The average roof lifetime is quite dependent on the type of roof installed and the climate factors of the location of your home. When your roof begins to show signs of damage, as a homeowner it may be time to get your roof inspected. A full roof replacement is not always necessary though! Which is why a proper roof inspection is needed first.
Wondering how to know whether roof replacement or roof repair is right for you? Read below for six roofing considerations to ponder when deciding which option is best for you.
Budget
Budget is the number one factor for homeowners to consider when deciding whether or not to repair their roof or replace it. A roof repair is going to cost less, but only repairing could lead to spending more money on roof repairs within a short number of years. The roofing experts at Haynes Construction & Restoration Inc. can provide assistance in determining the best option for you. Rest assured, you are not in this decision alone.
Extent of Damage
When assessing the damage of your roof, the damage can fall into two different categories with two subcategories. Is the roof damage aesthetic damage like visually old or worn? Or is the damage structural such as shingles that are cracked or broken or rusted. From there it is best to assess if the damage is minor or moderate. Minor aesthetic damage calls for a roof repair whereas moderate structural damage could call for a new roof.
Location of Home
The location of your home can also play a large role in deciding whether or not to replace the roof or repair it. If you live in an area with high winds and frequent storms, repairing your roof is important to take care of and often. A minor damage in this geographical location may be more costly than a home in an area that does not experience high winds or as frequent of storms. Roofs in these areas that experience hail and more severe damage may require a full roof replacement sooner than the average lifetime of roofs.
Value of Home
Depending on how long you are planning to stay at your current residence can play a factor in deciding between the two as well. If you are planning a move soon, roof repair might be the best option. However, replacing the roof could increase the market value of the home as well as curb appeal. At this point, you will have to choose which option is best based on judgment since both are an option.
Energy Efficiency
New roofs provide a great level of energy efficiency versus older roofing materials. With this being said, paying a little bit more to get a whole new roof will most likely save you money on your energy bill each month. As a roof breaks down due to nature, the integrity of the roof breaks down as well. When a roof can’t perform at its optimal level, it becomes less effective at its job. For example, black roofing shingles will attract light more than lighter colored shingles. Homes in colder climates can benefit from darker shingle color and homes in warmer climates can benefit from lighter colored shingles. As silly as it may sound, shingle color can also help with energy efficiency for your home.
How desperate the repair is needed
Most shingle roofs can last for 15-30 years, but after that lifetime, a roof repair is probably needed. If the damage is minor and can be repaired, this may be the best option. Also, if the repair will pay itself off in the time that it adds to the roof’s lifetime, this could be the financially best option. What we don’t want to happen is for a roof repair to be done, but it only lasts a couple years and a roof replacement is needed after all. This, financially is a bummer. It is important to thoroughly think through these possibilities when deciding what option is best.
The professionals at Haynes Construction & Restoration Inc. are licensed roofing contractors. Is your roof in need of replacement or repair? Reach out to receive a free estimate today! Want to speak with a roofing professional? Give us a call at (815) 932-5259. We look forward to working with you to serve your roofing needs best.
