What’s More Worth It: Repairing Your Roof Or Investing In A New One?

In most instances, homeowners don’t realise that their roof system has a problem until after they spot a leak or some other serious damage. It is recommended that you organize periodic roof inspections, possibly twice-a-year, to uncover any warped, cracked, or missing shingles; deteriorated flashings and loose seams; excessive debris accumulating in the gutters and downspouts; and other signs of damage to the roof system.

Once roof problems become apparent, you are faced with making the decision of whether to repair the damage or replace the entire roof system. Finding the right solution to issues in your roofing system ensures continued optimal performance, including providing comfort and protection from the elements. Both options also typically require a substantial investment, so making the right decision ensures that you channel your funds into a long-lasting solution. Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering roof repair versus replacement.

1. What is the age of your roof?

   If your roof has only served you for a decade or two, it should still largely be in good condition, so it makes sense to assess whether the damage is repairable. With proper repair, it should serve you for another one to two decades. But if you have an old roof that is approaching its “use by” limit and is experiencing serious problems, then you should consider replacing it.

2. What is the extent of the damage?

   Wind damage can result in a few missing, torn, or damaged shingles that are easily replaceable without incurring many costs. You should, however, make sure to use new shingles that match the existing ones as closely as possible. This is particularly important if you plan on selling your house at one point. But if there are many shingles missing, if most of the remaining ones are buckling or curling, or if the granules are missing due to deterioration, replacing the whole roof might be a better option.

3. What are your budgetary limits and long-term plans?

   Repairs are generally not as expensive as roof replacement. If a simple patch or replacement will solve the problem, then this is your best option. If the damage is recurrent and you want a permanent solution, you should consider getting a new roof that will probably last for the rest of your lifetime.

4. Is partial re-roofing an option?

   In some cases, the damage is repairable but needs more than a roof patch. If the damage is limited to one section of the roof, you may consider partial reroofing. If the damaged area is larger or progressive, partial reroofing could prove to be costlier in the long run than complete reroofing.

Get professional help.

Whether you decide to fix or replace your roof, you should not do the work yourself. Professional roofers are trained to efficiently and safely repair or replace different roofing systems. Attempting to do it yourself can lead to additional roof damage due to poor roofing techniques, plus you risk injuring yourself. Instead, work with professional contractors who can also offer roof inspection services in future to prolong the life of your roof.