More aggressive storms are plaguing homes throughout the country, leaving devastation in their path. When you suspect roof damage, how do you determine whether to call for repairs or if you need a replacement?
Well-known and reputable roofing contractors, such as those with Exquisite Roofing and Exteriors, provide professional roof inspections, which are recommended at least once each year and following a harsh weather incident.
The contractors aim to assess the roof’s overall condition and detect damage or defects early before they become major problems. A roof repair consists of correcting isolated damage, whereas a replacement could be simple or extensive.
When straightforward, a replacement can merely mean removing the moisture barrier, whereas a failure would take a roof to its bones in order to fully rectify the damage. The gutters/eaves, soffits, vents, and decking will be replaced in this case.
We’ll examine factors to consider when deciding whether you should repair or replace your roof.
How To Decide Between Roof Repairs and a Replacement
Inspecting a roof can be challenging for a homeowner, particularly if there’s a second level on the home. Climbing on the roof is a task that should be left to professional roofers with Exquisite Roofing and Exterior.
Qualified roofing contractors have extensive training and experience and the proper tools and equipment to safely and efficiently inspect and detect the most subtle damage and defects. The assessment means finding issues early to avoid major problems later.
Annual inspections and assessments following severe weather are the best way to find out if you need a few isolated repairs or if a complex roof replacement is recommended. These factors can help make decision-making easier.
Roof age
The roof’s age is among the most critical factors when deciding between roofing repairs or replacement. Depending on the manufacturer and the type of materials, each roof has an expected longevity ranging up to 15+ years.
Repairing damaged areas for a relatively young structure of only a few years old would make sense. The more age progresses, however, the greater the wear and tear, leaving it susceptible to damage.
As repairs become frequent and more extensive, the integrity can become compromised, not to mention the challenges of finding your matching shingle color. Even if you have a box from the initial install, the existing ones will weather over time, leaving the new ones to stand out when seen from the curb.
Extensive damage
Repairs will be much more cost-efficient than replacements; however, you have to gauge the damage before you can determine if these will be sufficient. The roofing contractor with Exquisite Roofing and Exteriors will check for water beneath the moisture barrier and damaged or exposed decking.
Extensive damage and repairs could equate to as much as a new roof, whereas minor fixes across only a small area, such as missing shingles, wouldn’t warrant the expense. The objective when assessing is to find the root issue so appropriate corrections can be made.
Roofing type
The type of roof you have will be integral in the decision-making process. Tiles, for instance, can be individually replaced with minimal labor, whereas a slate structure boasts the potential for a century-long lifespan or greater.
With this extended longevity, repairing isolated damages is more reasonable than considering a full replacement. A replacement is recommended; however, if structural failure creates problems or the deck has been exposed to water damage.
An urgent decision
When faced with the possibility of a major storm, scheduling an entire roof replacement won’t be feasible. The priority at that point would be to protect the existing structure to prevent further damage.
Some homeowners put off repairs and replacements until storm season ends to save costs and have all the issues fixed at once.
That can be an incredibly risky choice with a substantial cost, particularly if the home’s interior suffers water damage or wind gusts get beneath the structure. The repercussions could be severe, with a hefty price point that exceeds a simple replacement.
Selling the house
If you plan to sell the house in a couple of years, you could make a better return on the investment by replacing the roof. A new roof is a huge selling point for prospective homebuyers, whereas an old roof can lower the property value, causing some to consider the house a “fixer-upper.”
In that same vein, updating from the start with high-quality materials for a house you intend to be your forever home gives you peace of mind that the property and your family will be safe and protected for a lifetime, considering adequate care and maintenance and regular inspections.
Repair and replacement costs
Weighing the expense of roof repairs vs. replacing the structure takes precedence when considering the options. While many believe repairs would be the most cost-efficient, that isn’t always the case.
Calculating costs per square foot can result in extensive repairs being substantially more expensive. The contractor will have comparable labor to a replacement but won’t have the same perks, such as bulk material discounts.
Repairs of isolated damages could become frequent for those greatly impacted by storm season because the materials are not rated for harsh weather conditions. In this scenario, upgrading to better-quality materials would likely be the most cost-efficient option.
Final Thought
While the presumption is that a full roof replacement would be a substantial expense compared to a few isolated repairs, the fact is that several variables play into the ultimate cost.
Extensive or frequent repairs can accumulate a high price point in the long run, where a replacement with high-quality materials can be cost-efficient.
The contractors with Exquisite Roofing and Exteriors are a valuable resource when trying to weigh the pros and cons of a replacement vs. repairs. Qualified roofers thoroughly inspect the structure and offer their recommendations.
Regardless of your choice, you can rest assured that the structure will effectively protect your property and your family with qualified roofing contractors maintaining it.
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