Have you got leaks and you’re wondering whether you can get by with another repair or if it is time for a roof replacement? It’s a great question, and one that requires careful consideration. Your roof is an incredibly important feature of your home. Not only does a roof provide shelter – the main reason we have homes, but it also provides significant structural support to a building. A well-cared for roof gives peace of mind that your family and your belongings are well protected throughout the year. So, how do you know if it’s time for repair or replacement?
One of the first things you’ll probably want to do is weigh the long term costs and benefits of repair versus replacement. Surely, replacing your roof is going to be significantly more expensive than repair, but it can actually save you money over the long term. Minor repairs are commonplace, especially for an aging roof. But, if you have leaks entering your home it might be time to consider the more costly replacement.
You’ll likely want to have your roof inspected to help you make this decision. If you’ve just come through a particularly rough winter with high winds and you’ve lost some shingles, a quick repair might be all you need. However, if your roofing contractor gets up on the roof and notices more advanced signs of damage such as rot, they might recommend replacement.
Another factor to think about is aesthetics. This sounds like a silly thing to say – how does a roof impact the aesthetics of a home? Actually, the look of your roof is incredibly important. If you are in your home for the long haul and a rough winter damages a few shingles, you may not care whether the replacement shingles match your existing shingles. However, if you are planning to sell your home any time soon, mismatched shingles are sure to be a negotiating point in the sale price of your home. Not only do mismatched shingles highlight the fact your roof has required repairs, they detract from the overall attractiveness of the home. On the other hand, a recently replaced roof can often increase the sale price of a home beyond the cost of the replacement.
Some homeowners also consider partial replacements thinking that they will save money. In fact, the per square footage cost of a partial replacement is usually considerably higher than a full replacement, so in the long run you are just flushing money down the proverbial toilet.
It can be difficult to make hard or fast rules about whether you need a repair or a replacement, so speak to your roofing contractor. Consider the age of your roof, the extent of repairs, and your long term goals for your home and you will be better positioned to make that call.