Roof repair vs. replacement, which one is the right choice for your home? The roof is the crown of your home and protects you from the elements. It’s important that it stays in good condition to prevent leaks, pest infestations, and costly damage. While in an ideal world, our roof would remain in perfect condition forever, unfortunately, that’s just not the case, and the roof can become subject to hail damage, broken shingles, cracked flashing, and more. So, the big question is whether you should repair or replace your roof completely. We’re here to answer that question, give you some insight, and stress the importance of regular roof inspections to avoid more expensive repairs.
Repair or Replace: Which is Best?
Roof replacement refers to when the entire roof has to be replaced; the old roof has to be removed, and everything attached to it, like shingles and the moisture barrier. Everything then gets replaced with new materials. Roof repair, however, refers to focusing on a small part of the roof and patching up small holes or replacing shingles depending on the damage done to your roof. While sometimes repairs can seem easy to DIY, it’s best for your safety and the quality of your roof to hire a professional like Allcon Roofing.
Roof Replacement or Re-Roof?
Some people get confused by the name “re-roof” and think that it’s a roof replacement; however, they’re quite different. Re-roofing refers to adding a new layer of shingles on top of the existing layer. This is only an option when the existing roof is in good condition, and the base structure is sound. It’s a good option for minor roof repairs, but it isn’t a good option if you have real structural damage to your roof.
Deciding Between Repairing and Replacing – Factors to Consider
This is a big decision and can be a big investment in your home, so there are a few things to consider while making this decision.
Age of the Roof
Roofs are built to be durable and last a long time, but that doesn’t mean forever. Depending on the roof material used, your roof has a certain lifespan. For example, shingle roofs typically have a lifespan of 15-30 years, while metal roofs can last upwards of 40-70 years. Considering the material your roof is made of and the roof’s age is important to decide whether you want to repair or replace the roof. If you’re getting to the point where your roof is going to need to be replaced soon anyway, you might as well make that investment sooner rather than having to pay for repairs AND a replacement.
Area of the Roof Affected
If the area of damage is isolated to one spot on your roof, then you may only need a repair. If you notice a leak in just one area of the house, then it’s possible that the roofing company can tackle that isolated area. However, if you have multiple issues across the entire roof area, then it’s possible the best solution is just to replace the whole roof. A good rule of thumb is that if the damage takes up more than 25% of the roof area, it’s best to replace it.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
The best way to avoid replacing your entire roof is to maintain the existing roof and get routine inspections. We can’t stress this point enough: If you can catch the damage early when it’s minor, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. Working with a qualified roofing expert like Allcon Roofing to help maintain your existing roof can make all the difference and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Whether you decide that you need to simply repair your roof or replace the entire thing, you must have a team on your side that is qualified and experienced. While a sincere dedication to honesty and reliability sets Allcon Roofing apart from the rest, they have a few distinctions to be proud of:
- A + Rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Staff committed to Honesty & Integrity
- Licensed and Insured
- Insurance Claims Specialists
- Storm damage restoration – Wind & Hail
Allcon Roofing is dedicated to being your partner whether you decide to repair or replace your roof. We will be there for you every step of the way.