Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

When your roof shows signs of damage, it can be difficult to determine whether a roof repair or a more costly roof replacement is appropriate. While there are many things to consider when making this decision, the educated opinion of a professional roofing contractor is the best place to start. For now, here are some questions to ask yourself. 

Repair or Replace? Consider These 4 Things

  1. How old is your roof? Age is a good indicator of when to replace a damaged roof. Replacing an older, damaged roof–rather than repeatedly paying for repairs–is worth the investment. It will also ensure the rest of your home remains protected. If your roof is fairly new and the damage is isolated to a small area, a repair should be enough to fix the problem. 
  2. How damaged is your roof? The extent of roof damage can help you determine the right course of action. If the damage is widespread and both aesthetic and structural, it is almost always better to replace your roof. If a few shingles have blown off in a storm, simply repairing this storm damage is probably a satisfactory route.
  3. Do you have any leaks? Leaks are one of the most common causes of roof repairs or replacements. If you notice leaks or water damage, it’s important to find the root cause of the problem sooner rather than later. While a single, concentrated leak might be fixed with a repair, more widespread water damage or reoccurring leaks need to be fixed with a roof replacement. In either case, neglecting leaks can lead to mold, rot and worse. 
  4. What is my budget? For many, a roof replacement may simply not be in the budget. If this is the case, repairing damage is a better alternative than neglecting the problem altogether. While roof repairs are generally less expensive in the short term, roof replacement can provide greater peace of mind and protection in the long run. A roofing contractor can provide estimates, and financing is usually an option. 

For more information on replacing or repairing your damaged roof, contact the experts at RoofSmart. We’ll lead you in the right direction!