The house’s roof is one of the most important parts, but one that is always prone to damage. Generally, roofs are built to be long-lasting, but it all depends on the material used in roofing.
But mold and mildew can easily grow on top of your roofing because you don’t clean it daily. But a quick fix to avoiding permanent damage is to clean it regularly after a specific time. But whether you opt for roof repairs or roof replacement depends on a certain number of factors.
Factors to Consider for Roof Repair Vs. Replacement
If you’re contemplating whether you want your roof repaired or replaced, here are some factors you should consider:
Age of the Roof
Every material has its lifespan; some roofing materials can last for centuries while others require replacement within 5-10 years. So based on the materials used and the age of your home’s roof, you can decide whether making repairs is the better option or installing a completely new roof would be feasible for you in the long run.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are one of the major red flags that tell homeowners that it’s time to either repair or replace a roof. Whether you choose to replace the roof or repair, it depends on the extent of the leaks and also the root cause.
Identifying the cause of the leak is tricky. But once the source of the leak is identified, your roofing expert can guide you on whether you should opt for roof replacement or making repairs would be sufficient.
Roof Damage
Besides roof leaks, other forms of damage can affect the longevity of your roof. Aesthetics and structure generally characterize damage.
Aesthetic damage affects the curb appeal of your house. In simpler words, it makes your house look ugly from the outside. Plus, if you even plan to sell your house without replacing or repairing your roof, it will significantly decrease your home’s market value.
The structural damage is more serious and can affect your home’s functionality. If the structural damage is too severe, it will cause problems for your home. Based on the extent of structural damage, you might have to opt for roof replacement.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions of your area play a huge part in whether you need to repair or replace your roof. Generally, tornadoes and windstorms can damage shingled roofs. But they can be repaired easily. However, hailstorms are another story. Damage from hailstorms affects the overall performance of your roof and can cause problems in the long run. You might want to consider replacing your roof if it is damaged after a hailstorm.
For areas with more hail and thunderstorms, it’s better to opt for materials that can withstand these natural calamities.
Cost
The cost of roof repairs and replacement is the underlying factor that homeowners look at before hiring a roofing contractor. Obviously, the cost for roof repairs is a lot less than replacing it entirely. But if the repair costs are recurring, it’s better to make a one-time investment than to work on repairs regularly.
Ideal Conditions for Roof Repair
When there’s minor to moderate damage, roof repairs are an ideal choice. For more severe damage, reroofing is a budget-friendly alternative. Reroofing means installing a new roof on top of the old one rather than removing the old one. But reroofing can compromise the aesthetics of your home.
Ideal Conditions for Roof Replacement
Generally speaking, roof repairs done by an expert can fix issues. But recurring issues can reduce the lifespan of your roof. In this case, roof replacement is a better option. Moreover, homeowners tend to replace their roofs if they want to increase the curb appeal of their homes. Plus, with so many energy-efficient roofs out there, more people are considering roof replacement to cut back on costs in the long run.
Final Verdict
Whether you choose to repair or replace your roof depends on the age of your roof, the number and cause of roof leaks, and the overall damage. Weather conditions of your area and the overall cost is also deciding factor in roof repairs and replacement.
Your roofing contractor can guide you better on which option is better for your home after a thorough inspection of the roof. If the damage is minor or fixable, your contractor will recommend repairs. Replacing a roof is not something that you can do regularly.
Get in touch with Top Tier Roofing to inspect your roof and decide whether you want roof repairs or roof replacement. Call 267-506-0231 or visit 427 Ritner St, Philadelphia, PA 19148.