Roof Replacement vs. Repair

No matter the reliability and durability of your roofing type, it will eventually hit its use by date and begin deteriorating rapidly. Most homeowners will generally grapple with the dilemma on whether to continue patching up the damages or engage in a complete roof restoration. The decision on whether to take one route or another will ultimately depend on the extent of the deterioration and the cost of carrying out repairs. The general rule is to replace if the cost of maintenance is far exceeding the cost of installing entirely new roofing.

However, it is not all that simple. There are a lot of factors that you have to put into consideration in order to make the right call at the right time. Here is a look at some of these factors:-

Look at the age of the roof

This is the most poignant indicator of whether your roof needs replacing. Look at the lifespan of the roofing. If it has hit its use by date or is about to and the warranty is about to expire or has already expired, then you should begin budgeting for a new roof. Most roofing types will have a warranty of 20 to 30 years although a few roofing materials such as terracotta may have a warranty of up to 50 years.

However, you should not just use the warranty to decide whether your roof needs a repair or replacement. The warranty should be used in combination with many other factors. If your warranty has expired and the roof is still in excellent shape, you won’t need to replace it. If the damage is localized and does not recur often, you can afford to use your roofing for a few more years and stick to the minor roof repairs.

The roof is leaking

There are minor leaks that can be fixed easily. However, if there is widespread and incessant leaking at various points on your roofing, then it is time to make a replacement.

How long will you be staying in the Home?

How long do you plan to stay in the home? If you are planning to sell it in the near future, then you carry out roofing repairs and pass on the “burden” to the next owner. However, if you are planning to stay in your home for the next few decades, it would be in your best interest to fix dilapidated roofing or replace it entirely.

Look at the cost considerations

Roof replacement is obviously a lot costlier than roof repairs. If you are in a dilemma on whether to fix or replace, you should also factor in the cost of the project and whether you have the money to make it happen. The cost of new roofing will vary based on a number of factors such as the materials being used, cost of labour, the type of framework being used in supporting the roofing structure and so on. Costs can vary anywhere from $5000 to $25,000 for the costlier roof restorations. So money should definitely be on your mind when you are deciding on whether to repair or replace.

The condition of the roofing

Aged roofing may still be in excellent condition to serve your needs. Likewise, a new roofing installation might have undergone significant damage due to climatic or weather effects that it will need replacing. The condition of your roofing will factor in strongly into your decision on whether to repair or replace. If the roof is sagging, has multiple leaks, has missing granules or dents, you may consider hiring a roof inspector to look at the condition of the roof and underlying structure and determine if it will need replacing.

Condition of the Roof Framework

The roof framework plays a crucial role in the integrity of your roof. It is strong and in best shape, it will support the roofing material for the longest duration of time. If it is weakening at multiple points, it will not only affect the structural integrity of your roofing but also endanger the lives of those living in the home. Carry out inspections on the roof framework to ensure it is still in excellent shape.

The local weather conditions

The local weather conditions should factor into your decision on whether to replace or repair of your roofing. If you live in an area with extreme weather and your roofing is in bad shape, it is most likely going to get damaged and expose your house and its occupants to the elements. If there is an upcoming storm or hailstorm, consider repairing or replacing old roofing depending on the extent of dilapidation.

The type or architectural style of the building

If you live in a historical or heritage home, replacing your roofing is not always a simple and straightforward decision. You have to factor in council ordinances and building codes to ensure repairs or replacements are carried out strictly according to guidelines. This will ensure the replacement is done with historical accuracy.

The paperwork involved

Most people will assume that since the house is theirs, they will be free to carry out repairs or replacements at will. However, this is not always the case. Replacing a roof or carrying out major repairs is always a huge undertaking both financially and legally. You will most likely require a building permit to carry out major repairs on your roofing so as to ensure the roofing contractor does the job according to the local council building code. If you are carrying out repairs without a permit, you will also void the roof warranty so it is important to take care of the paperwork before committing to a major restoration project.

The insurance coverage

Replacing or repairing a roof involves a lot of liability so before you proceed with the project, look at the kind of insurance coverage that your roofing has. Look at the specific type of damage and determine whether it is covered by your liability plan. If it is, your insurance company will be in charge of the restoration or replacements saving you thousands of dollars in the process.

Author Bio

Madison Cottrellis a content writer for Roof Restore. She knows all the aspects of roofing repairs and restore and also act as a consultant in the roofing business. She is a master in roofing restore and techniques.