When there is an issue with your roof, one of the most common questions will be; should you replace or repair it? It can be hard to know what to do at first, but this article will prepare you in case of an emergency.
There are a few factors to consider before you can decide whether to repair or replace a roof. These factors include:
- The age of the roof
- How long you plan on living in the house
- Your budget
How Long Does a Roof Typically Last?
The lower-end three-tab asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years while higher quality, heavier shingles can last up to 40 years. If you’re not sure how old your roof is, you should contact a local roofer who can let you know how much life your roof has left.
Some ways to tell if your roof needs a repair or replacement include:
- If your roof is at least 12-15 years old
- Curling or missing shingles
- Are there any cracks or breaks?
- Exposure of several nails in the shingles or base of your roof
How to Know When to Replace a Roof vs. Repair
Knowing when to replace a roof vs. repairing one can be a little tricky. The age of your house, how long you plan on living there, and your budget all have a say in whether or not you are making roof repairs or a complete replacement.
Age of the Roof
The age of your roof can be a huge indicator of whether or not you need to replace your whole roof. If your roof is older or showing signs of damage or age such as leaks, storm damage, critters coming in, etc. then it may be time for a replacement.
If there is major damage done to an older roof, it may be wiser and more beneficial to replace the whole roof instead of constantly paying for repairs.
How Long do You Plan on Living in the House For?
The length of time you plan on living in the house can help you determine whether or not to replace or repair your roof. If you intend to live in your home for at least another decade, then a new roof is worth the investment.
Alternatively, if you plan on selling your home soon, you may also want to replace the roof if the damage is heavy. This may seem counterintuitive, but you may receive a higher sale price than you would with a roof that needs repairs.
However, if you plan on selling your home in the near future and the damage is minimal, then it may be better to just repair the roof.
Your Budget
Repairing or replacing your roof eventually boils down to your budget. Typically it seems more affordable to pay for a few repairs, but if you are constantly making repairs, it could cost even more than a replacement.
Hiring a local roofing contractor from Ottawa is a good idea if you feel stuck. They can go over the options with you while breaking down the costs for you. A roofing contractor can even see if you are eligible for any roof financing options
When Should You Make repairs vs. a Replacement?
There are a few circumstances when it may be best to make repairs over getting a whole new roof. If only a portion of your roof is showing signs of damage or you’re missing a few shingles, then repairing your roof is a better option.
The material that your roof is made from also matters as some materials are expensive and tough to replace. If you use a specific material for your roof such as metal panels, it can be hard to easily blend in the new roofing materials with the pre-existing one.
The color of your shingles may also affect you if repairing a section of your roof. Since the color of the shingles diminishes over time, it will be easy to distinguish the new roof from the rest of the roof. If the section that needs repairs is small, then it will not be as obvious.
Final say
While getting a complete roof overhaul does cost more up-front, it will pay for itself over the years. Getting a new roof means that you will not have to keep paying for repairs and can ease your mind during the next storm. Plus, it acts as an investment, especially if you plan on moving within the next five years or so.
