Repair Versus Replacing Your Roof: Pros, Cons And Other Details
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: December 21, 2021
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As the last barrier protecting us from sun, wind, rain, and exposure to extreme temperatures, roofs are an integral part of any building. Without this protective structure on the top of your house, your house will deteriorate in no time.
No matter what anybody says, it is undeniable that the roofs are the primary protection from the harsh external elements. For this reason, it is necessary to keep your roof in the best shape possible.
Repair Versus Replacing Your Roof
When we talk about a house, we concentrate more on the interiors and forget about the roof. This results in negligence affecting the roof. Click https://www.loaconstruction.com/ to know how it affects the roof.
That being said, we come to our main topic of discussion in this article – How can you tell if you need repairs for the roof or replace it completely?
Before discussing which one to choose, it would be better to get an idea of what each does and its pros and cons.
When Should You Repair?
New roofs are expensive. A repair can be an effective way to save quite a lot of money. For instance, if your roof is only 15 years old with only a few local issues, probably going with the repair might be your best bet.
New roofs are certainly not cheap; this is why going with the repair is always a better option. Some people only repair their roof to prolong the roof in the hope of saving enough in the future to go with a new roof.
Furthermore, when storms are bringing havoc to your locality, roofing contractors can build up a waiting list, making you wait for weeks to replace your damaged roof. In such a scenario, going with the repair can solve the problem.
Pros & Cons Of Repair
A roof repair project is not always the best idea. To weigh down on whether or not a repair is the right choice for you.
Here we have listed the pros and cons of repairing a roof to see how effective repair projects are.
Pros
- Roof repairs are more affordable.
- It takes less time to finish the projects.
- Roof repair helps to extend the life span of the roof.
Cons
- Poor patches and workmanship can lead to more problems.
- It masks the underlying problem.
When Should You Replace?
While repairing a roof might be an option, there are times when going with a roof replacement is the safest bet.
The need for roof replacement is typically related to the roof’s age. The roof is the outer covering of the house and protects you and the house from all the external forces like wind, heat, cold, sun, and dust.
If you live in a home that has stood its ground for more than a couple of decades, it is time to replace its roof.
Pros & Cons Replacement
Compared to a roof replacement project, replacing a roof is a massive home improvement investment. To give you a balanced opinion, we have listed its pros and cons.
Pros
- Roof replacement addresses all roofing problems.
- It can help you save a lot of money in the long run.
- Improve energy efficiency and reduce electric bills.
- A new roof lasts longer than a repaired roof.
Cons
- It is an expensive project.
- It takes a longer time to complete the project.
Roof Replacement Vs. Roof Repair: Factors To Consider
When your roof shows signs of damage, it can be difficult at times to know whether a roof needs repair or replacement might be the only option. A trusted roofing contractor can help you decide which option to go for.
Here are the factors that decide whether you need repair or replacement.
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Age Of The Roof
The roof’s age really matters and becomes a significant deciding factor to whether you need to go with repair or replacement.
Just like human beings have a lifespan, roofs also have one. The average lifespan of a roof is 20-30 years. If your roof is close to the numbers we mentioned, replacing them is a good idea.
However, repairing it might be a more cost-effective decision if the roof is fairly new and has little exterior damage.
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Condition Of The Roof
The next thing to consider is to look at the roof’s condition. Your roof might look damaged from the outside and remain completely fine from the outside. Or, your roof might look fresh from the outside and might have leakage from the inside.
Depending on the scenario, you can go with either of the methods. For instance, the repair will help you solve the problem in the first scenario. In the second scenario, replacement is only an option – as repair will only mask the underlying problems.
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Extent Of The Damage
If you are thinking of repairing or replacing your roof, you may have found signs of physical damage on the roof. Now, the question is which method will work the best to solve the problem.
For this, you need assistance from a capable roof contractor. They can go through the roof and evaluate its durability. They can easily recognize the type of damage and what method will suit them.
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Geographical Location
Geographical location also plays a significant role in determining which methods to go for protecting your roof. If you live in a location where hail storms are normal, replacing the roof might be a good choice.
Here, repairing the roof might be a good idea. It might hide the underlying problem, which exposes you and your family members to risk.
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Cost Associated With The Projects
Finally, the cost of the two projects.
Replacement projects are costlier than repair projects. Hence, you might be tempted to go for repairs. However, you must consider all the factors mentioned above to make your decision. Sometimes roof replacement is a better and cost-effective method in the long run.
The Bottom Line: Deciding To Repair Or Replace
Now that you have a scoop of roof repair and roof replacement, you will realize how important an inspection can be in assessing the roof’s current condition.
We hope that this article answered your question and gave you a better idea of which method to go for.
Thank you for reading!
