As a homeowner, you know that maintaining your roof is essential to upkeep your property value. That maintenance can mean repairing or replacing your roof to keep you, your family and your home safe. Roof repairs are often cheaper than replacements, but replacing your roof may be the necessary option depending on the damage to your roof. A thorough roof evaluation can help you decide whether to replace or repair your roof.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?
Fixing a roof without replacing it is possible — not all roof damages require replacement. The extent of your damage will help determine when to replace your roof, and a thorough evaluation can help you decide between repair and replacement. Severe roof damage can be a safety hazard to you and your family, so it’s best to get an expert opinion.
When to Repair Your Roof
Strong winds or other conditions can damage a unit of roof shingles or cause them to shift, requiring repair. Some signs that your roof is repairable include sections of your roof with:
- Missing nails.
- Punctures.
- Damaged, broken or missing roof shingles.
Roof repairs are usually inexpensive minor fixes. A qualified contracting team can typically repair damaged shingles in a week or two, depending on how many they need to replace.
When to Replace Your Roof
If the damage is too extensive or your roof shingles are beyond repair, you’ll need to replace your roof. Consider replacing your roof if:
- Your roof tiles are sagging or leaking: Water damage, dipping and leaks in your roof can cause excessive damage to your walls, attic and home foundation.
- It’s recently sustained heavy damage: You may have extensive damage from a recent emergency, like a tree falling on your home, a heavy storm tearing off roof shingles or water backups from clogged roof gutters.
Roof replacement involves placing a new roof over old shingles or removing the old shingles and replacing them with new ones. You should contact a professional roofing company in cases of severe roof damage, as you may require immediate roof replacement.
Roof Replacement vs. Roof Repair
Deciding whether to repair or replace your roof requires some deliberation. Your choice can depend on the extent of your roof damage, your budget and the time it will take to repair your roof. Here are some pros and cons of both options to help determine which is suitable for you.
Pros and Cons of Roof Repair
Roof repairs offer several advantages, including the following:
- They’re a cost-effective solution: Repairing small areas of your roof with a few shingles is less expensive than replacing your entire roof.
- They extend your roof life span: Repairing damaged shingles can help extend your roof’s life span, letting you go longer without needing a total replacement.
- Repairing your roof is a quick process: While the time it takes to repair or patch up broken shingles depends on the extent of the damage, roof repairs usually take less time than roof replacements.
However, it’s also important to consider the potential disadvantages:
- It can be challenging to match existing roof tile colors and styles: It’s vital to maintain your roof’s aesthetics to uphold the value of your home, but finding a match for your existing tiles’ color and style can be a challenge.
- Repairs may not fix the existing problem: Repairing a single area of roof shingles can mask underlying roof problems. Patching up broken roof shingles might not fully resolve issues like water leakages.
- Repairs are a temporary solution: Roof repairs are a short-term solution. Repairing your roof shingles frequently could eventually cost more than you would’ve spent on a replacement.
Pros and Cons of Roof Replacement
Depending on your situation, a full roof replacement may have benefits over limited repairs:
- Roof replacement is a one-off payment: Installing a new roof layer gives you a fresh, solid roof at a fixed cost instead of paying for frequent repairs.
- It improves home aesthetics: A fresh layer of roof shingles can improve the overall aesthetics of your home, improving your curb appeal and property value.
- It’s a long-term solution: A new roof can fix all your existing problems at once instead of making minor repairs that don’t address the root of the problem.
- It can extend the durability of your roof: New roof shingles are more durable and will last longer than patched-up roof shingles.
As a larger undertaking, roof replacement also has some potential drawbacks:
- It’s an expensive option: Replacing your roof is an extensive job that requires more building materials and labor. Roof repairs may be a more cost-effective solution if you only have minor roof issues. You can also save money by patching up broken roof shingles.
- It takes longer: Installing new roof shingles is a complex task that can take a month or two to complete depending on the size of your roof.
Roof Repair FAQs
Before you start your roof review, here are some frequently asked questions on roof repair:
- Can you fix a roof without replacing it? Depending on the extent of the damage, patching up broken shingles or installing shingles in areas of the roof where tiles are missing lets you fix a roof without replacing it.
- Can I put a new roof over my old roof? You can install new shingles over existing ones unless you already have two existing roof layers. The International Building Code (IBC) prohibits installing new shingles over two roof layers. Too many roofing layers can add weight to your home’s structure and create a safety hazard.
- Can you remove a layer of roofing? You can remove a layer of asphalt roof shingles before adding new shingles. Removing a layer of roofing is a cost-effective option for homes with only one layer of asphalt roofing.
- Is it better to repair or replace a roof? Which solution is better will depend on the state of your roof. Repairs will be quicker and more cost-effective if you have minor damage. Roof replacement may be necessary when extensive damage to your roof affects your home’s structure, walls and foundation.
- How long does a roof patch last? Roof patches’ life span depends on the type of shingle you use and the extent of the damage to your roof. A contractor will give you a time estimate on roof patches.
- How much do roof repairs cost? The average national roof repair cost is $950, though the cost of repairs will vary depending on the extent of the damage and the area of the roof that requires repairs. Many contractors offer financing options for roof repairs.
- How long do roof repairs last? While your shingle choice plays a part, installation is the most significant factor in how long your repairs will last. With high-quality artistry, your repairs should last as long as the rest of your roof.
- Does insurance cover roof repairs? Many homeowners’ insurance funds cover roof repairs depending on the extent of your roof repair.
Contact Vertex Roofing Contractors Inc. for Your Roof Repair or Replacement
A professional roof evaluation can help you decide between a roof repair or replacement. Vertex Roofing Contractors, Inc. is a GAF Master Roof contractor offering roofing services to homeowners and commercial businesses in Northern Virginia. We are a family-owned business with 10 years of experience in re-roofing and roof repairs and are committed to providing quality services to all our customers.
As a CertainTeed Select Shingle Master, we provide exceptional craftsmanship in all roofing services. Call us at (703) 436-6426 or submit a contact form for a free quote.
