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Do I Need To Replace My Roof Or Can It Be Repaired?
Ben Munger • Feb 03, 2021
Repair That Roof Or Replace It? A Professional Opinion
Has your roof started shedding shingles? Have you spotted the number-one sign of roof failure -- leaks and water spots on your ceilings?
If your answer is yes, don't be worried; there are lots of people in the same boat as you. I've been in the roofing industry long enough to field questions about these problems from hundreds of homeowners.
The right solution will depend on your specific situation. Take heart, though: Most damaged roofs can be repaired! But there are some times when full roof replacement is the only smart choice.
How do you know the difference between a "repair" problem and a "replace" problem? Don't worry! We're here to help guide you! Read on for expert advice on the difference between the two situations.
Key Factors In The Repair Vs. Replace Decision
Certain over-arching factors affect the decision between repairing or replacing a roof. For example, you need to know the age of your current roof and have an idea of how long you intend to stay in your home before making your choice. The material used for your roof -- the most common being asphalt shingles -- also plays a large role in deciding when the time is right for a roof replacement.
Don't know when your home's roof was installed? Don't worry; an experienced roofer can provide you with an accurate estimate of its age.
Even the cheapest three-tab shingles should last 15 or even 20 years when properly installed. More expensive "architectural" shingles are designed to resist winds of up to 130 MPH and can easily last up to 40 years.
Common signs of a failing roof include:
* Curling or buckling shingles
* Loss of granules on shingles
* Granules in your gutters
* Missing shingles
* Sagging roof lines
* Visible blisters in your shingles
Always get a second opinion before making any commitments; get at least two roofing companies to assess your roof. I've met a lot of lucky homeowners who asked me to confirm a "replace that roof" assessment that turned out to be fraudulent. Some roofers are out to sell you a new roof regardless of your current roof's condition.
How Future Plans Affect Your Roof Decision
If your current house isn't your "forever home," replacing the roof may not be the right decision even if it's nearing the end of its life. But on the other hand, if you know you're going to try to sell your current home soon, the condition of its roof could have a major impact on its appeal to buyers.
If you're living in a home you plan to keep permanently and your current roof is more than 15 years old, any warning signs you spot warrant an inspection by a professional roofer. Let the expert tell you if you have any specific trouble spots. If there's nothing seriously wrong with your roof, it's still a good idea to sign up for an inspection and maintenance plan. Having a professional check your roof at least once a year will go a long way toward catching problems before they get serious. A regular roof maintenance plan will ensure that your current roof lasts as long as possible.
If you know you're going to sell your home soon and your roof is heavily damaged, be aware that roof problems will drive off buyers and reduce the buying prices offered to you. Installing a brand-new roof is often the best course of action when you're looking to sell. A new roof gives your house significant curb appeal. On average, at least 68% of the cost of a replacement roof comes back to you when you sell your home.
Roof Repair: The Benefits
* Repair Is Cheaper Than Replacement
As common sense would suggest, repairing your existing roof is a lot cheaper than replacing it. Individual components in your roof system can (and do!) fail long before the entire system is worn out.
* Repairs Extend Your Roof's Lifespan
Anytime you have a roofer inspect your roof, ask him about the most cost-effective repair work that can be done. Every repair you make extends the life of your roof.
Roof Repair: The Drawbacks
* Shingle Matching Is A Pain
It's inevitable; shingles change color over time thanks to the sun and the weather. That makes it difficult to match brand-new shingles with weathered ones. It may not be possible to match replacement shingles to the ones already in place, leading to a patchy appearance -- and a negative impact to your home's curb appeal if you want to sell it.
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