As with every other component of your home, your roof requires regular maintenance over the course of its useful life. It may even need minor or moderate repairs to stay in good shape. However, regardless of how well you maintain your roof, it will eventually need to be replaced. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between repairing and replacing a roof to help you determine which type of service you need.
An Overview of the Roof Repair Process
A roof repair typically involves just a section of the structure. For instance, if you notice that only a few shingles are missing, a contractor may decide you can safely replace them without causing significant issues to the rest of the structure. You may also consider repair work for other minor problems, such as mold growing on an isolated patch of exposed underdeck that can be stopped if it is removed and covered with new shingles.
An Overview of the Roof Replacement Process
Let’s say your roof is missing dozens of shingles across a significant portion of its surface area. In such a scenario, it may not be possible to simply replace these shingles and move on. The same might be true if a tree falls and creates a hole in the structure that allows moisture or pests to enter your home. In many cases, a tree or other object falling through the roof may cause structural issues that require an extensive rebuild.
When Should You Consider Repairing Your Roof?
The cost to repair the damage and the age of the structure are two significant variables to consider when choosing to repair or replace your roof. Roofing experts typically recommend repairs if the damage is isolated, the cost is relatively low compared to a complete replacement, and the roof still has a significant useful lifespan.
On average, a roof covered with asphalt shingles can last about 20 years if properly installed and maintained. If your roof was installed on your home a decade ago, it might make sense to repair whatever issues exist instead of tearing it off and starting over again.
Assuming that the damage is limited to one area, it will likely cost less to make the repairs than it would to replace the entire structure. For instance, if you only needed to replace a few shingles, you might be able to get that done for less than $500. A complete replacement would likely cost $10,000 or more, depending on the scope of the job and the materials needed to complete it.
Repairing the roof may also make sense if it has a useful life remaining and is under a warranty. If you have a warranty on your roof, the cost of the repair work would likely be covered by whatever guarantee you received at installation.
When To Replace Your Roof
A complete roof replacement is recommended if your roof is at or near the end of its useful life. This is because you’ll likely need to replace shingles or have other types of repairs performed every year or two anyway, so from a convenience standpoint, it may make sense to schedule a replacement.
If your current roof needs frequent repairs, you might want to consider a replacement to save money over time. While a single $500 repair job may make sense from an economic standpoint, multiple $500 repair jobs throughout the course of the year may not. In such a scenario, it may be best to use the money you spend on repairs as a down payment for a brand-new roof.
Replacing your current roof may also be a good idea if you are trying to improve your home’s curb appeal and overall resale value. Research shows that the return on investment (ROI) of a new roof falls between 60% and 70%. This ROI increases the value of the average home by approximately $15,500.
Other Issues To Consider
The time of year can have a profound impact on whether you decide to repair or replace your roof. For example, if shingles blow off after a storm that occurs in December, it may be easier to repair the damage and schedule a complete replacement for the spring. Of course, it may be possible to have the structure replaced during the winter, but it may take longer to complete, potentially resulting in higher costs.
In addition, you should consider the overall condition of the roof before making a decision on whether to repair or replace it. For instance, if a single shingle has blown off, you may have several weeks or even months before you actually need to do anything. However, if the roof is sagging or you see evidence of leaks inside your home, you’ll need to take action immediately.
Fortunately, the folks at Blue Sky Energy Solutions in Irving, TX can perform emergency repairs to ensure the integrity of your roof now and for years to come. We can also perform routine roof inspections and manage repair and replacement projects. Our team will be happy to discuss financing options to ensure your needs are met without causing financial hardship.
The Importance of Regular Roof Inspections
It is not uncommon for a situation that may have initially called for a simple repair to turn into one that requires a complete roof replacement. For instance, you may have decided that the missing or curled shingles were no big deal and were little more than an aesthetic nuisance. However, the truth is that the shingles may have been damaged by an unseen moisture issue that will eventually result in widespread mold growth.
Scheduling an annual roof inspection makes it easy to diagnose the true condition of the structure and can prevent minor issues from escalating into costly projects. You can think of these inspections as similar to getting an annual checkup, even if you’re not sick. In most cases, a full roof inspection involves more than a simple observation of the structure from the ground. Your roofer will physically get on the roof and conduct an in-depth examination of the shingles, vents, and flashing. They will usually take photos to show you what they found during the inspection and explain what action, if any, should be taken next.
When our team conducts a roof inspection, we also look at the attic and the inside of your home for signs of water or pest damage. If shingles are missing, an inspection can assess whether exposed wood shows signs of mold.
If you are wondering whether a roof repair or replacement is your best option, our experienced roofers at Blue Sky Energy Solutions can help! We can also install new gutters, windows, or insulation to make your home look and feel great at the same time. If you are looking for a way to reduce your utility bills, our team can tell you if a solar roof is a good choice for your home. Contact Blue Sky Energy Solutions today to learn more about our services!
