This essay will discuss the various options available to you and explain why a professional roofer will likely advise a roof replacement in the majority of circumstances.
After defining some roofing jargon so you know what your roofer is talking about, we'll move on to a breakdown of the pros and cons of your various roofing replacement choices.
Whether to Repair or Replace Your Roof: Some Things to Think About
There are a few things to take into account before selecting whether to have your roof repaired or replaced. You may get a good notion of whether or not you need to replace your roof if you know how old it is, how long you plan to stay in the house, and other factors.
When Was My Roof Built?
One of the most important considerations when deciding whether to repair or replace an asphalt shingle roof is the age of the roof. There are a lot of additional considerations that can make this choice difficult. If you aren't sure how old your roof is or how much time it has left before it has to be replaced, local roofing professionals are the ideal people to ask.
Low-end three-tab shingles often last between 15 and 20 years. High-quality, much heavier architectural shingles can last for up to 40 years and can withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour.
Here are some unmistakable symptoms of an outdated roof:
- Uneven or rolled-up shingles
- Symptomatic of shingles is a loss of hair.
- Several of the shingles are missing or badly damaged.
- A sagging roof
- Moss is growing on your roof.
- Symptoms of Herpes Zoster
- You can get granules from the garbage disposal.
How
For How Much Longer Do I Plan to Stay?
It may not be cost-effective to replace your roof if you are currently living in a house that is not your permanent home but in which you want to remain for an extended period of time. However, you may have trouble selling your home in the future, depending on the age and condition of your roof.
A professional roof inspection is necessary if your roof is between 15 and 20 years old, has a history of leaks, or both. See whether anything has come up that needs immediate attention. You should have a professional inspect your roof at least once a year, and preferably twice, even if it appears to be in good condition. That way, you know your roof will last for many years to come.
It may be difficult to sell your home in the future if the roof is damaged or looks awful.
In that instance, it's possible that a roof replacement would be the least expensive solution. The new roof will make the house more appealing to potential buyers and facilitate a speedier sale should the time come. About 68% of the item's buying price will be your profit after selling it.
To What Extent Will the Expense of a New Roof Exceed My Budget?
Not everyone has the financial resources to replace a failing roof. If the expense is beyond your means, the roofer should be able to work with you and make necessary repairs until you are prepared to make the investment.
When Was the Last Time You Had Your Roof Fixed?
One of the most effective and cost-effective ways to solve your problems is to fix the roof. As an added bonus, these maintenance procedures can extend the life of an older roof and buy you some extra time before you have to remove the old covering and instal the new one.
Roofing repairs are something to consider if you have noticed any of the following problems:
- Issues with the Pipe Boot Leaking
- Problems Outside the Chimney
- A few shingles are missing
- Using an Air Gun to Make Mistakes in Nail Art
- Inflation of nails
- Reconstructing the Fascia
- Different Types of Holes and Punctures
- Cracking and blistering are classic symptoms.
- Improper Setup
- The Tree Problem
- Weakened by the Elements
- A Decrease in Granule Number
- Splitting
- Shrinkage
- Subpar Upkeep
- Poor Ventilation
Gains From Roofing Maintenance
When compared to the expense of a new roof, repairing an old one is a much better financial choice. It's important to keep in mind that not every component of your roof has the same lifespan as the roof as a whole.
Maintaining Your Roof Through Repairs Extends Its Useful Life.
You can save money by repairing your roof instead of replacing it, so have a chat with a roofer about your options. A roof can be repaired to extend its useful life if there is no pressing need to replace it. This is the essence of it.
Contemplating a Roof Repair? Consider These Drawbacks
Sometimes it's tough to track down shingle replacements in the exact same shade needed to restore a roof.
The shingles' colour will fade from the sun over time, becoming more neutral. That's why it's not always easy to track down a replacement shingle that's a dead ringer for the old one. It will be quite challenging to find replacement shingles with the same precise colour as the old ones. As a result, your home will have a poor kerb appeal, which will be visible to both you and your neighbours.
To What Extent Is There a Distinction? When to Replace a Roof vs. When to Repair One
Re-Roofing: What's the Deal?
