How to Decide Between Roof Replacement and Repairs

So you’ve come to the point where you know you need to call the roof contractors because there is a huge leak or the shingles are falling off, or there is some other sure sign of damage and degradation.  There may be an important choice you have to make, though.  You may need to decide whether it is better to get extensive roof repairs or simply replace the whole roof.  Roof replacements are obviously a bit more expensive but in many cases they will save more money in the end.  So how do you choose?

If you have missing shingles, damaged flashing or other non-catastrophic problems, you will typically have the choice between roofing repairs and total replacement.  The possibility of inexpensive roof repairs compared to an expensive replacement will often come down to the extent of the problem and the age of the roof.  Roof replacements are typically better options when there have been substantial leaks, for example, because the moisture that seeps in can quickly do irreversible damage to the structural integrity.  And roofs that are quite old are probably better off being replaced when there has been damage because they will need to be replaced pretty soon anyway.

There are other situations when simple roofing repairs will be perfectly sufficient, such as when there are just some missing shingles on a fairly new roof.  Whether you’re investing in a total roof replacement or just putting in a few new shingles, however, there will probably be some new materials on the market that you are not familiar with.  You can choose from traditional three-tab asphalt shingles, architectural asphalt shingles, wood shingles, slate tiles, composition slate tiles, and ceramic (or Spanish) tiles.  You will need to discuss these options with your roofing contractors, as they all offer distinct benefits and drawbacks in terms of cost, appearance, fire-retardant properties, weight and life span.

If you have decided roof replacement is the way to go, you will need to work with reputable contractors who are licensed and bonded, and have adequate insurance for their staff.  They should also be experienced with the type of roof you currently have.  There are many cases where roof replacements are just the way to go.