When your roof shows signs of damage, it can sometimes be difficult to know whether a roof repair is entirely sufficient or if a roof replacement is more appropriate. A trusted roofing contractor in the Twin Cities can help you decide which option is best for your home. Here are five things to consider when deciding between a roof replacement and a roof repair.
How Old Is Your Roof?
Do you know when your current roof was installed? Depending on the type of roofing material used, its age may be a good indication of when to replace a roof. If your roof is showing signs of aging or has suffered storm damage, leaks, or other problems, it may be a good idea to consider replacing it. Replacing an older, damaged, or failing roof, rather than repeatedly paying for roof repairs, can be worth the investment whether you intend to stay in your home for several decades or plan to sell soon.
Does Your Roof Leak?
A leaky roof is one of the most common reasons homeowners need roof repairs or a roof replacement. If you’ve seen water stains inside your home that run across ceilings or down your walls, the cause could be a leaky roof. Finding the source of the roof leak can often be tricky, but a certified roofing contractor can help with the process. It’s important to solve a leaky roof problem sooner rather than later — something that begins as a small leak can eventually lead to bigger problems, such as mold, damaged insulation, and damaged ceilings.
How Extensive Is The Damage?
If you’re deciding between a roof repair or replacement, it’s likely your roof has either deteriorated in appearance and/or has suffered other physical damage. Working with a trusted roofing contractor can help you better understand the extent of any roof damage you may have so you can make the right decision for your home and budget. Signs of roof damage will differ based on roofing material but generally fall into two main categories: aesthetic and structural. Aesthetic damage can include moss, algae, and worn roofing materials, while structural damage can include issues such as cracks, dents, and perforations that emerge on tile, wood, and metal components among other types.
What About The Local Area and Climate?
The Twin Cities have the coldest average temperatures of any major metropolitan area in the country. Winters tend to be quite cold and summers are warm and humid. Snowfall is commonplace in the winter with thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall present the rest of the year. As such, hail damage and leaks are frequent dangers to be wary of, as they can affect your roof’s long-term performance, appearance, and ability to form a watertight roof deck.
Have You Considered The Cost?
In general, repairs are going to cost less than a complete reroof project; however, if you’re paying for a slew of repairs over the course of a few years, they might eventually exceed the cost of an entire roof replacement. Your contractor can provide estimates to help you weigh the options of what might be the most budget-conscious solution without putting your home at risk from a failing roof, and may offer roof financing options.
When to Get a Roof Repair
Generally speaking, roof repair is recommended for small, isolated damages that are simple and inexpensive to correct. Damaged, torn, or missing asphalt shingles, for example, can usually be replaced with new ones fairly easily, though this approach results in trying to match roofing materials so that the repaired area blends in with the rest of the roof.
When to Get a New Roof
When significant damage is present on one or more sides of your roof, reroofing in part or in full may become the ideal solution. While generally, this may be more expensive upfront, a new roof may save money in the long run by avoiding the added-up costs of multiple repairs or additional damage. Additionally, a new roof offers revitalized aesthetics and curb appeal, increased energy efficiency, and general peace of mind as your home is protected from the elements.
If you’re weighing your options between a roof repair and a complete roof replacement, give Crown Exteriors a call today!