Roof Repair or Roof Replacement? How to Choose the Right Option

When choosing roofing materials for their homes, most homeowners go with materials that strike a balance between cost and durability.

They want a roof that lasts a very long time while being cheap enough to justify the choice. However, no matter how durable the material is, it will break down over time.

Exposure to the elements coupled with the effects of time will lead you to wonder if you need to have the roof repaired or replaced once it starts showing signs of aging. So, which of the two should you choose?

Here are a few things to consider.

The Roof’s Age

The roof’s age is arguably the biggest indicator of whether you need repairs or a replacement. Regular repairs and maintenance are cheaper than a replacement and can even help your roof last longer.

However, you should start thinking about a roof replacement if the roof is showing signs of significant wear and tear, which tends to be the case with older roofs.

Cost and Frequency of Repair

Roof repairs usually cost a lot less than getting your whole roof replaced. When assessing whether the lower cost should lead to repairs instead of a replacement, you need to consider a few things.

The first one is the extent of the damage. If there is extensive damage on the roof that extends into the roofing structure, it would be best to get a replacement instead of a repair.

However, if only some aspects of the roof, like fascia boards or guttering is damaged, you could get away with a minor replacement.

However, if only some aspects of the roof, like fascia boards or guttering is damaged, you could get away with a minor replacement. 

The other thing to think about is the frequency of repair. If you have called a contractor more than a few times over the past few years, there could be an underlying problem that the contractors are missing.

This problem is the cause of recurring issues with your roof which leads to frequent repairs. Over time, the cost of these repairs will be higher than the cost of a replacement. 

In this case, it would be best to get in touch with a roofing company to assess the underlying problem.

Future Plans

If you are considering living in the home for the long term or selling it later, a roof replacement is the better option.

However, if you are thinking about selling the house fast, a roof repair done by a licensed and professional contractor would be the better option.

You do not want to spend too much money on the roof with little chance of recouping it on the sale price as that might leave your house sitting on the market longer.

Choosing between roof repairs and a full replacement will depend on your circumstances.

However, if the repairs are costing too much or the roof is too old, a replacement is the better option. Speak to a reputable contractor for advice and weigh up the pros and cons.