The roof on your home is made to last for years. However, unexpected disasters like a falling tree branch might damage your roof. A roof repair might suffice for minor damage on your roof, but some circumstances require a significant decision. You might have to replace the entire roof when you have serious leaks, soggy shingles, missing shingles, massive gaps, or mold growth.
Many homeowners confuse re-roofing with roof replacement, but the two are distinct procedures.
Age Of The Roof
Roofs are built to be durable and provide you with sufficient protection against external elements and extreme weather. However, nothing lasts forever; thus, roofing materials have a lifespan and will undoubtedly deteriorate with time. While metal roofing and clay roof tiles can last long, asphalt roofing shingles can only last up to two decades. When the roof shows signs of aging, replacement is a better investment than repeatedly spending on repairs.
Type Of The Roof
The type of roof is also a significant determinant factor since some roofs are pretty durable. For example, a slate roof can remain intact for over 100 years, so it makes sense to repair rather than replace the entire roof. However, if the damage is due to structural failure or the deck has water damage, it’s best to replace the roof. In such a scenario, you can still reuse the slate tiles.
Roof Area Affected
The area affected by damage on your roof can also determine if it’s better to replace or repair your roof. A reliable roofing company can fix the damage if it’s limited to a small area. An example is when you notice a leak in one room; then it could be a minor hole in the roof in that area that you can swiftly repair. When the damage is confined to a small space of less than 30% of the roof, it can be patched up or repaired rather than replacing the roof.
The Extent Of Damage
Another thing you need to consider is the condition of the roof or the extent of the damage. It may have suffered from extreme physical damage or deteriorated appearance. An object like a tree might have fallen on your roof, causing several irreparable holes. If the damage is minor, a roof repair might remedy the problem.
However, if the damage seems overwhelming, it’d be best to call a roofing expert for replacement. A
roof repair Minneapolis or an expert company near you can be of great help in providing you with a thorough inspection of the damage.
The Urgency Of The Matter
If you have a problem with your roof and there’s a significant storm on the way, then you might need more time for roof replacement. You could opt for minor repairs to protect your roof and avoid further damage during the storm. It’s not advisable to wait for the storm to pass so you can deal with the entire damage at once. You stand the risk of expensive repairs and water damage to the property inside your home.
Long-Term Plans
The action that you’ll take on your roof depends on how long you plan to stay in the home. If you plan to sell your home in the future, then investing in a new roof will increase the value of your property. However, you’ll need to consider the timeline for your planned sale, as some situations might require immediate roofing upgrades. You don’t necessarily need to put up the most expensive roof when selling, but if you plan to stay forever, the cost of a higher quality roof will spread over time.
Availability Of Insurance
Repairing or replacing your roof can cost thousands of dollars depending on your location, the damage, and the size of the roof. Many people have
homeowners’ insurance to cover the costs of various home issues which usually include the roof and the cost to repair or replace it. However, most insurance companies only cover damages caused by sudden accidents and nature but not deterioration due to natural wear and tear or neglect.Summary
There are a lot of things that need to consider when you have roof problems. When you’re undecided whether your roof needs repair or replacement, you can consider the factors mentioned in this article to help guide you in choosing the best procedure for your roof.
