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Repair vs Replacement: How to Tell What You Need

Posted on May 16, 2024

Repair vs Replacement: How to Tell What You Need

Minor-looking roof damage can lead to devastating losses. If you think something might be wrong with your roof, you need to have it inspected by a professional roof repair company. When it comes to roof repair vs replacement, each option has its pros and cons. 

Read on to learn more about whether you should repair or replace your roof.

Repair vs Replacement – Which Do You Choose?

Both repair and replacement of your roof are considerable home improvement projects. Careful consideration must be taken to avoid doing too much or too little. Nobody wants to fill damaged spots on the surface of their roof only to find out that the problem lies deeper. 

Then again, why tear out the entire roof if the damage is only on the surface? Below are a few repair replacement tips to consider before making your choice.

How Old Is Your Roof?

Roofs are made durable to protect your home from the elements, but eventually, they need to be replaced. The material your roof was constructed from plays a major role in the decision.

Typical asphalt shingles last roughly 20 years. Metal and clay roofs last far longer and can take a harsher beating than asphalt can. 

What Condition Is It In?

The next thing to look for is the overall condition of your roof vs the extent of the damage. Is the damage cosmetic? Surface damage, even if it’s significant, might not require a roof replacement. 

Which Area Is Damaged?

Next, consider whether the damage is all over the roof or localized to a small area. If the damage is confined to a small area it can usually be repaired. If it’s all over the roof, though, it could be an indicator that it’s time for a replacement.

Roof Repair Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons associated with roof repair. Knowing what they are helps you decide what you need.

Pros

Repairs are more cost-efficient, faster to complete, and can extend your roof’s lifespan. Repairing your roof is great if you’re working on limited income or plan to sell the house relatively soon.

Cons

The cons are that repair might only serve to mask a larger problem. Additionally, it’s sometimes difficult to match roofing tile colors. Mismatching roofing tiles can be unsightly and reduce your home’s curb appeal.

Roof Replacement Pros and Cons

Total roof replacement is one of the biggest home improvement projects you can undertake. It’s also one of the most important; damaged roofs eventually lead to damaged interiors.

Pros

Replacing your roof takes care of all of your roofing problems in one fell swoop. It can also help you save money long-term. It increases your home’s curb appeal and may help lower your monthly utility bills.

Cons

It’s a large undertaking and can take time to complete. It’s more expensive because it requires more materials and man-hours to complete.

Roof Repair vs Replacement

Hopefully this repair replacement guide helped you learn the difference between repair vs replacement. Repair is less expensive and faster, but may not go far enough. Replacement costs more and takes more time, but will address anything and everything that might be wrong.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help, contact us today.