Roofing work include removing the existing roof covering, including the shingles, felt paper, and any moisture barrier, and replacing it with new, high-quality shingles and materials. After the old roof is removed, other repairs may be necessary, such as mending the deck or replacing it entirely.
What Are the Key Distinctions Between Roof Repair and Roof Replacement?
Only the broken pieces of the roof are worked on during repairs. In the event that the afflicted areas are not significant, repairs may be an option. It may be advisable for the homeowner, however, to have the entire roof replaced even if just a tiny section of the roof is damaged.
Two other repair strategies exist, one of which you probably already know about. When more than a couple spots on the roof are damaged, a re-roof or partial replacement can be the most cost-effective option.
Partial roof replacement is the go-to fix when the damage is considerable but limited to a few small areas.
The old shingles must be taken off the entire section or side before the repair can begin. When that is done, a new roof is constructed and placed over the old roof's ridges and valleys.
New shingles rarely go well with the existing ones on a roof. The key goal here is to avoid creating a patchwork appearance by simply replacing individual shingles that are damaged or missing.
Putting new shingles on top of the old ones is the simplest definition of re-roofing. It's likely that this work can be classified as a repair rather than a replacement because the existing shingles aren't being removed.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these methods for fixing roof damage. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's talk about whether it would be better to fix your roof or replace it.
Roofing Repairs: The Pros and Cons
Some homeowners make the common error of waiting to hire a roofer until there is enough damage to the roof to justify the cost of the labour. However, the best time to fix roof damage is as soon as you notice it.
Preventing procrastination is always preferable. Water can leak in between the shingles and flashing. If any of the roof's shingles are missing or damaged, the wind may be able to lift even more of them.
If left unchecked, leaks in the attic or inside the house can cause damage costing thousands of dollars.
At the first sign of roof damage, you should weigh several options before deciding whether to have it repaired or replaced. (Here are the eight main points you need to focus on.)
Consider the cost, the time involved, the quality of operation, and the aesthetic value of the finished roof when deciding whether or not to repair your roof.
Help for Damaged Roofs is Here!
It may be more cost-effective to repair your roof than to replace it if the damage is minor or localised to a limited area.
Fixing your roof instead of replacing it is a preferable option if you're short on time. This is especially important if the roof is open and bad weather is predicted.
Practicality - Your roof's life expectancy will be the same after a repair as it was before the repair, although the repair may help the roof last longer. The need for costly, substantial repairs in the future can be reduced if problems are addressed as soon as they arise.
In addition to reducing the value of a home, roof damage can expose the structure's exterior to the weather and detract from its visual attractiveness. When the roof is repaired, not only is the building's weatherproofing restored, but the building's kerb appeal is enhanced as well.
Roofing Repairs Have These Drawbacks.
To put it another way, the cost per square foot of repairing your roof can end up being higher than the cost of replacing it. There will be no savings from the lower per-unit costs of supplies that come with bulk purchasing, and the same amount of work will be required.
It's feasible that a partial replacement (replacing a full piece or side) would end up costing you almost as much as a full roof replacement.
Although repairs are often accomplished in a very short period of time, it is vital to remember that they are only a temporary solution. Unfortunately, the original roof's limited usefulness is a result of its advanced age and bad condition.
Lifespan Roof repairs may not be enough to address underlying issues. Damage can sometimes be too great for repairs to be made with anything other than what is readily accessible without first removing the current roof.
Water damage and other hidden problems may go undetected. After the roof has been repaired or replaced, an inspection of the deck and framework can be performed.
Replacement of missing or damaged shingles rarely results in an aesthetically pleasing match to the rest of the roof. After a while, shingles lose part of their granules and become less apparent. There is little chance that the leftover shingles from the first installation will be a perfect match for the new roof.
Partial Substitution: Benefits and Drawbacks
The Pros Of A Partial Roof Replacement.
- Partial roof replacement is only slightly more expensive per square foot than a brand new roof installation.
- If only a section of the roof needs to be replaced, it's possible that the repair can be completed more quickly.
- The new part of the roof will perform similarly to a new roof because it is essentially a new roof with fresh felt or moisture barrier and new shingles.
- Replacing missing shingles one at a time is more noticeable to the eye than replacing a whole section of the roof at once. In order to conceal the age and colour discrepancies between the old and new shingles, the new shingles extend to the ridge or valley.
