Roofing Repairs or Replacement—How Do You Decide?

Posted on: 21 June 2018

Your property's roofing system is a crucial aspect of your residence. It remains the principal line of defence your house has against erratic climatic changes. Nonetheless, some homeowners may not know when their roof needs some attention or if it is in a crisis. Discerning the difference between extensive repairs and simply throwing in the towel and opting to re-roof your home is vital to ensuring you are not throwing money down the drain on recurring fixes. The following article offers some helpful information for deciding whether you roof repairs will suffice or if it is obligatory to invest in a replacement.

When are roof repairs adequate?

Undeniably, most homeowners would rather pay for roof repairs than dig deep in their pockets for a replacement. So how can you tell if roof repairs are the best course of action? The first thing to check is the extent of the damage. If only a specific area of your roof is compromised, then roof repairs will be a good option, as the damage is confined rather than widespread. Moreover, it is also much more affordable to re-roof a limited section of the roof than to replace the entire structure.

Another aspect to consider is the degree of harm that the roof has acquired. Some damage may be extensive, but if the damage is minor—for example, the loss or cracking of a few shingles—you could opt for repair over replacement. However, make sure that the base of the roof itself is still intact. Lastly, if the damages to your roof are purely cosmetic, repairs will quickly restore your structure's visual appeal without you having to replace it. Overall, as long as the roof is predominantly still functional, then repairs are a safe bet.

When is roof replacement obligatory?

A few factors will mean a replacement is looming. To begin with, determine the age of the roof. If you bought an older residence, chances are the roof is several decades old. A roofing specialist will be able to assess the construction supplies and advise you whether replacement is imminent. Take note that even if replacement is just a couple of years down the road, it is best to engage in it rather than spend money fixing the roof on a regular basis.

On that note, you should bear in mind the frequency at which you are participating in roof repairs. If you find that there is one problem cropping up after another, then it may be time to face the situation and have the entire structure replaced with something more durable. 

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