Should you repair or replace your damaged roof? For some homeowners, this may be difficult to decide. However, once you have a checklist to guide you, it becomes a small matter that should not confuse you.
First, let’s determine what amounts to replacing a roof and what roof repair is. Repairing your roof usually involves taking care of isolated damage. You don’t have to remove the whole roof and put in another. On the other hand, roof replacement involves replacing the entire roof, including roof vents, gutters, deck, eaves, soffits, ridges, etc.
Should you need roof repair in Tennessee, contact a suitable roof repairer who is within reach and who can perform the task effectively.
So, when should you replace your roof, and when should you repair it? The following four factors will help you determine this.
- The Extend of the Damage
When a tree or its branch falls on your roof and partially damages it, you may need just a roof repair. The same applies when a storm damages just part of the roof. But when the damage is thorough in either of these scenarios, you have to consider replacing the entire roof.
This is because repairing will cost you as much as a replacement, if not more. Such repair can also be time-consuming and inefficient in the long run.
- The Age of the Roof
The lifespan of an average roof is 10-15 years. After 15 years, a roof that has developed serious leaks and other problems might as well be replaced. It is pointless to repair a roof that is gradually crumbling after the original structure has reached its expiry date. The very process of carrying out a repair will cause further damage.
If your roof is just five years old, you should just repair the damaged sections.
- The Type of Roof
The dilemma of whether to repair or replace your damaged roof can also be solved by considering the type of roof itself. A roof designed to last for several decades, such as a slate roof, should be repaired rather than replaced. A slate roof can last for over 100 years.
When it comes to roof tiles, you can replace select the individual damaged ones and replace them without having to overhaul the whole roof structure. This saves time, energy and cost.
To cut a long story short, the type of roof that will develop more damages during repair should be replaced.
- Budget
A replacement may be the best way out of your roof problem, but then you will only carry it out if you can afford it. Otherwise, you will have to resort to do repairs for the time being as you gather more money for the replacement.
Consider your budget as of now; can you afford to do a replacement? If you can, do it. If you are not in that position, postpone it and instead do repairs to minimize or stop the damage.
Wrapping It Up
With these, you can now decide whether you need a roof repair or replacement.
Remember that repairing a roof is a temporary solution. The age of the original roof will still determine how long the roof lasts. So don’t assume that because you have repaired an old roof, it has acquired a new lease of life.