Roof Repair Vs. Full Roof Replacement: Which Should You Choose?
 When your roof is in bad shape, your wallet may start to ache. You know it’s probably expensive to get a roof repair.
And if you procrastinate, which will result in your roof getting worse, a simple repair may no longer be the best option anymore. When your roof starts having problems, it is crucial to act quickly to find the problem and the most cost-effective solution.
What is Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement?
A complete roof replacement involves:
- Stripping away all layers of the old roof.
- Repair any damage to the home underneath.
- Installing a new roof.
It is a very extensive and expensive option. It’s also not something that can always be avoided.
Roof repair adds a new layer of roofing on top of the old roofing. It’s like a roof patch covering the whole roof instead of only one section.
The Pros of Roof Repair
Roof repair requires less labor and fewer materials than roof replacement. Therefore, it’s much faster and cheaper than installing a new roof. Plus, it repairs the state of your entire roof, so it should last many years longer before you need to replace it.
The Cons of Roof Repair
Though re-roofing extends the life of your roof, it’s not exactly like new. It won’t last as long as a completely new roof.
Plus, it’s not a magical fix-all that solves all problems on all roofs. Re-roofing can’t fix severely old or damaged roofs. It won’t even postpone the replacement of such roofs long enough to be worth it.
Also, it’s not an option for all roofs. It’s only a practical option for asphalt shingle roofs. It shouldn’t be attempted on metal, slate, or tile roofs.
And most locations prohibit any more than two layers of roofing, which means re-roofing can only be done once before replacing it.
When Is Re-roofing a Good Option?
When your roof has a lot of minor issues but the damage isn’t extensive, re-roofing is a good option. It’s an excellent way to take care of all your roofing problems. When the whole roof is “patched,” it’s hard for any leaks to be overlooked.
The Pros of Roof Replacement
Roof replacement is a complete fix to all roofing problems on any roof. It’s also the longest-lasting solution and is covered under warranty. It is always an option unless the building itself is structurally unsound.
The Cons of Roof Replacement
It’s costly and time-consuming. Depending on the type of roof being installed, the building may be uninhabitable during the installation period. And even if you can stay during construction, you probably won’t want to.
When Is Roof Replacement a Good Option?
When the roof is past its warranty period/life expectancy, it’s best to replace it. If there is severe damage to the roof (holes that breach into the building, trapped moisture, water damage, rot), re-roofing will not help. Replace it.
Also, if re-roofing has already been done, replacement is the only option. The same goes for any roofing type other than asphalt shingles.
Do You Need Re-roofing or Roof Replacement?
Remember this guide. Refer to this guide to determine whether you need re-roofing or roof replacement if your roof needs fixing.
Or, better yet, call us. We’ll take a look at your roof and tell you exactly how we can help. Click here for multiple ways to get in touch with us.
