The roof of your house matters. A lot. The roof over your head is your safety and your shelter from the elements. You need to keep it in good shape. If you don’t there can be some serious consequences.
As your roof gets older, you will eventually have to make a decision on whether to repair or replace it. This can be a tough decision, but it is an important one that should not be taken lightly.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the factors you should consider when making this decision and provide some guidance on how to make the right choice.
Table of Contents
Signs Your Roof Needs Attention
There are tell-tale signs that your roof needs some attention. If you have water leaks or see water stains on your ceiling or walls, that’s a sign that something isn’t right up top. You may also notice missing shingles, curling or cracked shingles, or granules from the shingles clogging your gutters.
Or maybe you see some visible wear and tear like your roof sagging in certain spots. If your energy bills are steadily going up, that’s also an indicator that something’s off with your roof. Or maybe your roof is just reaching the end of its life for the roofing materials it’s made from.
All of these things are signs that your roof at least needs some repairs if not total replacement.
Not sure if you should repair or replace your roof? Give us a call for FREE roof inspection
Factors Influencing the Repair vs. Replace Decision
There are multiple factors you need to take into consideration when deciding whether to repair your roof or replace it.
Roof Age and Material
Depending on the materials used on your roof, it may simply be coming to the end of its life. Asphalt shingles typically last 20-25 years while metal roofs can last as long as 50 years. Your roof’s age and the type of material it’s made from are important factors in determining whether to repair or replace it.
Extent of Damage
The extent of the damage on your roof is another crucial factor to consider. If the damage is localized to a small area, repairing may be a viable option. However, if there is widespread damage or significant structural issues, replacement may be necessary.
Cost Comparison
Naturally, cost will play a major role in your decision. A full roof replacement will likely cost more upfront than repairs but could save you money in the long run if frequent repairs are needed. It’s important to get quotes from reputable roofing companies and compare the costs of both options.
Energy Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, a damaged roof can lead to higher energy bills. If your roof is not properly insulating your home, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it with a more energy-efficient option.
Future Plans for Your Home
If you plan on selling your home in the near future, a full roof replacement may be necessary to increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. On the other hand, if you plan on staying in your home for many years, repairing may be a more practical option.
When It Makes Sense To Repair Your Roof
So when does it make the most sense to repair your roof rather than replace it? A couple of scenarios. If the damage is minor or there are isolated leaks, repairing is a cost-effective option that can extend the lifespan of your roof.
Additionally, if you’ve installed your roof in the last 5-10 years, it probably makes more sense to repair it if possible. And, of course, there are always budget limitations to take into consideration.
Pros of Repairs:
- Lower immediate costs
- Can address specific issues and extend the lifespan of the roof
- May be a better option for newer roofs or budget limitations
- Less disruptive to daily life
- Faster completion time
Cons of Repairs:
- Frequent repairs may add up over time
- It may only be a temporary solution
- May not address underlying problems
When It Makes Sense To Replace Your Roof
And, of course, there are times when it makes much more sense to replace your entire roof. If you have extensive, severe roof damage, you should probably replace your roof. This includes damage from severe weather, fire, or age. Another factor to consider is the overall condition of your roof. If it’s starting to show signs of wear and tear, a full replacement may be necessary to avoid frequent repairs in the future.
Pros of Replacement:
- Can address all potential issues at once
- Longer lifespan for new roof
- Improved energy efficiency
- Increased home value
Cons of Replacement:
- Higher initial cost
- More disruptive to daily life
- Longer completion time
If you need a new roof or need to repair your roof, give us a call for a free roof inspection!
How Much Does A Roof Repair Cost?
A homeowner should expect to pay anywhere as low as $200 for a roof repair all the way up to around $3,000 – $4,000 if the damage is severe and extensive. The cost really depends highly on how much damage there is and what roofing materials are used on your roof.
Expert Advice: When In Doubt Get A Professional Inspection
If there is any doubt regarding whether you should repair or replace your roof, you should call a professional roofing company like M&M Roofing and Siding to provide you with a thorough inspection and recommendation.
We can assess the current condition of your roof and provide you with a detailed report outlining the best course of action for your specific situation. And, of course, this inspection is FREE.
We have more than 40 years of experience repairing and replacing roofs in Texas and know what to look for when assessing the condition of your roof. With more than 20,000 roof installations under our belt and 1,000 positive reviews on Google, you can trust that we’ll properly guide you in the replace versus repair process.
M&M Roofing has been serving Texas homeowners for over 40 years. Call us or complete the request form to schedule a FREE roof inspection.
