Deciding what to do about a damaged roof can be stressful. Repairs can seem more budget-friendly in the short term, but will end up costing more in the long run if you aren’t aware of your overall roof health.
Age, extent of damage, and frequency of repairs all play an important role in the decision-making process between roof repair and replacement.
Repair or Replace?
Wind, rain, ice, hail, and trees are all culprits in roof damage. The wind rips off shingles, often more than one at a time, leaving the boards underneath exposed to the elements. It also helps bring down tree limbs, causing structural damage, including holes, ripped gutters, and, in extreme cases, internal damage to the home. Ice slowly degrades the shingle granules, making them slick and less effective. Hail can leave dents in the roof, gutters, and siding.
The question is: what should you do when your roof is damaged? Do you patch it up with a roof repair or replace it entirely? There are some very important factors to keep in mind when choosing between roof repair vs. replacement.
Age Isn’t Just a Number
The age of your roof is a very important factor when considering what to do with a damaged roof. Shingle roofs have an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years. This means they will likely need to be replaced after that time to continue protecting your home from the elements.
If your roof is at the end of its lifespan and has more than extremely light damage, such as a few loose shingles, go ahead and schedule a roof replacement. It is always tempting to go for the cheaper repair, but it is not financially logical to repair a roof at the end of its life.
If your roof is between 10 and 15 years old, consider having any medium-level repairs done. This includes items such as a few rotten boards, skylight resealing, flashing, and leak repair.
Extent of Damage
Heavy damage often totals your roof, much like a car. The repairs will end up costing more than a replacement for the most significant structural damages, widespread leaks, or heavy rot.
In cases like these, it is a better financial decision to replace the entire roof, which includes the perk that your roof will be under warranty for repairs for a few years.
Deja Vu
If you find yourself repairing the same leaks over and over, it is probably time to consider replacing your roof. A leak that continually springs up is likely a sign of a deeper, more costly issue.
Additionally, a roof that cannot be trusted not to spring a new leak every few months is a constant stressor, as water damage destroys quickly and without mercy.
Budget
Budget is an important consideration when considering roof repair costs. A tight budget usually leads to a cheap patch job, essentially slapping a Band-Aid on the issue, kicking the can down the road. This can actually end up costing you more, as you will need to pay for both the repairs and the eventual replacement.
Reconco Roofing offers financing options through trusted lenders to help homeowners pay for their desperately needed roof replacement that just isn’t in the budget!
Consult a Pro
It is always a good idea to get a professional opinion, and Reconco Roofing is happy to take a look! We are ready and capable of repairing damage caused by wind, rain, or tree limbs.
If your roof is nearing the end of its life or has problems that seem to keep multiplying, contact us today to get a quote for a brand-new roof that will stand the test of time!