November 11, 2021
Have you noticed a bare spot on your roof or shingles in our yard?
How about water leaks or water spots on your ceiling?
If your answer was yes to any of these questions, you aren't alone.
Roof damage is common, especially after storms, high winds, and as the roof ages.
When it comes to your roof, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Likewise, regular maintenance is good for the health of your roof and your wallet.
But when homeowners start noticing damage, how do you know roof repairs are worth it?
When is a complete roof replacement necessary?
In the article below, we will discuss a few things you should consider when deciding if repairs are worth it.
Consider The Age Of Your Roof
If your current roof is an asphalt shingle roof, there are numerous variables to consider when deciding if you should repair or replace your roof.
The age of your roof is one of the most critical variables to consider.
If you aren't sure how old your roof is, a local roofing contractor will be able to tell you about how much life you have left on it.
Most asphalt shingle roofs will last between 15 and 20 years (compared to 40 to 70 years for metal roofs).
A few signs your roof is getting older are:
- Curled or buckled shingles
- Bald shingles
- Missing shingles
- A sagging roof
- Moss covering
- Mold
- Blistered shingles
- Loose granules in your gutters
If you decide to have a professional roofer, come out to check the age of your current roof, be sure to have multiple roofing companies come out to talk with you.
Some roofing companies looking to make a quick buck will tell you need a roof replacement when just a few repairs would suffice.
This is especially common after storms.
Consider The Extent Of Your Damage
If you have a leaky roof or some other form of damage and you're trying to decide whether to repair or replace it, it's in your best interest to evaluate the extent of the damage.
A simple roof leak can sometimes be repaired, but you may need a complete replacement in other situations.
If you work with a trusted roofing professional, it will help you better extend the extent of your roof damage and give you peace of mind that you are making the right decision.
Signs of wear and tear in your roof will differ slightly between various types of roofing materials.
However, they will generally fall into two main categories: aesthetic damage and structural damage.
Aesthetic damage is when roofing material looks old and worn.
You may also have moss, dark streaks, or algae growing on or in between layers of shingles.
Structural damage may include curled or cupped edges on asphalt or wood shingles or missing granules and bald spots on asphalt shingles.
It may also include cracked or broken asphalt, tile, or wood shingles, dented or perforated asphalt, tile, wood or metal roofing components, or rusted metal shingles or panels.
Consider Your Budget
The most important thing for most people to consider when contemplating a roofing repair is their budget.
If you don't have the money for a complete replacement right away, a repair will likely save you hundreds and possibly thousands over the price of a new roof.
Even things that seem like a significant problem at first may turn out to be just a few hundred dollars worth of repairs.
No matter what your budget or financial situation is, the ability to save money is always preferable.
The cost of a new roof can easily exceed the average homeowner's immediate budget.
If many people find out they have a leaky roof, and their entire roof needs to be replaced, the roofing issue could put a significant dent in their bank account.
However, a leak might only require a few replacement shingles and repairs to an isolated area, which is always a lot more affordable at short notice.
Consider How Long You Plan On Staying In Your Home
If you don't plan on staying in your home for a long time, it might not make sense to pay for a complete replacement.
But when it's time to sell your home, having an old roof may make it harder to sell.
If you plan to stay in your home for a long time and have already had minor damage repaired several times over, you should have a roofer come out to inspect it.
If everything seems fine, get on a regular roof maintenance plan that will ensure the longevity of your roof.
If you plan to sell your home, sometimes the roof replacement cost is worth it because it will increase your curb appeal and help you sell your home quicker.
When you put your home on the market, the curb appeal of your new roof will help sell your house.
Most people get a 68% return on the replacement cost of their roof when they sell their home.
Upon selling, you'll get a return of 68% of the replacement cost.
Partial Re-roofing Is an Option
If you notice significant damage and the structural integrity has been compromised, partial reroofing is sometimes an option that will cost thousands of dollars less than the roof replacement cost of an entire roof.
Repairing just one section will also make it easier to blend new with old because slight color differences won't be as noticeable.
However, partial reroofing jobs are more expensive on a cost-per-square basis.
They can create future problems, too.
For example, if you already have multiple layers of asphalt shingles, each layer will need to be removed for the partial roof installation to proceed.
That means you will likely have increased labor and disposal costs, as well as the possibility of a lopsided effect at ridges.
Your old roof could end up a couple of inches higher than the new one.
Even if it's built up with a course of shingles and covered with a ridge cap, you may still be able to notice the hump.
Contact TK Roofing and Gutters For Help With Roof Repairs
Now you know what to consider when deciding between repairs or replacements, you should be able to make better-informed decisions.
If you'd like the opinion of an experienced roofing contractor, contact the residential roofers at TK Roofing and Gutters.
They have helped customers make these decisions countless times, and they are ready to help you today.
They can also perform inspections, so if you aren't comfortable doing it, they can do it for you.
Don't let a minor repair turn into a complete replacement.
