It can be hard to tell whether damage or wear to your roof necessitates a complete replacement or just a fix. What do you need to consider, and how can you tell if you’re making the right decision?
How Extensive is the Damage?
If you’re even asking yourself if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, it’s likely that the damage or wear is pretty significant. But, how significant does it need to be before it makes more sense to tear the whole thing off and start over? It turns out that if the damage to your roof extends to more than 30% of the roof surface, it’s probably time to at least consider a complete roof replacement.
How Long Do You Need/Want Your Repaired Roof to Last?
A brand-new roof will last you about 20 years (in most circumstances). So, if you replace your roof completely, you’re starting over with a new roof, and thus “resetting the timer” on your roof’s lifespan. A repair is unlikely to last as long, so it’s important to keep in mind that if you’re getting a repair done on a 10-year-old roof, you may need to have it repaired again before it’s time to replace the rest of the roof.
How Old is Your Roof Now?
Going along with the previous point, if your roof is already nearing the end of its expected lifespan, it might make the most sense to go ahead and replace the entire thing, rather than having a significant repair done, only to need to have the roofers back in a few short years for a complete replacement.
What Type of Damage is There?
For certain types of damage, such as water damage that has resulted in mold growth, the safest course of action might be a complete replacement. The risks that go along with issues such as mold damage can be significant, such as lasting health effects to the occupants of the home. There might just be too much risk with leaving any repair and cleanup even a little incomplete.
What’s Your Current Budget?
In a perfect world, money would be no object and we’d all be able to get whatever work done on our homes whenever it was the most convenient. But life doesn’t work that way, and sometimes the reality is that we may need to accept a compromise solution today because it’s simply what we’re able to afford right now. You can always call around to some affordable roofing contractors in Cincinnati (or whatever your local area might be) for advice and an idea of what to expect in terms of cost.
Will Insurance Help to Cover the Cost?
Check the warranty on your previous roof installation, as well as your homeowners insurance policy. It may be that part (or even all) of the cost of roof replacement or repair could be covered by insurance, which also might help you to make the decision about the right course of action.
How Urgent is the Work?
If you have a sudden, new, open “skylight” (aka a huge new hole in your roof) you’ll need to get that addressed NOW, while if you’ve noticed some missing shingles and sagging areas, you might be able to put the work off for a bit to possibly wait it out until it seems like the right time to go for a full replacement instead of a repair. Definitely consult with a pro before deciding on a “wait and see” approach, in case it turns out that the problem is more urgent than it looks to you.
What Does Your Trusted, Local Roofing Company Think?
In almost every case, it doesn’t hurt to get a professional opinion on the situation. Your local roofing contractor will be happy to come out, take a look at the issue, and advise you on the pros and cons of all of your options. It’s always a good idea to ask, because what seems like a small problem can quickly become a bigger one, and it’s better to move forward with either a roof repair or replacement than to just sit and wait for a bigger disaster to strike.