Should I Repair Or Replace My Roof?

There are two main reasons for wondering whether to repair or replace roof tiles or your entire roof. One, you notice damage somewhere on the roof. Two, you either don’t know or can’t remember when the roof was last replaced.

Either one of those two reasons for asking the question can also be a clue as to the right answer

Do You Need to Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Before we talk about how to decide between the two, perhaps the most important thing to know is that it is far better to do something instead of nothing. Roofing repairs or installing a new roof both help protect the largest investment you’re likely to make, your home.

If you don’t regularly inspect your roof for damaged areas or worn asphalt shingles, then either repair or replace the shingles or install a new roof, you expose your investment to worse and more costly damage.

Roofing Repairs vs Roofing Replacement

A new roof is one of the best home improvements you can do. But it can get costly. Depending on the condition of your roof, a roof repair can fix many common roofing problems and add many years to the life of your roof.

Here’s how to tell if you need a new roof or if a roofing repair will do.

1. Age of the Roof – Asphalt shingles are rated for an expected lifespan of 15 years, 20 years, 50 years or more. If your shingles are nearing the expected time to replace them, a new roof is probably the best way to go, versus repairing one that will need to be replaced soon.
   
2. Type of Damage – Replacing a few shingles after a windstorm is usually a relatively easy and inexpensive repair. But if you notice water damage in your attic or elsewhere in your home, or there are a significant number of lost or damaged shingles, a new roof might actually cost you less than the repairs.
   
3. Improper Installation – You might think that any roofing contractor can properly install a roof. But there are a number of circumstances, including a weak or uneven roof deck, that can make it difficult for many newer Markham roofing companies to know how to install the roof the right way. Poor roof installations or roofing materials can lead to a lifetime of trouble. Believe it or not, if you spot a problem due to installation, the best option can easily be to get rid of the old roofing and starting over again.

If you liked this post, please check out our recent article on how to get rid of a wasp nest in the roof.