The Downsides of Partial Substitution are as Follows.
- It is likely that the cost of removing and disposing of the obsolete roofing material will be equivalent to that of entirely replacing the roof. The fundamental expenses of setting up the task, getting a crew on site, dumpsters for disposal, etc., do not significantly reduce even if only a tiny portion of the roof is being worked on.
- On average, roof repairs can be completed in just a couple of days. While replacing only a section of the roof could save you time, it would not extend the life of the remaining, older shingles.
- The new addition should last as long as a new roof in terms of its useful life. You should know that this will not increase the lifespan of your roof.
- Because of this...
- So, the old section of the roof has a ten-year lifespan rating, while the new section has a twenty-year lifespan rating. If you add a new section to your roof and utilise it for 10 years, you will have to tear it down when it is time to replace the roof altogether.
- Running the new section's borders along a ridge or valley can help hide the difference between the old and new, but it can also make the ridge or valley appear bulky or uneven.
What You Should Know Before Deciding to Replace Your Roof
Re-roofing is considered a repair rather than a replacement because it does not require new shingles to be installed. To replace it, it simply lays down a fresh layer of shingles on top of the old ones. Nevertheless, it has a few major drawbacks and may only provide short relief for a roof that has already started to disintegrate.
The Benefits of Roofing Replacement are Listed Here.
- If you're looking to save the most money on roofing repairs, re-roofing is your best bet in terms of cost per square foot. There is no need for the homeowner to put in any effort to remove the roof, which can lead to significant savings.
- You won't have to spend anything on cleanup because the old roof just stays where it is.
- Re-roofing is the most efficient method for replacing your roof's shingles completely.
- When a new layer of shingles is installed over an older one that may have already begun to disintegrate, the entire roof is afforded an extra measure of protection.
- Aesthetics Re-roofing will give your roof an instant facelift, whether it was dirty, damaged, or simply worn out from years of use.
The Downsides of a New Roof are Listed Below.
- Generally speaking, two stories of roofing is the most that may be allowed by most codes due to the high cost involved with any more. Consequently, whatever savings you may have realised through re-roofing may be nullified by the cost of removing both layers when it comes time to totally replace the roof.
- Although the lifespan of a roof is not extended by replacing it, the process usually only takes one to two days. Having your roof rebuilt may shorten its useful life by several years.
- Lifespan: New shingles have a shorter lifespan when they are laid over old ones. Assembled on a level surface, they perform optimally.
- Some shingle manufacturers decrease or null their warranties when new shingles are placed over old shingles.
- One difficulty with re-roofing is that it does nothing to fix issues that were previously concealed by the old roof.
- A roof replacement may be in your future if you've ever noticed that it seems uneven or lumpy from the ground below. The shingles on the second layer will eventually curve to match the shape of the shingles below them.
If the original layer had a better quality roof than the new one, there could be even more of a problem. Unlike 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles give the impression of depth. It's possible that the second layer of shingles won't lie flush on top of the curved appearance created by the architectural shingles.
This creates the potential for trapped air and water under the new layer.
Repair or Substitute of the Roof (And Why We Recommend It)
There are a several options for fixing a damaged roof, the most drastic being a complete roof replacement.
In some cases, it makes sense to have a roof fixed even though it is still relatively new and has many years of service left. Roof replacement, however, may be the best option if the damage is extensive or if the roof's usable life is nearly at an end.
Benefits of a new roof include:
The most costly option for fixing roof damage is to have the entire roof replaced. On the other hand, if you have to make repairs frequently, you may end up spending more money overall than if you were to just replace your roof.
Sometimes other issues are overlooked when a roof is fixed instead than replaced. This necessitates regular roof maintenance, the costs of which could add up to more than the price of a new roof.
It's probable that when it's time to replace the roof, you'll also need to do some structural repairs. If the roof had been fixed sooner, none of these problems would have arisen.
A certain homeowner, for instance, thought that if he kept fixing his roof, he could make it last for many more years. When he noticed a leak, he would either repair the faulty area, caulk it over, or apply a sealant.
