At some point, every homeowner will have to ask themselves…
Do I need to repair my roof or should I replace it completely?
Don’t worry if you’re asking yourself that question right now.
Whilst the decision may seem like common sense… Torn between covering your family and adding thousands to your budget; many people guess incorrectly.
They either pay thousands for a new roof they didn’t need… Or attempt a cheap repair that leads to headaches for years down the road.
But you don’t have to be that person.
Here’s what every homeowner should know before they make the wrong decision:
Roof damage isn’t always obvious. Spotting leaks and cracks from the ground can be difficult. That’s why it always pays to have a professional roofing contractor come out and take a look. Some places, like Premier Roofing in Albany, will even offer free quotes and inspections!
When repairing or replacing your roof, the goal is to make the best long-term investment for your home. It doesn’t matter if you want to repair or pay for a full replacement. As long as it was the right choice; you’ve won!
Let’s take a closer look at both options…
What you’re going to learn:
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When a Roof Repair is the Best Option
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When it Makes Sense to Go All Out
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Factors that Influence your Decision
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How to Make sure you Hire the Right Contractor
When a Roof Repair Makes Sense
Unless your roof has suffered severe or widespread damage, chances are a simple repair will do the trick.
Repairing your roof is best when:
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The damage to your roof is minimal.
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The rest of your roof is in great shape.
Some examples of minor roof damage include lost or damaged shingles from a storm, leak at roof vents, or minor deterioration from age. As long as the rest of the roof looks good and it was caught early, these issues can easily be repaired.
The average homeowner spends anywhere from $400 to $2,000 on roof repairs. Depending on the size of your home and severity of damage; that can be much cheaper than a full replacement.
If you aren’t planning on selling your home for at least another couple years, a repair is a great way to keep money in your pocket.
However, roof repairs are ONLY a good idea if the rest of your roof is still in good condition. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, you’re basically throwing good money away.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before hiring a contractor to “repair” your roof:
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How old is your roof?
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Does your roof have shingles that are curling, buckling, or cracking?
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Does water pool on your roof when it rains?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to reconsider a roof repair.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
There’s no shame in spending money to fix your roof. Especially if it gives you peace of mind every time it rains.
Truth is… some roofs are beyond repair and need to be replaced. According to recent roofing data, roughly 33% of homeowners replace their roofs because of persistent leaking. That tells you something important. A lot of people try to repair it first… And end up replacing them anyway.
Here are a few tell-tale signs it might be time to bite the bullet and start fresh.
The average roof lasts anywhere from 20-30 years (depending on material). Once your roof reaches the higher end of that range, it’s probably time to start shopping.
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Moisture trapped inside roof boards
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Widespread missing or damaged shingles
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Age of your roof
Roofs with age-related wear and tear tend to have multiple areas that need repaired. They’re more likely to have rotten roof decking and algae buildup. You definitely don’t want to have to deal with that.
Once a roof reaches around 20 years old; it’s just not worth repairing. Most things that go wrong become recurring issues.
Factors That Can Help You Decide Between Repair vs Replacement
You wouldn’t buy a used car without first checking it for problems. Spending thousands of dollars on a roof works the exact same way.
There are a couple important things to look at before making your final decision…
Roof Age
Age will be the most important deciding factor. A new roof with damage in only one area is a perfect candidate for repair. A roof that is older with damage on multiple spots should be replaced.
Roofs that are older than 20 years are 3x more likely to have insurance claims filed for wind/hail related damage. It just doesn’t make sense to repair a severely damaged roof that’s almost certainly going to have problems again.
Extent of the Damage
How much damage does your roof have? Next to age, this is the most important factor.
If your roof only has damage in one area, it’s a great time to repair. When water damages a roof; it spreads like wildfire. Make sure you know how bad the damage really is before you consider repair.
Be wary of roofing contractors who automatically want to tear off the old roof. They often do this to make more money in replacements.
Future Home Plans
Are you selling your home soon? If so, you might as well sell it with a fresh new roof.
You won’t get top dollar for your home with all kinds of repairs visible. Spending the money to replace your roof could mean thousands more in your pocket at closing.
Not selling for another 5-10 years? You might want to reconsider a roof replacement. It could save you money on repairs in the long run.
Budget
Last but not least; how much money do you want to spend?
Budget will play a huge role in your decision to repair or replace your roof. Keep in mind; repairs are cheap now but may cost you more later. Replacements will set you back at first; but could save you money over time.
How To Choose the Right Professional Roofing Contractor
You can have all the knowledge in the world… But if your roofing contractor doesn’t know what they’re doing; you could be in for a world of hurt.
Ask these 4 questions before hiring your contractor:
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Are you licensed and insured?
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What do other homeowners who live nearby think of your work?
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Can I get a written estimate that details what will be repaired/replaced?
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Would a repair suffice or is a new roof needed?
If they try to dodge any of these questions; walk away instantly.
Remember to always get multiple quotes from at least 2-3 different roofing companies.
The Final Verdict
Repairing vs replacing your roof really comes down to a few common sense things.
Remember…
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Repair your roof if it’s young and the damage is small and localized.
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Replace your roof if it’s old and damage is found in multiple areas.
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Always consult with a professional roofing contractor before doing anything.
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Never ignore warning signs like algae buildup, leaks, or heavy loose granules in your gutters.
Need help making a decision? Reach out to your local roofing contractor and see what they think. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re swimming in water.
Repair Vs Replacement: Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to repair or replace your roof; don’t delay in taking action.
The longer you put it off; the more you’ll have to spend. Catching roof damage early can save you thousands in the long run.