Finding damage to your shingle roof can be incredibly stressful as a homeowner. The first concern is the risk of further damage to your home. Missing or cracked shingles means you don’t have the same impenetrable barrier against the elements. The second is the cost of dealing with it. You can’t leave the roof as it is because you’re just inviting further problems. The question is whether to go small-scale and only repair the damaged area or to go all out and get a completely new roof. The latter may sound extreme, but it actually makes sense for many homeowners. Here’s why.
Replacement Or Repair?
Repair work might seem like the cost-effective option on paper when compared with a full refit. That’s fair because there is so much more that goes into rebuilding a full roof, and you’re paying for labor. However, how long will it be until your roof ends up in poor condition and needs more work? When you add up all the small jobs keeping your roof on life support over the years, it could be as much as the cost of a new roof. It might even be more depending on what you have done.
That’s why it’s so important to consider the prospect of a whole new roof instead of a repair. It all depends on a series of factors. In some cases, repairs make sense. In other cases, not so much. So, consider the following questions and talk to a shingle roofing company that knows the best options before making a final choice.
Question 1: How Damaged Is It?
How much damage has the roof sustained? If there’s serious damage that will require intensive repair work that’s both time-consuming and costly, maybe you should get it replaced instead. Minor damage to a roof that’s generally in good condition is easily repaired instead.
Minor damage in these situations means a few lost shingles in a small area of the roof. Perhaps a few were dislodged in high winds or cracked due to a snow load, and you need a quick fix to prevent further issues. A repair with new shingles and a quick inspection of the rest of the roof’s features should be pretty quick and painless.
Major damage can occur when a large percentage of the roof’s shingles become damaged or go missing. That could be the result of a serious winter storm or debris falling onto the property. If you’re at a point where the majority of the roof needs repairing, you might as well replace the whole thing and get something that’s more secure.
The other benefit of replacing damaged roofs like this is that it lets repair teams get deeper into the roof to uncover other issues. For example, if the damage is due to bad weather, you might uncover water damage deeper within that would lead to damp if it wasn’t treated. If the damage was due to animals, you might find that there’s a nest under there, and you need animal control as well as a roofing team.
Also Read: How much does it cost to repair and clean up water damage
Question 2: How Old Is It?
An additional factor that could determine whether or not you get a full replacement is the age of the roof. A repair to a damaged shingle isn’t as problematic when the roof is younger. The rest of the roof should be structurally sound, and it should be easy for roofing teams to make it look as good as new. It’s a different story with older roofs where the undamaged sections have seen better days anyway. If your roof is over 20 years old and hasn’t even been treated, it might be time for a full overhaul anyway. What remains would only weaken and break in time, and roofers can find it difficult to match new shingle roofing to old shingles as well. A repair could look like a poorly constructed patch.
Think of it a bit like a major household appliance. In the first year or so, you’ll pay out for a new part because the rest of the machine is so effective. By around year 10, you’re dealing with something outdated and temperamental, so a replacement is more beneficial than a repair.
On that note, it is often advisable to get replacements when current models are no longer fit for purpose and energy efficient. Energy efficiency in roofs is more important than ever as we try, and maintain the best possible insulation and control our heating bills. Older shingle roofing doesn’t always make the grade. So, if your roof needs work and you’re also looking at ways to make your home greener, a new roof could be a wise investment.
Question 3: How Long Is It Your Problem For?
Then, there’s the factor of whoever has to live in that property in the next decade. Is the ongoing upkeep and efficiency of your shingle roof a problem for future you or something to deal with now? There are two ways of looking at this. If you plan to sell up and move on in a couple of years, a new roof may seem like a worthless investment compared to a quick repair. You can patch it up to protect your family now and then focus on the condition and efficiency of the next roof.
On the other hand, adding a brand-new roof could increase the value of your property. You’d be able to list the property as somewhere with great energy efficiency and no structural problems to report. It would also look better, allowing for immediate curb appeal.
Find A Team That Does Both
The best thing to do if you’re unsure of the right option is to talk to an expert shingle roofing team. Find someone that has experience in repairs and replacements and get them to check out the damage. They may say a repair is cheaper and easier than you thought. Or they might recommend a full refit because of additional problems. As long as you end up with a professional service and a secure roof at the end, that’s what matters.