Currently Leaking? How Long Has It Been Leaking if it Has One?

When a leak develops, you need to figure out how long the leak has been there, and how bad it is. If a roof has been leaking (even if it’s just into an attic space) for a very long time, there probably has been some structural damage or even mold damage that will spark the need for a roof replacement. Otherwise, if there is just a small leak and it hasn’t been there that long, you’ll want it repaired instead.

How Many Layers Your Roof Has

Roof repairs are often just a layer of shingles on top of what’s already there. However, depending on the amount of times your roof has been repaired, you may need a full replacement. If you’re wanting to be in your home for the long run (and not just be sold), then you may want to opt for roof repairs rather than having a replacement. At the same time, you may want to know that replacing your roof can do a lot more for it, and it will ensure that there is no damage underneath the current shingle layer.

Consider the Costs

There are often hidden costs that come with replacing your roof completely. Many times, contractors have to also replace gutters, and sometimes your lawn and landscape can get damaged during a full roof replacement. While these may not be direct costs that you’ll have to have the roofing contractor do, these can definitely surprise you. Make sure that you have a good roofing contractor who will give you an extremely detailed estimate to make sure that all of the possible costs will be available in case anything goes wrong.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to have your roof replaced, or whether you choose to do a repair instead, the choice is entirely up to you. What’s important is that you hire a reputable roofer to get the job done right, and give you all of the details you need. Always make sure that your roofing contractor is licensed and insured – this way you won’t be hit with surprise charges for any accidents that may occur, and you’ll know that they take pride in their workers enough to take care of themselves and their coworkers as well as the customers