Roofs are one of the most important aspects of your house. A roof supports the house by protecting it from external elements keeping you and your family safe. All roofs, however, deteriorate after a long span of time and eventually need replacement. Homeowners usually get confused when choosing between repairing and replacement of the roof. When is the right time to get the roof replaced? If you plan to replace your roof too soon, you might end up wasting your money. If you wait too long, you might risk ending up with roof leaks and expensive water damage.
The right time to re-roof depends on several factors, including the shingles’ wear and age, the climate in your area, and your home’s susceptibility to future damage. If you can’t decide whether to replace or repair, you can ask for the expert opinion of professional roofing contractors such as Arko Companies and they will surely help you out.
Deciding Factors To Consider: Most people think that roofing replacement is a huge investment and they keep on postponing it for as long as they can. If you think that the roof has reached an extreme stage then you would probably face problems frequently and repairing it in short spans will prove to be more costly.
The Age Of The Roof: The age of the roof is one of the most important considerations that will help you make the right decision. The average lifespan of a roof is about 15 to 30 years. If a small portion of the roof gets damaged and the rest of the roof is in good shape, then working on spot repair will make sense. With age, though, the quality and strength of the roof deteriorates. If the damage is caused when the roof is approaching 20 years or more, then replacing it would be the best option.
Leak Damage: If you encounter leakage in the roof, having an inspection of the entire roof will help you to determine how widespread the leak is. Leaks are generally found around flashing points. If you find that the leak is isolated, a quick repair may be all that is necessary. If you find that the roof is leaking in several places, then a roofing replacement is likely.
The Time Period You Intend To Be In The Home: If you’re planning to sell in the next few years, and the roof is in generally good condition, it may make more sense to have repairs done.
Eco-Friendly Roof System: If you plan to replace your roof, you may be able to incorporate environmentally friendly features that qualify for local or federal tax credits to offset the cost. Moreover, new materials are generally more energy-efficient, they tend to last longer, and perform better, so an upgrade is desirable.
The Cost Of Roof Repairing And Roof Replacement:
As you consider the costs, you may or may not be able to lay another layer of shingles over the existing roof. It would be easy for you to remove the current layer and start adding the new layer “from scratch.” Generally, removing the old shingles will allow you to inspect the roof deck or sheathing, and add an ice-and-water-shield membrane along the eaves. This can only be applied to a clean deck and will help prevent damage due to ice or snow.
Most people think or assume that roof repairs are less expensive compared to roof replacement. But it should be noted that repair work is only going to provide short-term solutions.
Summary:
Your house is a big investment. Providing regular maintenance is good for the health of your house as well as its appearance. Moreover, if you are putting off needed repairs you might save money in the short-term, but it will end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Sometimes it is possible to repair a roof rather than replace it. The choice is yours, and which route you take depends on several factors, including the type of damage and what percentage of the total roof surface is in need of repair.