Deciding to repair or replace a roof is an important one for any homeowner. It can be difficult to determine when it’s time for repairs or more cost-effective to go with a full replacement.
If you carefully weigh up the different factors described below, however, then the decision on whether to repair or replace old roof situations should be made all the easier. You can become attached to an old roof but if it is just not keeping out the elements then it is not fit for purpose. Also, consider, it might be nice to think about a new look as well as a roof that will potentially last longer than the existing one.
So here is what to consider when answering the argument of whether to repair or replace our roof.
Carry Out an Assessment of Your Roof’s Age, Condition, and Potential Longevity
It is always wise to have a professional carry out a roof inspection, although bearing in mind age, condition, and longevity will help you decide whether to keep an old roof going a bit longer.
The decision, which should be a cost-effective one rather than from the heart, will depend on these factors mentioned and how well the material of your existing roof has lasted.
To make the best choice possible, homeowners should take into account all of these things before making any decisions about home improvements.
Understanding the pros and cons associated with repair versus replacement can help you decide which option is right for your roof. The overwhelming factor might be cost, bearing in mind if it is more cost-effective to replace than continue repairing a defective roof. If we cannot afford a new roof right now then we might be able to get a home improvements loan or extend our mortgage.
The advantage of a new roof is that we then get to choose it, even if it does have a significant impact on our budget right now.
Repairing Minor Issues
Generally, the repair is a more cost-effective option if your roof has minor issues like some broken or missing shingles. It’s also ideal for roofs that are younger than 15 years old and in good condition.
The repair can help extend the life of your roof while potentially saving you money on replacement costs. As long as repairs are not costing you too much then it is the cheaper option that will allow you more money to spend on the cost of living and your family.
Deciding to Replace
On the other hand, replacing your roof may be the right choice if it’s more than 15 years old or in poor condition. If repair isn’t an option due to structural damage, a complete roof replacement might be necessary to ensure that your home is properly protected against the weather and other elements.
In addition, many homeowners opt for a replacement when looking to upgrade the aesthetic of their homes. With a replacement, you can choose a new material or color to better fit your taste and budget.
Factors that influence the choice of materials might include:
- Longevity
- Upfront and long-term cost
- Maintenance requirements
- Local climate and conditions
For instance, slate tiles might be the most expensive to buy and fit but can then last 100 years and so reduce long-term maintenance and avoid sooner rather than later replacement costs.
Whereas, asphalt shingles are a good solution for a longevity of 15 years if you are not looking to stay at your house for any longer than that. However, when it does come to selling, the buyer or at least the real estate agent will likely take account of how long the roof will last and factor it into the price.
When it comes to colour, you can have a greater choice with certain materials. You can make a roof look more rustic or more modern because of the materials and style that you go for. A metal roof might look more modern but prove noisier if you experience a lot of storms. A green roof is very environmentally friendly but flat roofs can leak over time.
In terms of style, a sloped roof offers better storm and rain protection as well as curb appeal. The more slopes the better and likely the greater the appeal. This, of course, means a greater home improvement in terms of investment.
Conclusion
No matter what repair or replacement option you decide to pursue, you must hire an experienced contractor who specializes in roofing repairs and installation so they can assess the condition of your roof accurately and provide quality repair or replacement services. This will ensure that your roofing system is properly maintained and able to withstand the elements for many years to come.
Why not consider that same repair firm when you are looking for an entire roof replacement, that can then be guaranteed for a certain period without taking more of our budget for home improvement?
Featured image credit: Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels
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