The roof lasted longer under his care than the manufacturer had anticipated. The roof had certain fundamental problems that couldn't be fixed with patches, and every time water got inside, it weakened the building a little more.
His resistance to having the roof rebuilt eventually gave way, however. Workers on the roof scraped away patch after patch of maintenance. Once the deck was exposed, it was clear that the damage was too severe to be restored.
After taking the deck off, they found that the roof's structural stability had been compromised. The rafters, insulation, and even the framework of the ceiling had all suffered deterioration over time.
The ultimate price tag for the work was nearly three times as much as a normal roof replacement would have cost. As a result, the owner had to spend a significant sum of money fixing the roof, and then there were the expenditures associated with tearing it off and starting over.
- A new asphalt roof can be installed in as little as one to two days. Roofing with materials like tile or slate could take significantly longer. Although it may seem daunting at first, changing your roof won't be as much of a bother as you would think. The vast majority of roofers out there are conscientious about keeping their customers' routines as unaffected as possible during roof repairs.
- Functionality: A new roof may protect your home for decades, and it often comes with a warranty that covers some or all of your lifetime. However, these are only short-term solutions that do not increase the remaining shingles' or tiles' estimated lifespan.
When you replace your roof, the lifespan of your home's covering is reset to zero.
Having a new roof installed also allows your roofer to inspect the deck for issues that may not be visible until the old roof and flashing are removed.
- Aesthetically, nothing beats the look of a freshly installed roof. It gives the home the appearance of being brand new.
In some cases, a roof repair may be more cost-effective than a full replacement, while in others, a roof replacement may be the only sensible option.
Should You Get a New Roof or Fix the One You Have?
From a monetary standpoint, it is likely that roof repairs will look like a fair, short-term fix, while roof replacement will seem like overkill (especially if you only have a small leak).
However, it is important to remember that a repair might not be enough to entirely handle your issue because a leak is an indication that your roof might be falling. If what you're saying is true, a new roof could be the more economical choice in the long run.
Moreover, the quality of the materials available for use in roofing construction is higher now than at any time in history. Newer roofs, even if only ten years old, are stronger, have higher ratings for energy efficiency, and can weather damage better than older roofs.
Before deciding whether to replace or repair your roof, it's important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Never think that fixing the problem will solve the problem. In the end, a replacement may be your best option.
Indicators That It's Time to Replace Your Roof
A solid roof ensures the safety and peace of mind of you and your loved ones, so the sight of a few missing shingles or a new moss patch could give you pause. Before you start calling roofing companies in a hurry, though, it's a good idea to find out more about the problem.
That Old Roof of Yours
A roof will usually last between twenty and twenty-five years. For this reason, if your roof is getting on in years, it is probably a good idea to get in touch with a roofing company in your area to obtain an estimate on having it replaced. After that point, you can choose to either completely replace your roof or simply overlay the existing shingles.
Putting down a new layer of shingles directly on top of an old one is called "overlaying." While this approach can save you money (by about 25 percent) and offer your home a fresh new look, in most circumstances it's better to just tear off the old roof and start over. Rather than employing an overlay, it's advisable to completely replace your roof, as this will reveal any problems hiding behind the tiles and will last far longer.
Curling, buckled, or missing shingles describe your roof's condition.
Take a look at the sides of your land that get the most sun. If you see that the shingles are curling and buckling, it may be a sign that they have reached the end of their useful life. When a considerable number of shingles are missing, damaged, or distorted, it's time to repair the roof. However, if the losses are low enough, you can replace them.
You should pay specific attention to the valleys of your roof, which are the intersections of the roof's different slopes. They direct rainwater away from your roof and into the gutters, making them a crucial component (instead of inside your walls). However, valleys are particularly vulnerable to danger. For instance, if your roof's shingles are broken or missing entirely, water may be able to find its way inside.
You should also inspect the gutters and downspouts in addition to the aforementioned places. They should be checked for granules from the shingles, which would indicate the need for replacement.
There Are Areas Where Your Roof Sags Or Droops
Sagging or drooping spots on your roof signal that the decking, the support system that holds the roof in place, has been compromised by moisture and needs to be replaced. If you can do so safely, what is it like to walk on the roof? If walking on it feels like you're trampolining, or if it's springy, you should probably get off.
