Here’s How To Decide If It’s For Roof Repair Or Roof Replacement
Roofs are an important feature of any property because they protect us from the sun, rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures. The interior of any household or commercial facility will quickly deteriorate without this structure on top of it. You also have to deal with leaks, pest infestations, mold and mildew, higher heating and cooling expenditures, and even resale issues if the roof is in poor shape.
Roofs, fortunately, are designed to last for many years. But what should you do if your roof is damaged by natural calamities or typical wear and tear? Without sufficient roofing knowledge, determining whether you need to repair or replace your roof may be tough.
With that in mind, here are a few things to think about before deciding whether to repair or replace your roof:
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Roof Repair
Only if the roof damage is contained inside a small area of the roof, a roof repair is recommended. This includes repairing leaks and replacing missing or broken roofing. In general, it is a simple and low-cost project to do.
Roof repairs, on the other hand, must be carefully planned and executed. Following a routine roof inspection, a performed professional repair can assist extend the system’s total service life.
More importantly, always make sure to examine your roof. When evaluating a roof from the ground, you can use binoculars to scan the structure for any abnormalities.
If you see any broken or missing shingles, punctures or holes, nail pops, damaged flashing, or granule loss, you have a roofing problem that must be treated immediately.
Almost every homeowner has to deal with it at some point in their lives. Even if the damage appears to be minor, it’s always best to contact a professional roofing company to guarantee the job is done correctly.
Benefits of Roof Repair
- More affordable than roof replacement.
Repairing a roof is much less expensive than replacing it since there are some roof components that do not last as long as your roof system.
- Roof repairs can extend the life of your roof.
Instead of replacing your roof, ask the roofer what types of repairs you can make. If there’s no cause to replace it, consider a repair to extend the life of your roof. It’s that easy.
Disadvantages of Roof Repair
- Matching shingle colors for a roof repair can be difficult.
Because of the sun, shingles will fade through time. As a result, matching a shingle that has been changed might be challenging. It’s nearly impossible to match the colors of your old shingles to the new ones. This will result in an ugly curb appeal that will be noticed by both you and your neighbors.
- Poor workmanship can lead to more problems and roof leaks.
Roof repair is a highly specialized job that requires someone who is knowledgeable in this field. Repairing and installing are two completely different things. Someone who has no idea what they’re doing can wreak even more havoc than is already present.
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Roof Replacement
When a roof is nearing the end of its service life and is showing indications of degradation after years of persistent exposure to the weather, simple repairs are no longer sufficient. A replacement is generally recommended in this situation, especially if the damage covers a considerable portion of the roofing system.
Always take note that you’re simply mending a small area of the structure when you repair a roof. If you replace it, though, you must replace the entire visible area. Before installing the new roof, you’ll need to remove everything to reveal the deck, which may require repairs to the sheathing, rafters, and trusses.
When your roof begins to sag, you should think about replacing it. It’s a serious issue and a sign that your roof is on the verge of collapsing.
Roof replacement is a more involved process than roof repair since it entails more procedures. A reasonably sized roofing project can take three to four days or longer for many roofing companies.
This project may have high initial expenses, but depending on the material used, a new roof over a home should last for decades or more.
Benefits of Roof Replacement
- A new roof enhances the appearance of your property.
A new roof is 40% of your home’s curb appeal. Curb appeal will draw attention to your home, either negatively or pleasantly. It will fall into the good category with a replacement.
When you replace an old, tired-looking roof with a new one, the house appears to be newer. Not only will the replacement provide you with years of peace of mind, but it will also make your home the most attractive on the block.
- A roof replacement gives you peace of mind.
You will be able to go out of town without continually checking the weather back home once your roof has been replaced. When you go back in the door, there will be no damage or leaks to meet you. That’s relaxation!
Disadvantages of Roof Replacement
- Roof replacements are usually noisy.
Many people choose to remain at home while their roof is being replaced. They have no idea how noisy it will be inside the house when the shingles are being placed. Homeowners should always be advised to plan on being gone from the house while the shingles are being placed.
- You may want to remove your pets during your roof replacement.
While you recognize that staying inside will be practically hard due to the hammering that will occur overhead, you must also think about your pets.
Many homeowners leave their dogs and cats at home while the roof is being installed. While dogs usually recover fast, installers have seen cats disappear for up to three days. You might want to consider putting them in dog or cat daycare or having a friend watch them while you work.
- Some roofing companies don’t clean up very well after your roof replacement.
Most roofers will complete 90% of the work on a residential replacement, collect the payment, then move on to their next job. What about the remaining 10%?
When a roofer has completed a project, the last 10% should be spent on inspection and cleanup. If the cleanup isn’t done correctly, there will be nails in the yard, garbage in your bushes, and flat tires all over the place for your family and guests.
It also turns your attic into a battleground. If the roofer you hire does not cover everything in your attic with plastic or a tarp, debris will end up all over your holiday decorations and anything else important you have stashed up there.
- It’s no fun buying a new roof.
A new roof isn’t the same as a jet ski. You won’t be able to play with it or enjoy it like you would with anything else you spend a lot of money on.
A roof, on the other hand, is a need. The pleasure you derive from it is the piece of mind that comes from knowing that your home is protected from the weather and that you have a sturdy foundation beneath your feet that will last for many years.
And, as I previously indicated, it improves the curb appeal of your home by 40%.
The Bottom Line: Deciding to Repair or Replace Your Roof
Do your homework before calling a roofing company to come assess your roof. Educate yourself so you can ask the proper questions when a roofer or salesperson is describing something to you. You should also educate yourself so that you are not taken advantage of and end up having to replace your roof when it still has a lot of life left in it.
Examine each company’s evaluations and pick one that meets your precise requirements and answers your inquiries. It’s also best to get a second opinion. If a salesperson informs you that you need a new roof, have a second or even third company come out and check it as well. If they all give you different answers, go with a company that has a history of doing things correctly, giving you honest answers, and educating you so you know exactly what you’re receiving for the money you’re spending.
You must have confidence in the local roofing contractor you hire. It’s critical that you do your homework in order to select the best local roofing business, so make absolutely sure everyone you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask the necessary questions and get to know the firm that will be performing the service. After all, it’s your roof that keeps you, your family, and your belongings safe.
EcoShield Roofing specializes in roof replacements and repair for metal and shingle roofs. We are a roofing business with all the correct credentials and the required local and state licenses to get your job done right.
We also offer roof repair and gutter installation to ensure that your roof continues to work properly for years to come. To get started on your new roof, schedule a free estimate now!