Roofs protect us from the snow, wind, sun, and extreme temperatures, making them an essential part of a building. Without a roof, the interior of any commercial or residential space will worsen in no time. In addition, if the roof is in bad condition, you will experience mildew and mold, leaks, pest infestations, increased cooling and heating bills, and problems with resale.
Roofs are designed for long-term use. However, sometimes normal wear-and-tear and unexpected disasters damage your roof. You may not know whether to replace or roof repair services in Springfield MO, more so with limited knowledge of roofing. Your main concern would be, “is it worth patching a roof.” In this article, we’ll discuss the things to consider to help you decide whether to repair or replace your roof.
Roof Replacement or Repair?
In some instances, you only need to replace a few shingles to restore function and beauty to your roof. Modern roofing designs are made to last for decades. However, before you replace shingles, it is crucial to have a professional roofing expert assess your roof to check if any decking or underlayment is damaged.
The disadvantage is that the repairs may not match the current roof unless the roof is relatively new, and you saved some shingles from the job. If you plan to sell your home soon, ask your roofing technician to use matching shingles. A roof with a distinct patch is unappealing and will not attract potential buyers. But, if the roof damage is extensive, it is more valuable to replace the whole roof.
Factors that Determine if to Repair or Replace a Roof
Before you determine whether to replace or repair your roof, there are some issues to consider. They include:
1. The Age of your Roof
If you have asphalt shingles, you have several things to consider when deciding to replace or patch your roof. The age of the roof is a significant consideration. If you do not know the age of your roof, a roofing contractor can assess the roof and tell you how many years it has left. Three-tab shingles can last for 15-20 years, while heavier architectural shingles last for about 40 years.
Signs of an old roof:
• Buckling or curling shingles
• Bald shingles
• Missing shingles
• Sagging roof
• Blistering shingles
• Moss on roof
• Granules in the gutters
It is good to have several roofing companies assess your roof to weigh all suggestions and decide on the best one. Some roofing companies suggest replacing the roof as they will make more money than replacing one.
2. Roof Condition
If your roof only has minor damage, it might be costly expensive to replace the roof. In any case, a roof is designed to last long and withstand extreme weather. When the damage is minor, most roofing experts can fix it. Almost any type of damage concentrated in a small area is repairable. For example, little holes can be patched up. You don’t have to incur the cost of a new roof when simple patching work can save you thousands in roofing costs.
3. Architectural Integrity of the Roof
Some roofs need to be maintained in their original form. This is because when you replace a roof, you unavoidably change the property’s appearance—furthermore, the entire property changes when you replace a critical architectural component such as the roof. In contrast, roof repairs allow you to retain the architectural integrity of your home.
If your home is classic, you’ll probably want to maintain its original design irrespective of any home improvements you may carry out during your occupancy. Roof repairs enable you to retain your home’s classic status.
4. How Long you Intend to Occupy the Home
Many homeowners invest in home improvement projects intending to increase their property’s value. Roofing system improvement is one sure way to increase the value of your home. But, if you want to sell your home and increase its value, you must consider the timeline.
Some circumstances require an instant roofing upgrade. If you don’t plan on staying in the house for long, an entire roof replacement may not be the ideal option since the project takes time. Depending on your roof size, its complexity, and the weather, among other factors, roofing companies may require three to five days to finish a roof replacement.
While the roofing company may finish the replacement within a few days, other issues like pulling permits, filing claims, and obtaining other approvals may take 20-30 days. A repair may be the better option if you have a strict timeline.
5. Your Budget
If you don’t have immediate funds to cater for a roof replacement, you can opt to repair the roof. Not only will you solve the problem, but you’ll also save thousands of dollars on the cost of a new roof. A roofing problem that seems significant may only need repairs worth a few hundred dollars. Irrespective of your financial situation, saving money is always welcome. The amount required to install a new roof may easily exceed the average homeowner’s urgent budget.
6. Roofing Materials
A slate roof aged 80 years may still have a few more decades of service, while a metal roof at a similar age is way past its helpful service. Asphalt shingles are among the most common roofing material because of their aesthetic appeal and affordability. The modern generation of quality asphalt shingles is designed to last 50 years with the correct maintenance.
7. Insurance
Roof replacement or repair costs may reach an incredible price. This will, however, depend on the extent of damage, the size of the roof, and your location. This is one of the reasons homeowners carry homeowner’s insurance to cover the cost of different home issues.
Although home insurance policies vary, they usually include your roof and repair or replacement costs. But, the payment may only apply to damages resulting from sudden accidents or acts of nature. Most policies do not cover roof replacement or repair that deteriorated because of natural wear-and-tear or neglect.
Final Word
When you decide on roof repair or replacement, it is advisable to let a qualified roofing expert do the work. A roofing repair or replacement is not a DIY project.