The Flashing Around Your Chimney Is Damaged
Flashing is a type of roofing material used to protect the area around the chimney and prevent water damage. Likewise, a chimney cap is another name for flashing. Flashing has a thirty-year lifespan and is typically comprised of aluminium or steel. But if this rusts or cracks, water can seep into your chimney and then your home. It is possible to find out if the flashing needs fixing by hiring a local roof inspector.
Light Has Arrived
There should be no reason to search anywhere else than the attic for evidence of roof damage. If you can see sunlight shining through the roof rafters, there is a problem that needs fixing. While you're up there prodding around, keep an eye out for signs of moisture. Water stains on the roof boards or damp insulation are telltale signs of a roof that needs repair.
In Other Words, Your Roof Is Rapidly Becoming a Glasshouse.
It's not necessarily necessary to repair a roof if vegetation is growing on it, but it does mean it has to be cleaned. Plant life can weaken a roof's structural integrity and invite in pests and other unwelcome visitors. In order to clean your roof, you have two options: either do it yourself using a ladder, commercial cleaning solution, a broom, and a hose, or choose a local company that specialises in roof cleaning.
Conclusion
A professional will likely advise a roof replacement in the majority of circumstances. The age of your roof is one of the most important considerations when deciding whether to repair or replace it. You should have a professional inspect your roof at least once a year, even if it appears to be in good condition. Roofing repairs are something to consider if you have noticed any of the following problems. Maintenance procedures can extend the life of an older roof and buy you some extra time.
A roof can be repaired to extend its useful life if there is no pressing need to replace it. Roofing work includes removing the existing roof covering and replacing it with new, high-quality shingles and materials. When more than a couple spots on the roof are damaged, a re-roof or partial replacement can be the most cost-effective option. The best time to fix roof damage is as soon as you notice it. It may be more cost-effective to repair your roof than to replace it.
When the roof is repaired, not only is weatherproofing restored, but the building's kerb appeal is enhanced. Damage can sometimes be too great for repairs to be made with anything other than what is readily accessible without first removing the current roof. After the roof has been repaired or replaced, an inspection of the deck and framework can be performed. Replacing missing shingles one at a time is more noticeable to the eye than replacing a whole section of the roof at once. It is likely that the cost of removing and disposing of the obsolete roofing material will be equivalent to that of entirely replacing the roof.
Re-roofing is considered a repair rather than a replacement because it does not require new shingles to be installed. Nevertheless, it has a few major drawbacks and may only provide short relief for a roof that has already begun to disintegrate. The Downsides of a New Roof are Listed Below. There are several options for fixing a damaged roof. The most costly option for fixing roof damage is to have the entire roof replaced.
If you have to make repairs frequently, you may end up spending more money overall than if you were to just replace your roof. Benefits of a new roof include:. A new asphalt roof can be installed in as little as one to two days. A new roof may protect your home for decades, and it often comes with a warranty that covers some or all of your lifetime. The lifespan of your home's covering is reset to zero when you replace your roof.
Never think that fixing the problem will solve the problem. In the end, a replacement may be your best option. Curling, buckled, or missing shingles describe your roof's condition. A roof will usually last between twenty and twenty-five years. Sagging or drooping spots on your roof signal that the decking, the support system that holds the roof in place, has been compromised by moisture and needs replacing. You should also inspect the gutters and downspouts for granules from the shingles, which would indicate the need for replacement.
Content Summary
- This essay will discuss the various options available to you and explain why a professional roofer will likely advise a roof replacement in the majority of circumstances.
- After defining some roofing jargon so you know what your roofer is talking about, we'll move on to a breakdown of the pros and cons of your various roofing replacement choices.
- You may get a good notion of whether or not you need to replace your roof if you know how old it is, how long you plan to stay in the house, and other factors.
- When Was My Roof Built?One of the most important considerations when deciding whether to repair or replace an asphalt shingle roof is the age of the roof.
- However, you may have trouble selling your home in the future, depending on the age and condition of your roof.
- It may be difficult to sell your home in the future if the roof is damaged or looks awful.
- In that instance, it's possible that a roof replacement would be the least expensive solution.
- You can save money by repairing your roof instead of replacing it, so have a chat with a roofer about your options.
