Can a Roof be Repaired Instead of Replaced?

If your roof is displaying signs of damage, it’s time to decide between repair or a roof replacement. Unfortunately, this decision is not always an easy one for the average homeowner to make.

Simply performing necessary repairs can save you a lot of money in the short term. However, your home is likely the most valuable asset you will ever own, so it is important to protect it. This means it is important to know when replacement is necessary.

So, let’s discuss if and when a roof can be repaired instead of replaced.

Extent of Damage

Generally, one of the biggest factors in determining whether or not to replace or repair your roof is the extent of the damage. You will want a roofing contractor to check the roof and help you decide what to do.

But, often, if the problem covers only a small area of the roof, repairing the issue should be sufficient. However, there are some situations in which replacing the roof may be a good idea even if the problem is only in a small area of the roof.

Age

If your roof is over 15 years old and has had leaks, storm damage, damaged shingles, or other problems, then you may want to replace it instead of repairing it. It could actually save money in the long run over paying for frequent repairs.

Also, if you are planning on selling your house anytime soon, you will want the roof to be in good shape. Otherwise, it may be hard to get a good price for your home.

Leaky Roof

Having a leaky roof is a very common problem. There are some signs you can look out for to try and detect leaks before they become severe. If you see water stains on your ceiling or going down your walls, you may have a leak.

Unfortunately, figuring out where the leak is located is not particularly easy. So, you may want to contact a roofing contractor to inspect your roof. If you put off dealing with the problem, your roof and even the interior of your house could suffer serious damage.

If you discover the leaks quickly and promptly deal with them, repairs may be sufficient. But, it really depends on the extent of the damage, and a roofing contractor will need to help you determine the best option.

Sagging

A sagging roof is a serious structural issue. You know your roof is sagging if you find soft or moist spots in your roof. You need to deal with this quickly because it will get more difficult and expensive to fix the longer you wait.

Several issues may cause a sagging roof. It could be due to age, severe weather, or cracks in your foundation. Since a sagging roof could be caused by separate serious structural problems with your house, you should make sure your home is structurally sound before replacing your roof.

Shingles

If your shingles are decaying, clearly something is wrong with your roof. But, it’s not always so clear how severe the problem is. However, there are some things you can look for to help you determine whether repairs would be adequate.

Cracking: This is a common problem in shingle roofs. It’s typically the result of significant wind damage. With cracked shingles, the extent of the damage is the main determinant of whether you should repair or replace your roof. If you have only a few cracked shingles, repairing the shingles may be fine. However, if you have a lot of cracked shingles, replacing your roof would be better.

Curling: Curling can be the result of an aging roof or inadequate ventilation. In either case, it could lead to a leaky roof. It can also be a sign of rotting shingles.

Missing Shingles: This is something you’re going to want to deal with quickly because if you don’t repair them, your roof could rot due to water damage. Although, if only a few shingles are missing, repairs should be sufficient.

Rot: This is most likely to be a problem with asphalt or wooden roofs. With shingles, they may tear or look as if they are shrinking. The shingles may also develop bulges or mold. This is a serious problem that could affect the structural integrity of your roof. Therefore, replacing your roof would be best.

Buckling: You can tell you have buckling if your shingles appear to wave around in the wind. Buckling could mean you will have continuing problems with your roof since this is often due to poor materials or faulty workmanship. It can even indicate structural problems with your roof.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Repairs

Repairing your roof is much cheaper than replacing it. Repairs are also less time-consuming than replacement, so there’s far less inconvenience than if you get your roof replaced.

But repairs do have a downside. You could end up paying more in the long run if you end up getting more repairs. Also, the repaired area might not match the roof well, so it may make your roof look worse. Additionally, when you have your roof repaired instead of replaced, you could miss some serious issues in other areas of the roof.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Roof Replacement

If you replace your roof, it should last a long time. A typical asphalt roof should last approximately 20 years. Also, while your new roof is being installed, the contractor will be able to see your whole roof. This will allow the contractor to see any damage to your roof along with any areas where leaks have been damaging your home.

However, replacing your roof will be costly. It will also take a while to complete, which can be inconvenient for those living in the home.

Partial Replacement

Partial roof replacement is a good option if your roof is damaged, but you don’t want a new roof. If the area is quite small, you might want to consider repairs. Otherwise, partial replacement may work well.

It only costs slightly more per square foot than a new replacement. Also, for the area you are replacing, it’s basically a new roof. It will also be done quicker, so you won’t be inconvenienced for as long.

Unfortunately, it will not extend the life of your roof. It may also not look as nice as a completely new roof. Also, if the rest of your roof is old, it may be better to replace the whole roof. Otherwise, you may be covering up your partial replacement in a few years when you get a new roof.

Final Thoughts

Your roof protects the most valuable asset you own, so it is important to protect it. Roof repairs can be enough for solving mild roofing issues such as a few missing shingles or a mild leak. However, for more serious issues like a sagging roof or rot, it is best to have the roof replaced.

Another thing to consider is age. If your roof is more than 15 years old and develops any issues, it is typically a good idea to have it replaced. This can save you money by avoiding the repair cost when you will likely have to replace it soon anyway.

Contacting an experienced roofer is generally the best way to make a decision between repair and replacement. If your roof has suffered damage, then Roof Repair Squad is here to help. We have more than ten years of roofing experience and can advise you on the lowest cost option to get your roof back fast.