When storm damage hits your home, or when you look up to see your shingles fading from the sun and decades of wear and tear, you’ll be trying to decide if you should repair or replace roof.
That’s the classic question every homeowner asks whenever something goes wrong with their roof. It’s hard to know when the time for replacement vs. repair is. To help you make the right decision for your roof, here’s what we consider when making our recommendations to homeowners who have experienced storm damage.
Roof Repair vs. Replacement: What to Look For
When you’re throwing back the question of whether you can repair or replace your roof, here’s what you should consider and questions you should ask:
- Is your roof old or near the end of its life?
- How long do you plan to live in your home?
- Can you afford the cost of a replacement instead of repair?
- How much of the roof is damaged?
- Will you be able to match the repair material with the current material?
Each of these questions may have a different answer depending on where you live and the material that your roof is made of. Asphalt shingles, for example, are much more affordable but can be more difficult to repair than slate or clay tiles.
1) How Old Is Your Roof?
Roof age will say a lot about whether a replacement or repair should be completed. The average asphalt shingle roof will last between 15 and 30 years. If your roof is on the upper end of that age bracket, repair may not be worth it in the long run. Other materials with longer lifespans can be repaired more easily and cost-effectively.
You’ll have to factor in repair costs now as well as the likelihood of needing more repairs down the road until a replacement can be completed. In many situations, repairs can be the right option for a younger roof.
2) When Do You Plan to Move Out of the Home?
When you plan to move out of your home can be a key consideration for repair vs. replacement. Depending primarily on the condition of the housing market around you. If the market is good and homes are quickly selling, then a repair may be all you need to sell your home.
When markets are slower, home buyers will see the advantage a new roof offers them and the peace of mind in knowing that that roof will protect their home for years to come.
Keep in mind that the average return on investment for a new roof is 68%.
3) What’s Your Roof Budget Like?
Budget can make a large difference in your choice as well. Storm damage is often covered by insurance, but a repair or replacement not caused by severe weather may have to come out of your own pocket.
Whether or not your roof is old, you may not be able to afford a new roof without financing it. If your budget isn’t what you need it to be for a roof replacement, a good repair should be just fine. However, many roofing companies offer financing options that will help you to pay for the roof if you find yourself in this position.
4) How Severe Is the Roof Damage?
The severity of your roof damage will also play a role in whether repair or replacement is the better option. If more than half of your roof is damaged, then a repair simply isn’t going to be an effective solution. Severe damage can lead to real problems, and the cost to simply repair that damage won’t provide a good value for you.
Severe damage is rarely used by human error, so be sure to consult your insurance company if you suspect a large part of your roof to be damaged. In many instances, you will be able to have help repairing your roof through the insurance company you work with.
5) Can You Find a Matching Material?
Last on our list is matching the materials. Many times when a roof becomes damaged, it’s difficult to find the materials that are necessary to match what’s existing on the roof. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to make the roof look cohesive or well put together if your roofing team isn’t careful to install the correct roofing shingles throughout.
More expensive materials such as slate or tile are much less likely to have this as a problem.
Tear Off vs. Roof Over
There are two main ways that roofers will go about replacing your entire roof. In some rare situations, a roof over is one of the better ways to go about it. But before you choose the cheaper of the two, or simply trust your roofer knows what they’re talking about, let’s look at the pros and cons of both.
Tear Off Roof Replacement
Arguably the right way to reroof a home, a tear-off roof replacement helps to ensure that every part of your is well taken care of before the new material is installed. When you’re receiving a tear-off replacement, you’ll be able to rest assured that the roofers have had a good look at your underlayment and sheeting and will have replaced what was necessary.
Tear-offs will be slightly more expensive because of disposal costs and the cost of underlayment that’s necessary for the job.
Roof Over Roof Replacement
A roof over is a layer of new material installed right on top of your current roof. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, then this process may not be ideal because it can lead to future leaks and problems with your home. But, in some cases, it’s not the worst thing for your home or your roof.
A roof over can save you money, but in some states, it’s actually not legal to perform a roof over. Be sure to check both with your local roofer and ordinances to ensure that your home is being properly taken care of.
Find the Right Exterior Remodeler and Roofer for Your Home
When you do finally make your decision, or you’re ready to take a step towards getting an estimate and quote for your repair or replacement, be sure to find the right roofing and exterior remodeling company for your home.
You’ll want to find a roofing contractor that is licensed, insured, and experienced in both repair and replacement work. They should also offer you a warranty on their labor and materials used as well as a guarantee that they will clean up after themselves when the job is finished.
Here are a few questions to ask before you sign with a roofer:
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they licensed and insured?
- Do they offer a warranty on your work?
- What’s the process for repair or replacement?
- When can they start the job?
- Do they offer financing options?
- Are there good reviews for this company in the area?
If you’re looking for a roofer that checks all these boxes, look no further than Best Exteriors. We’ve been in business for decades, and we’d be happy to provide you with the care and expertise that you deserve.
Contact us today to get started!
