How long your roof should last really depends on the type of material it’s made from. For example, a standard asphalt shingle roof can last up to 25 years, which is a solid lifespan when properly installed and maintained.
However, when things start going wrong, it can be a little confusing to figure out if you’re facing a minor repair that isn’t too costly, or if you’re about to need a full replacement.
Today, we’re going to go over the different factors that have to be considered to determine if your roof can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Let’s get started.
Situations Where Repairs Are Optimal
Most of the time, your roof isn’t going to need a full replacement. It’s simply not cost-effective to replace the roof every time it gets banged up, and it’s not necessary, either.
Instead, repairs are going to be the appropriate route. There are a few factors that will determine this.
1. Isolated Damage
A reputable roofer isn’t going to suggest replacing your entire roof just because you’ve found a small leak or have some minor, isolated hail damage.
There’s no need to, and it’s fairly simple to patch up the affected spot rather than start from scratch. That goes for any sort of damage that is isolated to a specific area.
2. Superficial Damage
Let’s say you have a shingle roof, it’s structurally sound, and the only problem is that the shingles are a bit worn out and aged. It’s a far better idea to replace the shingles than it is to tear the entire roof off and rebuild it.
By the way, the same goes for issues like clogged gutters that can lead to water backup – quick fixes can often prevent larger problems down the road.
3. The Damage is More Cost-Effective to Fix and Unlikely to Create Long-Term Issues
Even if there’s substantial damage that is going to require quite a bit of work, repairs might still be the best option.
Especially if the damage can be fixed in a more cost-effective manner without sacrificing the lifespan of the roof after repairs are made.
For example, if a storm rips a lot of the top layer off and potentially does some minor structural damage, it might be possible to repair that top layer and fix minor structural damage without having to commit to a much more costly full replacement.
This tends to be a grey area, though. It requires a professional opinion from someone who understands the long-term implications and costs of either choice. This is also a good time to check if leaks are covered by insurance, which could affect your decision between repair and replacement.
Situations Where Roof Replacements Are Required
A replacement is rarely what a homeowner wants to do due to the higher cost, but there are some situations where it simply needs to happen.
1. Your Roof is Older than it Should Be
If you have a standard asphalt shingle roof, it is meant to last about 20 to 25 years. This depends on the exact type of shingles used, the climate, and other factors, but that’s the industry standard.
Sometimes, the roof might seem to be just fine even beyond that point. It’s still a good idea to start looking for replacements.
A very old roof is going to drag down your property value, because buyers know they’ll get stuck with the replacement soon after they buy the house.
Roofs that are beyond their age expectation also tend to start rapidly developing major problems, and any attempt to repair those issues is immediately followed by more problems.
In contrast, metal roofs are exceptionally durable and can last 40 to 70 years, so if you’re replacing your roof, it may be worth considering that upgrade.
Getting a new roof at the end of your roof’s life expectancy gives you a fresh start and a lot more reliability.
2. Your Neighbors are Getting New Roofs
Most of the homes around you are likely the same age as your home. Assuming roof replacements have been done on time, that means you should all be on the same general replacement schedule.
So, if you see your neighbors doing it, it’s likely time for you to do the same.
This is also a good way to keep your home competitive in the market. If you and your neighbor decide to sell, and you both have similar homes in good shape, but they have a 2-year-old roof and you have a 20-year-old roof, your neighbor is going to attract more buyers and get a better deal.
3. Damage is Widespread
Any time your roof is damaged all over, it’s likely to cost almost as much to repair the roof as it would to simply replace it. However, by replacing it, you get a fresh start. So, it’s worth paying an extra thousand or two thousand dollars to go ahead and get the new roof out of the way.
It might also be necessary due to structural damage and little salvageable roof area. If the damage is bad enough, repairs aren’t even an option.
Fortunately, like we said, any time this is the case, it’s likely that any possible repairs are going to cost almost as much as a new roof. So, it’s not a big difference, and you get benefits out of the deal.
Your Roofer Should Make the Decision
This is something that you should leave up to your roofer. Roofs are a lot more complicated than you think, and it really requires a professional opinion to determine whether or not repairs or a full replacement is going to be the better option.
A professional understands the cost differences, labor involved, and the potential consequences of either choice. Someone who isn’t as experienced with roofs is likely going to focus more on price, regardless of potential long-term costs.
Bottom line is, don’t hesitate to ask your roofer some important questions about materials, warranties, and energy efficiency options that could make your new roof a better long-term investment.
Choose Charlotte’s Most Trusted Name for Your Roofing Needs
Like we said, it’s always best to have a professional determine this for you. However, you need a professional you can trust to make that decision with your best interests in mind.
At Macaw Construction Services, we’re the company you can trust.
We take a transparent approach to business, and we focus on making informed decisions that give you the best results possible without spending more than you need to or doing unnecessary work.
In addition to our roofing services, we offer a full range of exterior home improvements, including professional siding work, gutter maintenance and replacements, window installations, and custom-designed decks.Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and get expert opinion on whether repair or replacement is the right choice for your home.
