As a homeowner, one of the most critical questions you will ask yourself is whether you should repair or replace your roof. The answer to this comes down to several factors. Either way, you should know that it will be no small task either way. Here, we’ll discuss the difference between repairing or replacing your roof and which is best for you.
What’s the Difference Between Repairing or Replacing Your Roof?
The difference between the two is mainly the project’s cost and scope. Fully replacing a roof will cost more because it’s a larger, more complicated task than replacing a few shingles or patching a small area.
One of the most significant deciding factors in repairing or replacing a roof is the amount of damage that needs fixing. The rule of thumb is that if more than 30% of your roof needs fixing, then the best option is to replace it and not repair it. However, both options have their benefits and drawbacks.
Top 3 Benefits of Roof Repairs
With the national average of a simple roof repair being between $150 to $1,500 and a more complicated roof repair being between $1,500 to $7,000, it’s best to know what benefits you’re getting from your hard-earned money. The cost of a more complex roof installation tends to be high, which is why the 30% rule applies to such situations.
Increases Home Value: Repairing a roof is one of the best ways to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Increases Energy Efficiency: Repairing a roof will help improve its overall condition. In addition, an adequately repaired roof will have positive effects on your energy use.
Increases Roof Life Expectancy: Properly replacing your roof with quality materials will extend its life expectancy by a few years.
Drawbacks of Roof Repairs
As with anything, there are drawbacks to any choice. Below are a couple of the most significant drawbacks to repairing roof damage.
Mismatched Colored Roof Tiles: Because a simple repair may only require the replacement of a couple of missing shingles or sections, it can be challenging to match the other ones, decreasing your house’s curb appeal.
Additional Issues: If you choose to repair your older roof because of the cost, you could end up trying to save money and end up with shoddy workmanship from inexperienced roofing companies that can cause more issues from structural damage or other roofing issues.
Top 3 Benefits of a Roof Replacement
With the national average cost of a complete roof replacement coming between $5,500 to $11,000, it’s best to know what benefits you’re getting from your hard-earned money. If your roof doesn’t fall into the 30% rule, roofing costs for a replacement will be greater.
Significantly Increases Home Value
Replacing a roof is one of the best ways to improve the resale value of your home. Believe it or not, a new roof is a better investment than other home renovation projects or home additions. This is because replacing a roof has tremendous long-term benefits.
Significantly Increases Energy Efficiency
Replacing a roof deck ensures it is in the best condition possible. Using a special roof covering, like an asphalt shingle roof, will allow you to save money and energy.
Renewed Roof Life Expectancy
A proper roof replacement with quality materials will ensure that your roof lasts between 25 and 50 years. You will likely have fewer repair costs than you would if you simply continued fixing your old roof. If you replace old shingles with new roofing material, such as asphalt shingles, your roof’s lifespan will be longer.
Drawbacks of a Roof Replacement
As with anything, there are drawbacks to any choice. Below are a couple of the most significant drawbacks to an entire roof replacement.
Cost
Because a full roof replacement is more complex and requires more materials, most roof replacements will cost you more money than simply repairing the roof.
Length of Time
Because a total roof replacement is more complex and requires more materials, a new roof replacement will take a lot longer than some simple roof repairs.
Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Repair Your Roof?
Here are the top three reasons to repair your roof instead of replacing it.
Less Than 30% of Your Roof is Damaged
Suppose less than 30% of your roof is damaged. In that case, minor repairs will be the most cost-effective option.
Budget
If your budget can’t accommodate a complete roof replacement, you can get away with simply replacing the roofing materials that are damaged. A simple roof repair is enough to keep your home going.
Time Limit
If there’s a ticking clock by which you need to fix the damage on your roof, then a repair job will be the fastest option. Instead of tearing down the entire roof and replacing it bit by bit, a roof repair will have you on your way quicker and with less hassle.
Top 3 Reasons You Should Consider Roof Replacements
Here are the top three reasons to get your roof replaced instead of repairing it.
More Than 30% of Your Roof is Damaged
Suppose more than 30% of your roof is damaged. In that case, repairing it will be more complicated and you will end up spending more money on repairing the shingles and other roofing materials. So this means that outright replacing the roof would be the best option.
Higher than Average Energy Costs
Have you noticed that your utility bills are higher than usual? The higher-than-average energy costs could be a sign that your roof is no longer doing its job of protecting your home from outside elements. Asphalt shingles and concrete shingles can keep your house at the right temperature and save you money on your energy bill.
Possible Underlying Issues
Suppose you have a roof leak in various locations. In that case, patching may not be enough to stop altogether or adequately prevent your leaky roof from getting worse. When issues with your existing roof arise that are too complex to accurately pinpoint the cause, a complete replacement is the best option to resolve the issue correctly.
Find a Roofing Contractor Today!
There are many things to consider when it comes to repairing or replacing your roof, but both options have their merits. However, when all is said and done, whether you should repair or replace your roof comes down to two main factors; the amount of damage and your budget.
If the damage to your roof is minimal and in otherwise good condition, repair it. However, if the damage is too extensive or you can afford to replace it, then do so; the long-term benefits will provide you with an excellent return on investment. Whichever you decide, make sure that you contact a trusted roofing contractor in your area to get the job done!
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