- Contemplating a Roof Repair?
- It will be quite challenging to find replacement shingles with the same precise colour as the old ones.
- When more than a couple spots on the roof are damaged, a re-roof or partial replacement can be the most cost-effective option.
- Putting new shingles on top of the old ones is the simplest definition of re-roofing.
- However, the best time to fix roof damage is as soon as you notice it.
- At the first sign of roof damage, you should weigh several options before deciding whether to have it repaired or replaced. (
- Fixing your roof instead of replacing it is a preferable option if you're short on time.
- Lifespan Roof repairs may not be enough to address underlying issues.
- After the roof has been repaired or replaced, an inspection of the deck and framework can be performed.
- Replacement of missing or damaged shingles rarely results in an aesthetically pleasing match to the rest of the roof.
- There is little chance that the leftover shingles from the first installation will be a perfect match for the new roof.
- Partial Substitution: Benefits and Drawbacks The Pros Of A Partial Roof Replacement.
- Partial roof replacement is only slightly more expensive per square foot than a brand new roof installation.
- The new part of the roof will perform similarly to a new roof because it is essentially a new roof with fresh felt or moisture barrier and new shingles.
- Replacing missing shingles one at a time is more noticeable to the eye than replacing a whole section of the roof at once.
- In order to conceal the age and colour discrepancies between the old and new shingles, the new shingles extend to the ridge or valley.
- While replacing only a section of the roof could save you time, it would not extend the life of the remaining, older shingles.
- You should know that this will not increase the lifespan of your roof.
- If you add a new section to your roof and utilise it for 10 years, you will have to tear it down when it is time to replace the roof altogether.
- Re-roofing is the most efficient method for replacing your roof's shingles completely.
- Unlike 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles give the impression of depth.
- It's possible that the second layer of shingles won't lie flush on top of the curved appearance created by the architectural shingles.
- Benefits of a new roof include:The most costly option for fixing roof damage is to have the entire roof replaced.
- When you replace your roof, the lifespan of your home's covering is reset to zero.
- In some cases, a roof repair may be more cost-effective than a full replacement, while in others, a roof replacement may be the only sensible option.
- If what you're saying is true, a new roof could be the more economical choice in the long run.
- In the end, a replacement may be your best option.
- Curling, buckled, or missing shingles describe your roof's condition.
- When a considerable number of shingles are missing, damaged, or distorted, it's time to repair the roof.
- If you can do so safely, what is it like to walk on the roof?
- Likewise, a chimney cap is another name for flashing.
- It is possible to find out if the flashing needs fixing by hiring a local roof inspector.
- Light Has ArrivedThere should be no reason to search anywhere else than the attic for evidence of roof damage.
- While you're up there prodding around, keep an eye out for signs of moisture.
- Water stains on the roof boards or damp insulation are telltale signs of a roof that needs repair.
- It's not necessarily necessary to repair a roof if vegetation is growing on it, but it does mean it has to be cleaned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Replacement
In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.
$4,000 to $5,500
Roof Size and Pitch
A new roof on a 1,000-square-foot house costs an average of $4,000 to $5,500, while the cost to replace a 3,000-square-foot home's roof can rise to an average of $11,200 to $16,000. In addition, the pitch, or steepness, of the roof can add to the cost.
You Need a New Roof If You Notice Curling, Missing, or Mossy Shingles
- Cracked shingles.
- Damaged or curled shingles.
- Loose or missing shingles.
- Damage or discolouration around vents.
- Missing granules.
- Moss or algae growth.
- Damage around chimneys or skylights.
Don't ignore these seven warning signs that it's time to replace your roof.
- Water Damage in the Upstairs or Attic.
- The Roof Has Outlived its Lifespan.
- The Roof Sags.
- Moss, Mold, or Fungi Have Taken Over.
- Curling or Buckling Shingles.
- Missing Shingles or Granules.
- Missing Flashing, Gutter Guards or Fascia.
So obviously, you want to replace your roof before it starts leaking or fails. A reputable roofing contractor will recommend that you replace your roof somewhere around 80-85% of the manufacturer's life of the roof. For example, you should consider replacing a 25-year roof around the 20-year mark.