Five Things to Consider when Comparing Roof Repair or Replacement

There are several reasons why you might be asking yourself whether a roofing repair or a roof replacement makes more sense. Maybe a problem was discovered during a routine roof inspection. Perhaps you have a leak in your attic that is coming from your roof. Or a storm might have blown through, taking some of your shingles with it. It’s possible that you noticed that a few roofing tiles were cracked. If you hear about or see these issues, it is normal to be concerned. Will you need a new roof? Or will you be able to get by with a simple repair? Keep reading as we talk about some of the considerations you should keep in mind.

Your Budget

Your primary concern might be your budget. If you cannot afford a new roof, you might feel that’s the end of the decision-making. After all, a roofing repair is going to be less expensive than a whole new roof.

You might be surprised, though. When you figure out the cost of the repair, it might end up being more cost-effective to have the entire roof replaced if that’s what’s recommended. It won’t cost you less money total, but it might cost less to do the replacement now rather than have a repair now and a replacement in a few years. This is something that your roofing company can talk to you about.

Also, keep in mind that roofing companies offer financing. At Dynasty Building Solutions, we have financing options available for people with good credit as well as for those with credit issues. We can also help you work with your insurance company. In some cases, homeowners’ insurance will cover a repair or a replacement.

The Age of the Roof

Depending on the specific materials you have on your roof, it might last anywhere from 20 to 70 years. If you have an asphalt shingle roof that has just a few years left of its lifespan, then a replacement will probably make more sense. On the other hand, if you have a tile roof that you had put on just 10 years ago, a repair would be more appropriate in almost all cases (except for severe, widespread damage).

If you aren’t sure about the lifespan of your roof, ask your roofing company. They can also tell you about how much time they think a repair will buy you if you are getting close to the end of the roof’s lifespan.

How Much Damage There Is

If you have one area of roof damage, then a roofing repair might be enough to fix the problem. If you have several areas, however, then a roof replacement would probably be a better long-term solution.

Be aware that the damage you see at first might not be the extent of it. A leak in one area of your house doesn’t mean that that’s where the damage is. Water will travel down the path of least resistance, and that often means it’s traveling through the wood before it breaks through and creates a drip in your attic or living room. It’s possible that one leak is the result of several spots of damage. Your roofer will be able to inspect the roof to find out where the damage is.

Your Plans for the House

If you are planning on putting your house on the market soon, replacing an aging roof can add value to your home. Buyers like to see a new roof rather than a patched roof. This is true especially if you have a shingle roof and the patchwork would be apparent due to new, non-faded shingles.

If you plan on spending another few decades in the home, you might want to think about upgrading the roof if you currently have shingles. Putting on a tile roof or a metal roof will mean that you won’t have to replace it again, most likely. Also, you might enjoy the savings on your electric bills if you choose a roof that is more energy-efficient.

On the other hand, if you plan on staying in the house for more than a couple of years but less than a lifetime, a repair might be just fine. You still might consider replacing a worn roof before trying to sell it. Talk to your roofing company about your future plans to see what your options are.

The Type of Roof You Have

Some types of roofing and some specific issues are easier (and less expensive) to fix than others. Also, if you have a single layer of asphalt shingles, you might be able to have the new shingle or metal roof laid on top rather than pay for the removal of the old shingles. This is something to discuss with your roofing professional.

A roof restoration might also make sense if your roof needs some work but you don’t want to replace it. This is the placement of a silicone coating that can be used on almost any type of roof. It can prolong the life of your roof for a lower cost than a full roof replacement.

If you are not sure whether you should have a roof replacement or a roof repair, contact Dynasty Building Solutions. We work with homeowners and commercial property owners in Tampa, FL. We can talk to you about what your roof needs as well as your budget and future plans. This way, you can make the decision that is right for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.