A roof replacement is costly and disruptive, so you don’t want to leap to a full redo if all you need is a repair. At the same time, you don’t want to put money into a repair if you’re going to rip the roof off in a year or two and replace it. Whether to repair or replace your roof isn’t always a straightforward decision. Below are some of the things you’ll need to take into account so that you can make the right choice.
When Replacement May Be Right
Often, roofs don’t fail all at once. Instead, they start to have a lot of small problems, over and over. It’s frequently this rather than a single catastrophic event that lets you know it’s time to replace your roof. There may come a point where scheduling yet another repair just doesn’t make sense.
Another thing to consider is cost. If the repair is expensive, and the cost of replacing your roof is on the low end, you may want to consider a replacement. This might also be the right move if you have a lot of worn shingles or damage across a substantial portion of your roof.
When Repair May Be Right
There are plenty of situations in which repair can be the better solution. Isolated storm damage, single leaks and other smaller issues can usually be repaired. The condition of the decking under your roof is also a factor. If this remains solid, you may want to choose a repair.
The Role of Age
A little more needs to be said about your roof’s age since the equation is not always as simple as repairing a newer roof and replacing an older one. A newer roof that hasn’t been well maintained or has certain types of damage may need replacement before one that is old but well cared for. One type of problem that might make replacing a newer roof a good idea is repeated issues with leaks.
Your Plans and Budget
If your budget is tight, you might need to schedule a repair for now even if you really need a new roof. Either option might be the right one if you’re planning to sell the house soon. In that situation, you may want to talk to your real estate agent about whether you’ll get the cost of replacement back with increased property value.
For the most part, there’s not a single list of problems that require replacement versus repair. Professionals can offer knowledgeable recommendations, but you’ll need to take your own priorities into account as well. However, understanding the major factors in play can help you reach the right decision. If you live in Etna, ME or a surrounding area and need roofing services, make your first call to Home Roofing Solutions.
