You might ask yourself this question when water leaks from your ceiling. Plus, the mere thought of a leaky roof can be worrisome, especially if your home or office is filled with safety hazards. After all, nobody wants to live or work in a place that is prone to flooding.
The point is that a problematic roof should not be taken lightly. The longer you neglect it, the more rainwater will enter your space. You must act immediately, and hiring a roof repair and replacement contractor is a good start. But before finding or committing to one, you have to determine if you should repair or replace the roof of your property.
Check out the guide below if you don’t know where to start. You will learn about the differences between a roof repair and replacement and their advantages and disadvantages. From here, you can decide which method works better for your situation.
Roof Repairs
Roof repairs focus on a small, isolated portion of your roofing system. They are recommended when the damage on your roof is relatively minor or moderate. Some examples include filling up holes and small gaps or replacing shingles and other materials that make up your roof.
(+) More Affordable
In general, roof repairs are inexpensive. Any damage that can be solved by patching or coating the roof won’t cost you a leg or two. You also won’t be spending on more materials because the roof doesn’t need to be replaced entirely.
(+) Faster Turnaround Time
If time is a priority, roof repairs are your best bet. They require less time to finish; with fewer materials needed, you can complete a roof repair faster than a roof replacement. In some cases, you can even see results on the day of the repair itself!
(-) Mismatched Shingle Colors
Shingles lighten in color over time due to heat. So, finding new shingles to match your existing ones can be difficult. This mismatch can also affect the overall curb appeal of your property and your roof’s aesthetic value.
(-) Temporary Solution
Although roof repairs extend the life of your roof, they’re not the be-all and end-all. If the damage is severe, a single repair may not be enough. Instead, a series of repairs may be necessary to prevent recurring problems.
Roof Replacements
If the damage cannot be fixed with repairs alone, then it’s time for a roof replacement. The process itself is complicated, and it entails plenty of resources. The deck will be exposed before the installation, so everything on the roof must be removed beforehand.
(+) Increased Energy Efficiency
Over the years, roofing materials have improved in reflecting sunlight and shielding the roof against the elements. With that said, the quality and durability of the newly installed roof cannot be questioned, and it will last you for many years to come.
(+) Self-Assurance
A newly installed roof under your head gives you peace of mind, knowing there won’t be any leaks or damage during heavy rainfalls. You can head out without checking the weather and assure yourself that the property is safe from all the elements.
(-) More Expensive
Roof replacements cost more, especially in terms of labor and materials used. Because they are a major home improvement project, the installation process entails plenty of workforces to ensure it is done properly and efficiently.
(-) Slower Turnaround Time
Unlike roof repairs, roof replacements take several days and weeks to be completed. Additionally, roof replacements can be noisy. With that said, finding another place to work or live temporarily can be bothersome, especially for the occupants of your space.
Which Is Better?
The answer will depend on your situation. You, the property owner, should be mindful of your roof’s aspects to ensure that the roof repair or roof replacement matches your needs. After all, you will spend a lot of money on it!
Factors to Consider:
Age of Roof
Age may be a number, but it matters in home improvement. Have your roof replaced if it shows signs of wear and tear. A roof repair may not be a practical option since you’ll spend more money on several repairs.
The Extent of Roof Damage
As mentioned earlier, holes and small gaps can be remedied through roof repairs. You will even save up money in the process. However, if the damage is glaringly obvious, have your roof replaced. The price may be steep at first, but you will save more later.
Budget
Regardless of your choice, a roof repair or roof replacement will cost you money. The former may be the more affordable option, but the latter is a better investment overall. In any case, make sure you have the budget for a repair or replacement.
The Bottomline
Whether you choose to have your roof repaired or replaced depends on several factors. When all else fails or if you don’t know what to do, turn to a roof repair and replacement contractor. They will inspect your roof to determine which method is more appropriate for you.