Roof Replacement vs. Roof Repair: How To Decide Which Is Best

As a barrier that protects us from all of the elements, roofs are a vital structure in any building. Without the presence of a roof, the interior of any commercial or residential building will deteriorate in little to no time at all.

If a roof is in less-than-perfect condition, you’ll probably be dealing with a variety of issues such as mold and mildew, pest infestations, and leaks — all of which can be difficult to fix.

But how do you decide whether a roof problem warrants a repair or a replacement? In this article, we’ll show you how to decide which is best.

What Is Roof Replacement?

If you’re replacing the roof, you’re replacing all visible space. The grand scale and complexity of this home improvement involve lots more steps than a typical roof repair would.

As a result, it often takes roofing contractors a couple of days to complete a moderately-sized roofing project. It is also a more expensive upfront cost than a repair service.

Before a new roof can be installed, you must strip back all layers to expose the deck which might involve making repairs to rafters, trusses, and sheathing.

What Is Roof Repair?

If your roof has experienced minor to moderate damage, a roof repair may be sufficient to resolve your issues. Repairs also work to extend the life of an older roof.

Instead of taking down the roof to replace it, a roof repair involves working on a smaller and more isolated portion of the roof. Depending on the severity of the damage you are facing, the repair process could include patching up small gaps and holes or even replacing damaged or missing shingles. 

If you’re a little unsure where to begin, you can contact a professional and highly experienced roofing company like roofsonly.com for some advice.

How to Decide Between Roof Repair or Replacement

Unlike giving your room a fresh coat of paint, replacing or repairing a roof can prove to be a pretty large (and expensive) home improvement project. As a result, you must think carefully before you consider repairing or replacing your roof.

Consider The Age Of The Roof

Roofs are durable and built to protect the home from extreme weather. But that doesn’t mean it will last forever. All roofing materials have their sell-by date or lifespan which will indicate when it’s time for a replacement.  

Asphalt roofing shingles have a lifespan of around two decades, whereas metal roofing materials might take longer to wear down. If the lifespan of the material is up then it will begin to show signs of aging and deterioration.

If this occurs, you may find it a more worthwhile investment to replace the entire roof instead of paying additional money for individual repairs.

Look At The Impacted Area Of The Roof

The affected area can help you to determine whether it's best to replace or repair the roof. If the damage is limited to a smaller surface area, a reliable roofing company could carry out repairs to fix it. 

For instance, if you leak your lounge or bedroom, there is a big chance that you have a hole over that particular area.

Any damage that is confined to an isolated space will typically be patched up and repaired so there is no need to spend the time investing in a new roof. If the damage affects over 30 percent of the total roof space, it will be more efficient to replace the entire roof.

Think About General Roof Condition

One of the most important things to consider is the general condition of the roof and the extent of the damage. The roof might have deteriorated slightly in appearance or may have suffered lots of physical damage. 

In some instances, the damage might be too much for a simple repair to be effective. You must then decide on a realistic course of action to fix the damage.

If your roof has suffered minor to moderate damage in a single part or covers only 30 percent of your roof, opting for a roof repair might prove to be an effective remedy.

Summary

You can decide on the best course of action by analyzing the extent of the damage. If it isn’t too serious and is isolated in one area, a roof repair will be ideal. But if the damage covers a large percentage of the roof and is quite severe, you might want a total roof replacement.

Guest Contributor: Gabrielle Saunders