If you have a damaged or aging roof, you need to decide whether to repair or replace your roof… sooner than later. Which decision is best depends on the specific condition of the roof, its age, and your budget. Understanding the differences between roof repair and roof replacement can help you make an informed choice that achieves the best results for you and your family’s comfort and safety.
Let’s take a look at:
- What is involved in repairing a roof?
- Signs you need roof repair
- What is involved with a roof replacement?
- Signs you need a roof replacement
- How to know when to repair or replace your roof
What Is Involved In A Roof Repair?
Roof repair involves fixing isolated damages or problems located in specific areas of the roof. It is typically a more cost-effective solution compared to roof replacement as long as the overall condition of the roof is still relatively good. Additionally, roof repair is performed relatively quickly, minimizing disruptions to your household.
Roof repairs usually involve:
- Patching small leaks
- Replacing missing or damaged shingles and/or other roofing materials
- Fixing shingles with curled corners and sealing cracks
- Repairing flashing and resealing around skylights and/or chimneys
- Fixing punctures or holes
More involved structural fixes to correct issues related to extensive water damage, mold growth, or shrinkage may require replacing a section of roofing while keeping intact other parts of the roof that remain in good condition; However, if a repair involves replacing significant portions of the roof, and/or the roof is old, and near the end of its useful life space, an entire roof replacement is probably the better option.
Signs You Need Roof Repair Vs Replacement
If caught early enough, roof repair can correct the following kinds of issues:
- Storm damage, such as punctures from fallen tree limbs, minor hail, or wind damage to the roof
- Leaks around roof vents, skylights, or pipes; are usually a sign that rubber, tar, or plastic seals have degraded
- Improper original installation, indicated by missing flashing or shingles in your yard after high winds
- Condensation on the underside of your roof deck; if you’re having trouble keeping a second story cool on hot days, you may need more attic venting
What Is Involved With A Roof Replacement?
Replacing your roof, as you might expect, involves completely tearing off the existing roof and installing a new one. Underlayment, flashing, and any required repairs to the supporting structure are performed before any shingles are laid.
The actual cost to replace your roof depends on the type of roof, the difficulty of applying the roof, and the associated labor to install and replace the roof. While roof replacement represents a greater investment compared to roof repair, it offers long-term benefits.
A new roof ensures improved energy efficiency, enhances the overall aesthetics of the house, and provides fresh construction without any underlying problems. Moreover, roof replacement allows you to choose from a variety of modern roofing materials and styles, providing a chance to upgrade your home’s appearance and increase your property value.
Signs You Need Roof Replacement Vs Repair
You might need to replace your roof if:
- Your existing roof is approaching, or exceeding, the manufacturer’s stated life span (usually anywhere from 15 to 25 years).
- Your home is experiencing significant leaks during storms, and/or mold is appearing on your walls or ceilings, all of which indicate structural damage to your roof.
- Your roof experienced significant storm damage, such as fallen tree limbs that poked holes in the roof, and there are a sizeable number of roof shingles in your yard. Note: Insurance companies require a professional roof inspection to confirm any claims for roof replacement due to storm damages.
When To Repair Or Replace My Roof?
To repair or replace your roof, the question most property owners dread. If your roof is relatively new and the damage is isolated, roof repair is likely the preferable option. However, if the roof is old, has recurrent problems, or is significantly damaged, roof replacement is the more practical and cost-effective choice in the long run.
But the only way to know for sure whether to repair or replace a roof is to thoroughly inspect not only the roof but other parts of the home including the supporting structure. This is really a job for a professional roofer. Even if you don’t mind climbing up on ladders and aren’t afraid of heights, you aren’t likely to see the same things an experienced roofer can.
A professional roof inspection not only examines your roof but also related roof components, such as fascia, gutters, soffits, and seals around chimneys and skylights. A trained and experienced roofer also looks for missing shingles, pooling water, cracks or holes, mildew or mold, rooting wood, and pest infestations, as well as water stains or mold in your home’s walls and ceilings, droopy ceilings, and/or leaning exterior walls that might indicate a loss of roof integrity.
How To Choose The Right Roofing Company?
Fast Roof Repair or Replace. Top Quality. Incredible Customer Service. Guaranteed.
The experienced and licensed professionals from Elevated Roofing Services work with you to make the right decisions about whether a roof repair or roof replacement is the best and most affordable solution for your specific situation. Choosing Elevated to repair or replace your roof is a wise investment that pays off in a roof that lasts longer, looks better, and improves the value of your home.
Elevated Roofing is a trusted roofing contractor conducting business in Stockton, Rockford, Galena, Apple River, Lanark, and the surrounding Illinois. Elevated provides a full range of roofing services, including roof repairs and replacement, new construction, insurance claims, and maintenance. We stand by our work and use only the highest quality roofing and underlayment materials.
We even offer a five-year guarantee for any new roof: in the unlikely event there is a leak or any problem, we fix the problem free of charge.