Should you spend several hundred dollars on a roof repair, or should you bite the bullet and go for a roof replacement? Answering this question can be tricky, but if you take all the following four factors into consideration, it should be a bit simpler to make this decision.
#1 – The Age of Your Roof & Its Expected Lifespan
Every single roofing material out there comes with its own average lifespan. For example, if you have a typical roof made of asphalt shingles, you can expect it to last roughly 25 years or longer before you need to consider replacement. If an issue arises and you’re well within the first half of your roof’s anticipated lifespan, then it’s almost always a good idea to complete the repair. On the other hand, if you’re at the very end of the lifespan, or if your asphalt roof is more than 25 years old, it may be time to consider a new roof. Further repairs can get expensive, and while the band-aid approach might buy you another year or two, you will save more money in the end by simply replacing your outdated roof.
#2 – The Initial Installation
One of the biggest factors behind roofing problems is the actual installation. Was your roof installed by a trusted professional? Have other people who used that professional experienced the same sort of issues? Is it a workmanship issue, or a problem with the materials that company used? If any of these things are the case, then it may be worth your time to contact the company who originally installed your roof. In some cases, these companies are willing to make amends, so they can keep their customers happy and their reputations unharmed.
#3 – The Number of Repairs
Something else to consider is the frequency of the needed repairs. If it seems like you’re repairing a leak or other problem more than once a year, there’s obviously an issue somewhere that needs to be addressed. Again, if it’s been some years since your last roof replacement and it’s reaching the end of its lifespan, you would be better off to put that money toward a new roof than another repair. On the other hand, if you’re repairing a relatively new roof this often, then there’s a good chance that the workmanship is subpar, or the materials were defective.
#4 – The Overall Condition of Your Roof
Finally, one of the most important factors to consider is the overall condition of your roof. You can get a good idea of the condition by simply walking around your home and looking up at the roof itself. Do you see shingles in disarray? Are there any obvious dips in the roof or places where water appears to be pooling? Are there tiles or shingles obviously missing or out of position? Looking at your fascia, if you see rotting or staining, this is indicative of leaking. The combination of these things typically means a new roof is in order.
A roof replacement costs considerably more than a roof repair, but in some cases, it’s worth that extra money. Remember that a leaky roof that isn’t adequately protecting your home can lead to structural damage, and the costs could be exorbitant. The best option is to contact a professional you trust for advice.