Re-Roofing vs. Roof Repair – What’s best?
Just like everything in life, roofs also have their lifespan and they will start to break down at some point. UV rays, snow, wind, and rain, they all affect your roofing material over time. When you start to notice the first signs that your roof may not be in the best conditions, as the homeowner you need to ensure that you act quickly in order to prevent a bigger damage. So, what should you do? Should you opt for re-roofing or you should you go for a roof repair?
The reality is that there isn’t a right or wrong answer to this question because the final decision depends on different factors that you should take into consideration. So, when you don’t know whether you should replace your roof or simply make a quality roof repair, here are the main aspects that you need to consider in order to make the best decision:
The Age of Your Roof
In case your roof was installed more than 12 years ago, you should definitely consider replacing it. The truth is that the warranty period already passed and considering the natural elements that affect all the roofs, replacing it may be one of the most cost-effective options that you have.
In case your roof was installed less than 8 years ago, then you should consider to repair it.
In case you are between anywhere between these ages, you should take a good look at all the other factors that can affect your decision.
Evaluate the Damage
One of the main factors that you need to take into consideration to make your final decision is related to the damage extent. So, you’ll need to clearly inspect your roof to determine if you need to re-roof or if a simple roof repair may be enough.
In case you see that you have some gaps around your vents, chimney, or skylights, most likely you’ll be good with a roof repair. However, if you also notice that you have a high shingle damage – missing, broke, curled, or all of them together, re-roofing may be the best option that you have since repairing the roof could cost you a lot more.
Your Plans
When you are thinking about remaining at your home for many years, you should be more willing to do a complete re-roof. However, if you are planning on selling your home, there isn’t really a point on making a huge repair on the roof.
Time of Year
While evaluating the costs, the damage, and your plans for the future are the most important factors to consider when you don’t know if you should re-roof or do a roof repair, the reality is that there are also other factors that should be considered. One of them is the time of the year that you notice that the roof is not in its best conditions.
Winter repairs and replacements are more difficult to perform because of the weather conditions as well as because of the safety. In case you notice that you have a leak that is affecting your attic or even your living space during the winter, the best thing you can do is to contain the leak and wait for spring to evaluate the real damage.
Cost
While traditionally a roof repair should be more affordable than replacing the entire roof, the truth is that it depends on the damage that the roof has. So, the best thing you can do is to evaluate both situations and ask for a budget for the two as well. This will help you decide, with all other factors in mind too, about whether you should re.roof or do a roof repair.
In Awe Roofing Limited is an Award-Winning, family owned and operated Vancouver Roofing Contractor with over 17 years of roofing experience. We serve the entire Lower Mainland area, from Whistler to Chilliwack, employing a team of professional staff members. Our team has won numerous awards including Best of Homestars for the last five years, and Three Best Rated six years in a row. Learn more
