With the heavy rains, high-speed winds and extremely high temperatures your roof faces throughout the year, it is bound to experience damage. The real question is whether you should have it repaired or replace the entire system. While minor issues on newer roofs can just be fixed, major structural damage along with poor energy efficiency definitely warrant a roof replacement instead. If you’re on the fence about which one you should choose, you should take a read through the blog below.
Picking Between Roof Repair & Replacement: Factors To Consider
Whether it’s a wooden roof or a clay tiled roof, the truth is that it’s going to need professional attention at some point. But selecting between roof repair vs replacement can be a bit tricky. There is no “best” answer, since it depends on several factors such as your budget, time and even your long term goals for your property. If you need help deciding what to do with your damaged roof, here are a few factors that you should consider.
Read along as we list them all
Extent Of Damage
The first thing we should look at is how damaged your roof really is. If it’s a small leak in the middle of the roof, it’s probably better and faster to have a roofing expert patch it up. However, if the roof is sagging or there are multiple leaks, it indicates that the damage has reached its structure and you need to have it replaced ASAP.
Your Budget
Another important factor is how much you have in your bank account. If you’re tight on cash and are looking for a temporary solution, then go for a roof repair service. On the other hand, if money isn’t an issue, then a roof replacement service works just fine.
Installation Time
Next, let’s think about how long you have. If it’s the middle of the rainy or snowy season when your roof fails, you simply don’t have the luxury of time to replace the entire covering, so repairs will have to do. But, if it’s mild Spring or warm Summer that you book the service for, a reliable roof replacement is the way to go.
Frequency Of Repairs
Every roof experiences some kind of damage at some point. Perfectly natural. However, if you find that you have to patch it up pretty much regularly, those expenses are going to add up and it’d be prudent to have it replaced instead.
The Roof’s Age
Let’s consider an asphalt shingle roofing system for a moment. If your roof is already at the 20 year mark when you need repairs, it’d be smarter to replace it to avoid further issues. But, if the roof is still within warranty, just schedule a professional roof repair service to restore it.
Energy Efficiency
Newer roofing systems have better insulation and therefore keep your homes comfortable and reduce the stress on your HVAC systems. So, if your roof is showing signs of low efficiency, take this opportunity to replace it once and for all. If, however, energy efficiency isn’t a concern, go ahead and have it repaired instead.
Long Term Goals
Are you planning on selling the property or is this your forever home? If it’s a sale that you need, then perhaps, quality roof repair services is the right choice for you. Conversely, if you’re going to grow old in this house, have it replaced for long-term structural stability and assurance.
Personal Aesthetics
Are you tired of the outdated design of your roofing system? Or are you perfectly happy with the roof over your head? If it’s the former, treat the damaged roof as an opportunity to replace it and update your property. But, if you find nothing wrong with your roofing system, minor repairs will do the trick.
Conclusion
In the end, the best answer to roof repair vs replacement depends entirely on your unique circumstances. If you find that you have budget or time restrictions or that your roof is fairly new, a roof repair service is a wise choice. On the other hand, if it’s structural damage and a poorly insulated roofing system that you’re dealing with, it’s better to have it replaced instead. We hope this article helped you make an informed decision regarding your property. If you have any more questions, please drop us a line.
FAQs
How long does a roof replacement take?
A roof replacement service usually takes two days to a week to complete, depending on the size and material.
How long does it take to have a leak repaired?
Depending on the damage to your roof, it takes a few hours to three days to fix leaky roofs.
What can I do to prevent roof damage?
Clean it regularly, fix small damages immediately and book roof inspection services at least once annually.