“Do I really have to get my roof replaced?” you ask. Hopefully you are in touch with a reputable roofing professional who will give you the honest answer:
“It depends.”
Helpful, right?
Sometimes a roof only needs a quick, inexpensive repair, but sometimes seemingly minor issues are trying to tell you that there’s something bigger happening.
When you’re dealing with a large-scale roof problem, a full-out roof replacement is often the most economical choice – and sometimes your only option.
So, while we can’t definitively answer your question without a roof inspection (click here to request a free, no-obligation roof inspection), five factors play a role when it comes to recommending a roof be repaired or replaced.
#1 The Age of Your Roof
The age of your roof is usually the most indicative factor. Other factors should definitely be considered, but it usually doesn’t make sense to put more money into a roof that has already exceeded its average lifespan.
Older asphalt shingles, which are, by far, the most used material in residential roofing in the US, last about 20-25 years. The lifetime of cedar or pine shakes hovers around the 25-year mark as well. Metal or rubber roofing can last significantly longer, usually about 50 years.
#2 Leaks and Water Damage
Have you spotted a leak or water damage? Besides the obvious stains on your ceiling, a damp, musty smell in the attic is a good indicator that you’re dealing with moisture damage.
If you have one small leak and catch it right away, you can generally expect to get by with a quick roof repair.
If you have multiple leaks in multiple locations, see water stains in multiple rooms, or notice moisture damage is more than one area, you will likely need to replace your roof.
If you miss or ignore a roof leak, moisture will cause damage to your home, so it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and get a roof inspection, which requires a minimum investment of your time but can save you thousands of dollars.
#3 The Reason for the Roof Damage
Like we already mentioned, if your roof is falling apart because it’s old and worn out, it’s time to replace your roof.
That being said, if the roof has suffered extensive weather damage from a large storm, replacement may be the only viable option because the cost to repair a roof that has seen a lot of damage would cost more than just replacing the whole roof.
If you lost a few shingles due to the wind or fallen branches and only a small section of your roof was damaged, roof repair is the way to go.
Fixing flashing that has shifted, or was poorly installed, is another case in which roof repair usually makes the most sense.
#4 The Condition of the Shingles
Unless your shingles are really worn out, you’ll need to get close up to see how your shingles are doing. (Stay safe! Didn’t we mention that we offer free, no-obligation roof inspections?)
Your roof’s shingles will show just how close or far you are from needing to replace the roof. Shingles are covered in little granules that wear off over time or because of external factors like extreme weather, hail, trees that hang over the roof, animals… and even golf balls. When these granules start collecting in your gutters or your shingles have bare spots, it’s time to look into replacing your roof!
Just like dealing with leaks or moisture damage, the earlier you do something about shingle damage, the better. You can extend the lifetime of your roof by replacing a few shingles that are starting to wear out.
That being said, if you wait long enough to deal with damaged shingles, you’ll get bare spots that will make your roof tabs brittle, curl up, and eventually start to crack. When shingles no longer lie flat, the nail heads become exposed, and your roof will become vulnerable to leaks. If even a small number or section of shingles no longer lie flat, get your roof repaired right away!
If most of your shingles are worn out or damaged, it no longer makes sense to repair your roof and you should make plans to have your roof replaced within a few months.
#5 Your Plans for Your Home
If you’re not dealing with major or widespread roof damage, you will want to consider whether it might be better to go ahead and replace a roof that could theoretically be repaired.
A roof repair can definitely save your money over a roof replacement, but a roof repair can’t add value to your home like a roof replacement can. So, if you might be selling your home in the near future, it might make the most sense to just replace the whole roof. A new roof is not only more attractive but can also justify a higher asking price for your home.
Can we get you definitive answers about your roof? Sure thing!
While these are five basic factors that can help point you in the right direction about whether you need simple roof repairs or a roof replacement, the best way to decide if you need to repair or replace your roof is by having your roof inspected by a reputable roofing company.
If you haven’t already, please reach out to us for a free, no-obligation roof inspection. We know how stressful it can be to deal with roof damage and contractors that cut corners, so we offer rock-solid service that cuts costs but not corners!