Once a home is built, it can be pretty durable, but important components like the roof will need to be repaired or replaced over time. This ensures your home continues to protect you and your family adequately for many more years to come. However, it’s not always easy to know whether your roof needs repairs or replacement. Fortunately, your friendly neighborhood roofer is here to tell you about important things to consider when deciding which option is best for you.
When to Repair Your Roof
Signs that show your roof only needs some touch-ups include:
There is No Extensive Damage
If there’s a problem with your roof and it only affects a small section, you can save more money by repairing instead of replacing it. For instance, if there are few leaks here and there, your local roofer can come in for a quick visit and fix the problem in no time.
You Have a Tight Budget
Roofing problems can catch you unawares, and your budget might not be up for a replacement. In that case, you have no option but to make do with some repairs. However, if the problem is serious – for instance, roof rot might have spread all over your roof – then you’ll need to get the roof replaced sooner or later.
You Want to Maintain Your Roof’s Original Design
It’s common to come across homes that have some historical value. In that case, you’ll need to maintain the home’s architectural integrity as much as possible. The roof is a valuable part of the house, and removing it would defeat the purpose of having a classic house. But if some roof damage is difficult or impossible to repair, the next best solution is replacing only a small portion of the roof.
The Roof Repairs Are a Stop Gap
Let’s say you have a serious leak in your roof and your house is under threat of a flood because it’s the rainy season. It may not be possible to get the roof replaced immediately. Instead, your local roofer can fix it as a temporary solution, and once the weather is drier, you can then work on getting the roof replaced.
Your Roof is New
If your roof is new, a roof replacement so soon after might feel like a waste of your investment. So, you may settle on repairs instead. Ideally, a roof is supposed to last for many years, and repairs can help you maintain the function of your roof for as long as possible. It’s simply not practical to invest in 2 or more roof replacements in a short time frame.
When to Replace Your Roof
While repairing your roof is a sometimes cheaper and convenient option, it’s best to re-roof in the following scenarios.
Your Roof is Old
Roofs are built to protect homes, so they are very sturdy. Still, nothing lasts forever. Not only does an old roof affect the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it can also lower its value. So think of a roof replacement as a worthwhile investment that every homeowner has to make, especially after their roof has served them for so long and outlived its time.
Your Roof Violates Current Building Codes
If your roof does not conform to the current building codes in your area, then you’ll have no choice but to replace it. Being non-compliant can come with steep penalties that are better spent on replacing your roof. Additionally, you might have problems selling your home should you ever decide to do so.
The Damage Can’t Be Repaired
If you have fixed your roof one too many times, then a total roof replacement might be in order. When you hire your local roofer to assess the current condition of your roof, they’ll usually be upfront with you. Generally, your roof will need repairs if the damage covers more than a third of your roof. In that case, you’ll have no option but to invest in a new roof.
Your Roof Was Damaged By Mother Nature
If you live in an area that’s prone to big storms or tornadoes, your roof might not hold up well, whether it’s new or not. Mother Nature has a way of damaging the structural integrity of your roof, and there will be no option but to replace it.
The tips above will help you decide on a more sensible and practical solution between re-roofing and repairing. If you need extra advice from your professional local roofer, please get in touch, and we will assist you in any way we can.
