Should You Repair Or Replace Your Roof [Flow Chart]

Do you have damage to your roof? Did a tree fall on your roof during the last storm?

Maybe your roofing material or shingles have broken down due to deterioration, weather, and age. Knowing the difference between damage that needs a spot repair or an entire replacement should save you money while keeping your home safe from the elements.

Roof Repair 

One of the ways to fix your roof is to perform a spot repair on your roof or have it done for you. This solution is typically less extensive and cheaper than a complete replacement.

Homeowners can hire the services of roofing specialists to help with more widespread roof damage. They can also attempt to complete the roofing project on their own if they have enough DIY know-how.

However, hiring a roofing company can sometimes be the safest move to get a new roof no matter how minor the damage may be. Even so, instead of tearing down the entire roof and spending a fortune, owners can pay for a repair on a small isolated portion of the roof to avoid a costly full roof replacement. 

The first step to roof repair is having roofing companies come and do a roof inspection. Here are the main steps of fixing a roof leak.

Filing an Insurance Claim

After a professional inspect the house, the homeowner must ensure the roofer works with your insurance company.

Contract

The second step is to view the detailed contract and ensure it covers the basics of the work, such as the time, scope, and price. 

Permit

Homeowners must ensure the roofing professional views the building codes to complete the minor repairs.

Preparation

Talk with the professionals to prepare the house carefully to avoid any additional damage or repairs. 

Repair

The last step of the post-inspection process is the repairs of the roof! 

Roof Replacement

The second option for homeowners with a damaged roof is a replacement of the old roofing. While small problems may seem inconsequential, they can become underlying causes of bigger issues. For this, you will need the help of a roofing contractor to determine whether the small issue can lead to a big headache.

For example, a leaky roof may require a completely new roofing system.

The steps of the post-inspection process for roof replacements include the following:

• Removing the existing shingles showing signs of deterioration — The first step is to remove the old roof to inspect the damage and the shingles. Look for any missing shingles or see if a few shingles have broken.
• Prepare the roof deck — The second step is to prepare the roof deck, gather the roofing mat, and install drip edges.
• Install the new roof — The last step is to install the new asphalt shingle roof, including the covering, new shingles, and flashing. 

Roof Repair or Replacement

For homeowners who are debating whether to get a roof repair or roof replacement, it often requires a thorough inspection before making a  final decision. 

Age Of The Roof

Although roofs are meant to be long-lasting, sometimes old roofs will deteriorate and break down over time. Since roofing materials have an expiration date, it helps to know the age of the roof system and how much longer it can last. 

For example, certain roofing materials are more durable than others. Asphalt shingles may last longer than wood shingles even though the latter can last a respectable amount of time with proper maintenance.

Condition 

The second characteristic to consider is the condition of the roof and the extent of the damage.

Whether due to many years of deterioration or exposure to extreme weather, the condition of the roof can slowly decline over time.

In some cases, extreme weather events, like hail or a tree falling on the roof, can cause cracked shingles, peeling paint, roofing issues, or wind damage.

Roof Area 

The last way to determine if you should repair or replace your roof is to see the area in which the structural damage occurred on the roof.

If the roof is leaking or breaking down over an important part of your home, like the kitchen, dining room, or bedroom, you should address the home improvement issue ASAP. 

Pros and Cons of Roof Repair or Replacement

Knowing the pros and cons of repairs and replacements can help owners make a quick decision for their house. 

Pros of Roof Repairs

Here are the advantages of replacing your roof.

Affordable

Repairing a roof is smaller-scale and cheaper than a replacement.

Increased Roof Lifespan

Repairing the roof or damaged section can add a longer lifespan to the existing roof material. Getting new shingles for a metal roof can keep roofing costs low, while still repairing minor damage.

Cons of Roof Repairs

It doesn’t increase value. The main con of choosing a roof repair instead of a replacement is that it won’t increase the value of your house. 

Pros of Roof Replacement

Here are the advantages of replacing your roof.

Increase Home’s Curb Appeal and Value

If you are planning on selling your home in the future, getting a whole roof can help you increase the price of your home on the market.

Energy costs

Fresh roofing materials can help increase energy efficiency per square foot than keeping your older roof.

Peace of Mind

Lastly, a complete roof replacement makes your house safer. A structurally sound roof is better than just getting a temporary roof covering or repeatedly paying for repairs on a small portion of your house.

Cons of Roof Replacement

Here are the disadvantages of roof replacement.

More Expensive

One of the main drawbacks of getting a brand new roof is that it is much more expensive per square foot than repairing one portion of the roof. Homeowners can practice a little foresight and some frugal budgeting, but financing the roof replacement is also an option.

Time Consuming

The only other con of doing a roof replacement instead of a repair is that it takes much longer to complete than simply replacing old shingles. This also means higher labor fees compared to simple repairs.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between roof replacement and roof repair helps save time, money, and effort. Keep these tips in mind when it comes time to fix the roof so that you get the most out of your money.